What Is The Difference Between the 6K and 7K Dexter Axle Electric Brake Assemblies

Question:

What is the difference between the 12X2 6000# and 7000# Nev-R-Adjust brakes? Are the magnets stronger and/or more aggressive brake shoes? I have Dexter 6000# 8 bolt axles and am looking for more braking power. Will the 7000# backing plates fit on the 6000# axles?

asked by: Steve M

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the difference between the Electric Brake Assembly for 6K Axles, part # 23-458 / 23-459 and the Electric Brake Assembly for 7K axles, part # 23-180 / # 23-181, is that the 7K brake assembly has a stronger magnet, and also has a different compound on the brake shoes than the 6K electric brake assemblies for more stopping power.

Both the 6k and 7K brake assemblies, fit the same axle. Yes, the 7K backing plates on part # 23-180 / 23-181, will fit on 6K pound axles.

expert reply by: Reno H

Greg

3/1/2020

I have 5100 lippert axles on a new rv that I just purchased. Id like to upgrade to 6ks. I took measurements off of another trailer and it would seem that the break backing plate assembly is just slightly heavier duty. Is this a fact? If so can I just upgrade backing plates? The spindles look the same, axle tubes look the same, bearings are same party number. Please advise. I appreciate your time. Fyi- current bolt pattern is 6 on 5.5. Id like to keep that the same.

Chris R.

3/3/2020

If you are just wanting to upgrade to 6K brakes you should be able to do so without changing anything on the trailer as long as the existing backing plates feature the same 5 bolt pattern that's on # 23-458-459. Just keep in mind that the higher-rated assemblies will provide more aggressive braking, but they won't actually increase the capacity of your trailer. If you are wanting to upgrade the axles themselves, you would need to replace the entire unit. It would be more than just the backing plate/spindles that dictate this rating.

Helpful Links

Trailer-Brakes/Dexter-Axle/23-458-459.html