Comparing Cost of Replacement Brake Parts vs. Complete New Drum Brake Assemblies

Question

Question:

I am new to the RV world but quite handy with a wrench and am familiar with drum and disc brakes as well, I have a 2016 Heartland North Trail Caliber its a 32 foot tow behind it weighs around 7300lbs I need brake shoes for it, our friend told us about etrailer just today and since they purchase all theyre items from you we figure you guys must be doing something right, any help would be greatly appreciated and hopefully you have the ones I need Thank you

asked by: Frank V

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Expert Reply:

Thank you for giving us a chance to help you out with the brakes on your travel trailer, and thanks also to your friend who steered you our way.

We do sell all sorts of individual brake replacement parts such as shoes, magnets, springs, etc but most often our customers prefer to replace their complete electric drum brake assemblies. The cost of a complete new electric drum brake is often not much more than the cost of even just a few individual parts. Replacing the complete brake is MUCH easier too, requiring only mounting the new brake to the flange and connecting the two magnet wires. And then there is the matter of safety.

When you factor in the safety benefit of installing a complete new set of brakes, with 100-percent new parts, it truly becomes a sensible option to just get new whole brake assemblies. Despite your technical knowledge and abilities to do the work, I recommend complete replacement of the brakes.

All you need to do is confirm your axle weight rating to let you select a pair of brakes. I linked our main page for replacement electric drum brakes; simply click on your axle capacity to see brakes with the appropriate stopping power for that axle. A 3500-lb axle is quite popular on travel trailers and we have options such as self-adjusting brake set # AKEBRK-35-SA. You can usually find a sticker or plate right on the axle beam that tells you its weight rating. Just match that and take note of the hub/drum dimensions (please see the linked photo) and brake flange mounting bolt pattern and you can find what you need on the linked page.

If you care to tell me your axle rating, drum dimensions and brake flange bolt pattern I will be happy to tell you what options you have.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

The Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #AKHD-655-6-EZ-K uses a lithium complex, multipurpose grease. You only need to ensure the Grease #L11390 you use is also a lithium complex to prevent any damage which could be caused by using a…

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Answer 2

On Dexter 12" Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly #23-458 the shoe pad thickness is 3/16 of an inch. Dexter says that you should replace the shoes if the material gets down to 1/16 of an inch thick or less.

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Answer 3

As you may have already found, 5200 lb, 6000 lb and 7000 lb axles can all use the same components including inner/outer bearings, hubs and brakes. Here are some other things they share in common: Dexter 5200 lb Regular Duty Axle - 0.180 inch tube…

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Answer 4

You shouldn't really have any play with the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. If you are getting play in it then the bearings most likely are either not set correctly or were the incorrect choice for your axle's…

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Answer 5

We carry several replacement trailer brake magnets that are all designed to fit specific models of brake assemblies. If yours don't seem to be close enough to the armature surface of the hub then it would seem that you do not have the correct…

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Answer 6

It should be getting close to 12 volts if the power output is set to the maximum on the brake controller. Some brake controllers will not work properly if they are titled or turned to the side or if it has a leveler knob that is not level. Check…

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Answer 7

The difference between these two parts comes down to the size of the brake assembly and hubs that are on your axles. The #AKBRKR-M10 that has green wires are designed for 10" electric brake assemblies, where the #BP01-225 are designed for…

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Answer 8

An EZ lube spindle will be better because it allows you to insert grease from inside the spindle where the bearings are and push out the old grease whereas with a Bearing Buddy you basically just get to push grease through the front of the hub. I…

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Answer 9

EZ Lube axles like the item #T3584F-EZ-8974 come from the factory with just a little bit of grease in the bearings. The first time you use the EZ Lube feature to fill the axle, it will take a lot of grease. You will probably use 3/4 to a full tube…

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Answer 10

First, a 5,200 pound axle is a de-rated 6,000 pound axle so they take many of the same parts. Some 7,000 pound axles also take the same size parts. The difference is the size or ability of the magnets. Sometimes you will see the same type of magnet…

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Answer 11

It is possible that the MORryde Shocking Absorbing Equalizers #MR27ZR and Wet Bolt Kit #MR46ZR you were looking at will fit your 2020 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS, but the only way to be sure will be measuring what is currently installed on your…

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Answer 12

Yes, we do have the wet equalizer bolts you can use with the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers. You will need #126B2. I have included a picture showing a typical installation of the bolts being used to secure the springs to an equalizer. Installation of…

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Comparing Cost of Replacement Brake Parts vs. Complete New Drum Brake Assemblies

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