Brake Selection Process: It is not difficult to figure out the right Electric Brake for an application. Here are the steps:

1. Determine/Select the size of the brake needed
   - If it's a replacement brake, then measure the diameter of the original backin plate, also measure the width of the lining
   - If this brake is for a new axle, determine the capacity of the axle and find the matching capacity brake
    
2. Determine/Select the manufacturer of the brake
   - If its a replacement brake, check the original backing plate for identification points: part number, style, etc
   - If the trailer owner is building new - is there a brand/feature preference?

Backing plates are named after their size and capacity. The dimension is for diameter of the backing plate, the second is for width of the shoes: 10" x 2-1/4"

The magnet wire colour will also be given. This helps identify two backing plates which are the same size, but different capacities.

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Take a look at the major parts that make up a brake assembly:

• Reactor Spring
• Actuating Arm
• Shoe Hold-Down Spring
• Primary Shoe
• Adjuster
• Adjuster Spring
• Magnet
• Secondary Shoe

The large center circle represents the hole through which the trailer spindle goes, so we can install the backing plate on the axle. The 4 smaller holes represent bolt holes which are used to bolt the backing plate onto the Brake Flange which sits behind the spindle.

How does electricity make this brake work? The magnet in the backing plate has 2 conductor wires which tap directly into the trailer wiring. When electricity is on, it magnetizes the brake...

 HITCH UPDATES FOR THE 2011 FORD ESCAPE

We have fresh updates for the 2011 Ford Escape. You'll find class 2 & 3 trailer hitches made from Curt, Hidden Hitch and Pro...