Are All Electric Trailer Brakes Self-Adjusting

Question

Question:

Are trailer brakes self adjusting? I have a 2015 Grand Design Fifthwheel and need to adjust my brakes. Wondering if backing up and tapping the brakes will do the job.

asked by: Lee

0

Expert Reply:

Trailer brakes can be either self-adjusting like the Dexter # 23-468 or may require periodic manual adjustments like # 23-27, depending on the particular model assemblies you have installed on the trailer. An easy way to tell if you have self-adjusting units is to pull the hub/drum off the trailer spindle and check for an adjustable cable that would extend across the brake assembly (see attached picture). If this is present, then you have self-adjusting brake assemblies that will adjust themselves as you apply the brakes during normal travel. Keep in mind though that even self-adjusting brakes do require an initial adjustment after installing new units.

Otherwise, if you find you have brake assemblies that do require manual adjustments (there is not an adjustment cable present), they will indeed need to be adjusted periodically. I have attached an installation video that you can check out. At around the 4:40 mark of the video, you can see the process for adjusting electric brakes that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

We do have electric brakes that come with the parking brake. I recommend part #K23-086-00 for the left hand(driver side). For the passenger side you can use part #K23-087-00. A parking brake cannot be added to the #23-468-469 brake assembly you…

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Answer 2

A parking brake system, also known as an e-brake, can only be used if the brake assemblies are already equipped with a parking brake. Dexter does offer electric brake assemblies with a parking brake, but their standard electric brakes assemblies…

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Answer 3

I went out to the warehouse to measure the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 5 #84556UC3 and the center bore will stick out 1-3/4 inches from the hub face and the dust cap will add 7/8 inch. These hubs will work well on the…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

I have included a link to a video on adjusting self-adjusting brakes. Basically there is a device on the adjustment wheel on these brakes that prevents the shoes from adjusting back inward. You have to sort of move that out of the way to be able to…

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Answer 6

The safety chains you choose need to be able to handle at least 12,000 lbs so the #337B03835SC wouldn't work for your trailer. You also need to choose a length that allows you to cross the chains and also be able to make sharp turns. The best…

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Answer 7

After you've packed the bearings and assembled everything, carefully slide the hub assembly onto the spindle and install the outer bearing. Install the spindle and tang washer and run the spindle nut down finger tight, then rotate the hub…

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Answer 8

Self-adjusting brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA do not require that you travel in reverse for them to adjust. They can adjust themselves going forward or backward. Keep in mind that even self-adjusting brakes require 1 initial adjustment. You could just install…

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Answer 9

There is no specific torque rating for the castle nut that holds your hub in place. We recommend tightening the castle nut down until it stops, and then backing it off to the next notch wheel the tang washer will fit into the castle nut. Over…

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Answer 10

The Electric Trailer Brake Assembly #AKEBRK-7L-SA adjusts itself with the application of the brakes. Basically if the brake shoes have to move too far before they touch the drums a pulley spins the adjustment wheel which then takes and adjusts the…

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Answer 11

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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Answer 12

Yes, there is a measurement you can take to determine what size brakes you need and if they will fit your existing drums. You will want to measure the diameter of your drums. I have included a diagram detailing the dimensions you will need to find.…

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