Brake Assembly Recommendation for Stock Trailer with 4,500 lb Axle and 5 Bolt Brake Flange

Question:

Hello I have a 87 stock trailer with what the tag on axles say it a 4500lb axle it is a 6 x5.5 bolt pattern 12x2 brake drum but the back flange where the brakes mount to is a four instead of the common 5 bolt. Ive looked on several other questions relating this problem on your web site and the response to is is to get the Dexter 23-105-09/ 23-106-09 brakes and the standard 12x2 hub. But is that going to change the weight rateing on the axles or they will still be 4500lb axles just with inch heavier duty brakes. ? Because if thats the case I would prefer to just swap them out and go to a true 5200-6000k axle

asked by: Manuel J

Expert Reply:

Going with heavier duty brake assemblies than needed like the part # 23-105-09 and # 23-106-09 is not going to affect the weight rating of your vehicle's axle. You would end up with just brake assemblies that are rated a bit higher than needed but will still operate just fine on your 4,500 lb axles.

In general the overall weight capacity of an axle or trailer is the lowest rated component in the setup. Increasing the brake capacity would not give you a higher axle capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C