Trailer Brake Recommendation for 2014 Coachmen Clipper 14 ft

Question:

Trying to replace the electric brake units on my 2014 Coachmen 14 ft. Clipper. O.D. Of the axel is 2 3/8 so I assume it’s 5200 lb.. GVWR is 3662 lb. and it has 13 in wheels. Hub measures 10 in ID and 2 1/2in deep the old brake shoes are 2 1/4 wide. I am replacing the seals also and I know their # 58846 and the bearing is L44649. I want to replace the complete brake unit but don’t know which one I need. Some of my parts lead me to believe I have a smaller axle. HELP please

asked by: Francis D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Based on the information you provided I can almost guarantee you have 3,500 lbs axles, which means you'd want 3,500 lbs brakes like part # AKEBRK-35-SA (my personal recommendation) and grease seal # 58846. You can't hardly beat these brakes both value and ease of use. They are self-adjusting which means you won't have to worry about manually adjusting your brakes each year.

I can also tell you that Coachmen used 3,500 lbs axles on many of their trailers. About 15% of your trailers GVWR is actually transferred to the tongue and supported by your tow vehicle, so a 3,500 lbs axle would be considered adequate for your trailer. If you can tell me the sub-model of your trailer I can tell you for sure which axles you have. There is also a weight specs tag on the front driver side corner of your trailer that should list the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The tag should be white and yellow.

A 5,200 lbs axle would have 12 inch brakes and an axle diameter of 3 inches, so I would avoid parts for a 5,200 lbs axle if I were you.

expert reply by: John H