Robert Bills
Explorer
I know aftermarket axles with electric brakes are available to fit just about any trailer and lug pattern, but I am trying to determine whether it is possible/feasible to add electric brakes to a stock Bantam civilian T3-C axle.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the civilian Bantam trailer, it uses an axle with full floating hubs and a 5 on 5 1/2 lug pattern for early Jeep wheels, but no brakes. The military trailers of the era used essentially the same axle, but fitted with drums for a parking brake (same drums and brake shoes as the early Jeep).
Every modification to my trailer has been done in a manner which allows the trailer to be returned to 100% original (i.e., no cutting or welding to the trailer itself, with all removed original parts cleaned, preserved and stored away for potential future re-use). I would prefer to use my original Bantam civilian axle (don't really have room to store it if replaced), or an axle from a WWII T-3, MBT, or M100 so that I can retain the full floating hubs and stock look.
I am familiar with a T3 (or perhaps it's an MBT) in Southern California with hydraulic brakes controlled by the tow rig (1960's era brake controller with piston in the connector to the trailer that actuates a master cylinder mounted on the trailer). However, I want to use modern technology and would prefer true electric brakes rather than electric/hydraulic (although at this stage I will consider any option).
Has anyone done this or seen a Bantam axle modified with electric brakes? Electric/hydraulic with a "modern" brake controller? Either of these set ups with a parking brake feature?
Any and all information, tips or leads will be appreciated.
Thanks.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the civilian Bantam trailer, it uses an axle with full floating hubs and a 5 on 5 1/2 lug pattern for early Jeep wheels, but no brakes. The military trailers of the era used essentially the same axle, but fitted with drums for a parking brake (same drums and brake shoes as the early Jeep).
Every modification to my trailer has been done in a manner which allows the trailer to be returned to 100% original (i.e., no cutting or welding to the trailer itself, with all removed original parts cleaned, preserved and stored away for potential future re-use). I would prefer to use my original Bantam civilian axle (don't really have room to store it if replaced), or an axle from a WWII T-3, MBT, or M100 so that I can retain the full floating hubs and stock look.
I am familiar with a T3 (or perhaps it's an MBT) in Southern California with hydraulic brakes controlled by the tow rig (1960's era brake controller with piston in the connector to the trailer that actuates a master cylinder mounted on the trailer). However, I want to use modern technology and would prefer true electric brakes rather than electric/hydraulic (although at this stage I will consider any option).
Has anyone done this or seen a Bantam axle modified with electric brakes? Electric/hydraulic with a "modern" brake controller? Either of these set ups with a parking brake feature?
Any and all information, tips or leads will be appreciated.
Thanks.