Replacement Electric Brakes for 4,200 lb Axle on Coachmen Apex Nano Trailer

Question:

My axle is a Lippert axle, manufactured after 2009, not before. If the older unit will fit then perhaps I will try it. What is the difference?

asked by: Jim C

Expert Reply:

Though I would not be able to answer for parts that are on your trailer now, it is a good idea for your brakes to match your axle's weight capacity. As for a replacement, I could not find a reference to the brakes you have now, and the only replacements that fit a 10" x 2-1/4" drum have a 4-bolt mounting flange or a very specific 4-bolt flange with 2.83" x 2.83" spacing. Since the brake kit you referenced has a 4-bolt flange do you have 2.83" x 2.83" spacing or need a different size?

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Jim

4/24/2018

Yes, it has a 4 bolt flange at 2.83" spacing. This would indicate it only fits 3500# brakes? I am in discussion with manufacturer to determine if correct axle was installed on this trailer.

Kyle S.

4/24/2018

Having a 4-bolt flange with 2.83" spacing does not indicate it only fits brakes rated for 3,500 lbs. In fact, the Dexter Electric Brake Kit for 4.4K Axles Manufactured Before May 2009 # 23-454-455 are rated for 4,400 lbs, are 10" diameter x 2-1/4" wide and fit 4-bolt flanges with 2.83" spacing. This kit includes both the right and left side brake assemblies. I've added a link to a video review on these brakes for you to check out as well.

Jim

4/25/2018

My axle is a Lippert axle, manufactured after 2009, not before. If the older unit will fit then perhaps I will try it. What is the difference?

Kyle S.

4/25/2018

The difference is that the Dexter Electric Brake Kit for 4.4K Axles Manufactured Before May 2009 # 23-454-455 has a 4-bolt mounting flange bolt hole distance of 2-13/16" (2.83") apart on center. The other Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit which is rated for 4,400 lb axles # K23-462-463-00 and has the same 10" diameter x 2-1/4" wide dimensions has a 4-bolt mounting flange pattern (which you can see in the accompanying photo) that is 2-7/8" from center of top mounting stud to center of top mounting stud, 3-1/4" from center of bottom mounting stud to center of bottom mounting stud and 3" from center of top mounting studs to center of bottom mounting studs.