Replacement Electric Drum Brakes and Drums for Sundowner Horse Trailer

Question:

I have a sundowner horse trailer and need to replace the brakes, the # on the left hand is 023-359-00 and the right is 023-360-00 do you have an assemby that matches these and also it looks like the magnet has cut grooves into the drum, what causes this and do you have the drums for this also. And how do I tell what lb. my axles are ? Thanks.

asked by: Tim B

Expert Reply:

We can help you select replacement electric drum brakes for your Sundowner horse trailer. You can usually find an axle's capacity on a sticker or plate on the axle itself. You'll naturally want to choose replacement drum brakes that match that capacity, as well as the diameter and width of the brakes currently on the trailer. Once you find the axle capacity you can then measure your brake drums for their size (please see the linked photo). I checked the Sundowner website but their specs only indicate the type of brakes (electric) but not the sizes used.

With your axle rating and brake size known all you have to do is click on the filters on the page I have linked for you. Select your axle rating and your drum size and either manual-adjust or self-adjust brakes to see suitable replacements. For example, for self adjusting 12 x 2 brakes rated for a 6K axle you can use brakes # AKEBRK-7R-SA and # AKEBRK-7L-SA.

If your drums' inside surfaces have been scored by the worn-out brake magnet you can either replace them or you may be able to have the drums turned at a local auto repair shop. They can inspect the drums to see if there is still enough material left on them to allow then to be turned to remove those grooves. Drums can usually be turned at least once as long as they are not too badly damaged.

If you do need to or prefer to replace them you can use the other link provided. You'll again match up axle rating. You'll also need to match your wheel bolt pattern; the linked article will make this easy. You also need to match up the bearings used in your current hubs. New hubs must use the same inner and outer bearing. The other linked photo shows where to find those numbers.

New brakes can require some time to settle in. A few hard braking attempts is a good way to adjust the brakes. Find a safe place where you can have the truck and trailer on a fairly smooth and level surface, slowly accelerate to no more than 20 mph, then step on the brakes. You may need to repeat this process several times.

expert reply by: Adam R