Brand New 7k Dexter Brake Assemblies on Trailer are Not Strong Enough

Question

Question:

Just installed 6 brand new dexter 7k backing plate break assemblies on my 2014 triple axle 40’ flatbed gooseneck trailer everything is was correctly installed and wired right when installed. When testing breaks after installation, with trailer gain set on 10 breaks failed to hold truck and trailer. Or even slow it down greatly, the breaks are engaging. They are very weak. Have checked truck and trailer wiring everything is correct. I’m thinking maybe trailer break wiring isn’t thick enough

asked by: James D

0

Expert Reply:

Whether you have the 7K Dexter brake assemblies like part # 23-181 or like the Nev-R-Adjust # 23-465, you may simply need to adjust the brakes. Even if your brake controller is set to the highest setting, if your brakes are not adjusted properly then they will not perform correctly.

You can adjust your brakes using the Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes # W80630 until they are set at the desired braking strength. If you check out the attached review video you can see the access holes you will use to adjust the brakes.

I have also attached a helpful article on testing the magnets on your brakes. Since they are new brakes I doubt the magnets will be bad, but you can still test them if adjusting them doesn't work.

The wire that you should be using for the brakes is 10-12 Gauge wire. Anything smaller than that would be the problem.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

The information you provided is exactly what I needed. Your 023-180-00 cross references with a Dexter 12 inch brake assembly. The correct replacement is #23-26-27 which includes both the right and left side assemblies, all mounting hardware as well…

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Answer 2

The difference between the two brake assemblies comes down to one being self adjusting and one that is manually adjusted. I recommend the self adjusting because you will never have to crawl under the trailer to adjust the brakes. This can be a…

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Answer 3

There are a couple of things to match up when selecting new electric drum brakes for your stock trailer. First is the axle weight rating. You want to be sure to select new drum brakes that are rated with the proper stopping power you need for the…

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Answer 4

Thanks for reaching out! You have the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly #23-181 for your right hand side and the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly #23-180 for the left hand side so for your application you need the Replacement Shoe and…

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Answer 5

I couldn't find any information online about your HA09089100 hubs, but the best way to determine that you are getting the correct replacement hubs is to take your current hub off and look for part numbers on the bearings and grease seal. If you…

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Answer 6

Thanks for the picture of your axle sticker. From that I can tell that your 2017 Grand Design Momentum 376TH has 7k axles which is exactly what the HydraStar Disc brake kit part #HSE7K-TR1 was designed to fit so it would work great on your trailer…

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Answer 7

The first step I would take is to verify that the truck is sending a running light signal to the trailer. Try using a circuit tester, like part #PTW2993, and test the 11 o'clock pin in the truck's 7-way socket with the headlights on. If there…

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Answer 8

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 9

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 10

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Answer 11

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

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Answer 12

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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