Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits

Question

Question:

Considering replacing the standard electric brake assemblies on my boat trailer with the self adjusting style. I would of course want the highest quality product for the money. There really isn’t anything wrong with what I have, however NOT having to manually adjust my brakes from time to time looks appealing to me. Could you give me a list of options as to what’s available? Thank you 10 inch drum, 2-1/4 shoes

asked by: Dean

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I currently have three diffrent self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes which are attached for you below.

eTrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles)
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-468-469 (3,500 Axles)
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # K23-478-479 (4,400 Axles)

The eTrailer brand is going to be the economy line and the Dexter brand is going to be the premium line. The Dexter brakes have a five year warranty and come with mounting hardware whereas the eTrailer brakes have a one year warranty and do not come with mounting hardware, but can be obtained with part # BRKH10B. The Dexter brakes also offer options for both 3,500 lb and 4,440 lbs axles which will vary in braking aggression.

I have attached a sample install video for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

James

8/3/2020

I am in a battle with the dealer and have decided to price the braking correction with aftermarket (if you will) not the factory equipped LCI. I have twin 4400# LCI axels with 3500# brakes (as described on their repair order) on a 10,000# GVW travel trailer. My complaint was / is that it simply does nit stop. Gain has to be set at 10 max) to feel any braking action. My question is do the 4400# brakes (K23-478-479) have a more aggressive stop then the 3500# (23-468-469) and do the fit LCI axel flanges. Or are they the same brake with different backing plates? I am thinking that the extra 1800# stopping force would correct my issue?!!! I would love to know that there was a 12” simple bolt up option (brake assemblies and hub/drum (to add some redundancy to my braking)), but working out of my retirement pockets, after just spending $26k on a trailer really really hurts!!!! HELP

Reply

Jon G.

8/12/2020

The 4.4K Brake Assemblies # K23-478-479 will fit your application and have more of a bite to them than the 3.5K Brake Assemblies # 23-468-469 which is really just due to their design as they are meant for heavier trailers. You might try adjusting the brakes on your end before shelling out some more money because even though these are "Nev-R-Adjust" sometimes there is an initial adjustment that needs to be made. You can see how this is done towards the end of the attached video.

Helpful Links

tv-install-dexter-nev-r-adjust-electric-trailer-brakes-left-right-23-468-469.aspx

Reply

Todd F.

8/19/2020

This information is not correct...the 4400# lippert axles have a 2 7/8 pattern and 4" diagonal that will not fit the 4400# dexter brakes. I have seen this info passed along several times on your site. This is why James got 3500# brakes because thats what fits this axle. In fact any 3500# brake setup will fit it. I also learned today that the only difference between the 3500 and the 4400 dexters is the stud pattern on the backing plate of these self adjusting axles...same magnet although dexter lists different part number for 4400 and 3500 magnet. That is the ONLY piece that could cause a more aggressive action. Same shoe same drum same contact area. I have tried to reach your tech service to discuss as I need to replace my brakes on my Eagle HT with 4400# lippert axles. I measured and they ARE in fact the 2 7/8 pattern top and bottom.

Reply

Jon G.

8/31/2020

UPDATE - Check out the link below to confirm what you have.

Helpful Links

question-470347.html

Reply

See All (5) Replies to James ∨

Answer 1

The difference really comes down to brand recognition, price, and warranty, but apart from that they are very similar. Dexter is a leading brand and people know they are getting quality, hence the higher price. They Dexter also do have a 5-year…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The Trimax Puck Lock for Trailer Door Hasps #TMX96RR cannot be keyed alike. While disappointing I'm sure, there is another option to consider, which is to order a quantity of two of the Trimax Puck Locks for Trailer Door Hasps #TMX73FR. The…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The biggest difference between Dexter brake assembly #23-459 and etrailer/AxleTek assembly #AKEBRK-7L-SA is the pad material. The Dexter assemblies use pads that are snapped off of a long strand of the material. The ones on the etrailer assemblies…

view full answer...

Answer 4

It's basically just a brand difference. Dexter trailer brakes are often considered to be the best around so we recommend them highly, but for a great self-adjusting assembly at a lower price you really can't go wrong with the etrailer.com…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Etrailer Electric Brake Assemblies like the 12", Self Adjusting #AKEBRK-7R-SA referenced in your question are different than Dexter Brake Assemblies such as #23-459. The biggest difference is the brake pad material used. Etrailer brake pads use…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The wiring on your trailer is correct. The Breakaway Switch #C52010 does get wired directly to the battery without a fuse or circuit breaker. This ensures that in the event the trailer becomes disconnected the brakes activate. A circuit breaker could…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Tru Ryde grease seals you mentioned, part #RG06-70 are indeed a replacement for the 10-036-00 Dexter seals. They would work great for your application.

view full answer...

Answer 8

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The Dexter Braking Assemblies like the #23-464-465 are widely regarded as the highest quality assemblies due to them being manufactured right here in the USA and using the highest quality materials available. With that said we have sold a lot of the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For your 2012 Forest River R-Pod 177 the correct bearing kit is item #BK2-100. This kit is for a Lippert 4,400 lbs axle and includes inner bearing item #L68149, inner race item #L68111, outer bearing item #L44649, outer race item #L44610, grease seal…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The three brands of brake assemblies are made by different companies. None of them are made by each other. It might seem strange but if it were my trailer I would install Dexter assemblies. They have the best reputation because they are designed well…

view full answer...

Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching