Why a Bigger Trailer Magnet for Electric Brakes is not Always Needed

Question:

Currently in the process of replacing all four of my Dexter Axle 6000 lbs 12x2 Electric Brake Assemblies and Backing plates. Can I upgrade to the Dexter Axle 7000 lbs 12x2 Electric Brake Assembly as I have been told that the 7000 lb assembly has a bigger and heavier brake magnet? If this is true is there any advantage to me to upgrade. My 5th wheel trailers max GVW is 9000 lbs.

asked by: Don T

Expert Reply:

Your best option for a brake assembly is the one that matches the capacity of your trailer. Yes, the 7k Dexter brake assembly # 23-181 is going to have a more powerful brake magnet than 6k assembly like the Brake Assembly part # 23-459, but having a more powerful magnet can make it more difficult for your trailer to stop smoothly as the bigger magnet will want to grab harder than the smaller one.

If I were you I would just stick with the same rating brake assembly as what your trailer came with as this should allow you to stop adequately and as smooth as possible. Considering that the combined capacity of your brake assemblies is 12k and the overall capacity of your trailer is 9k your brake assemblies are more than adequate and you would not gain anything by going to the bigger assemblies.

expert reply by: Jameson C