Can I Use Self Adjusting Brakes in Place of Manually Adjusting Brakes on my 5th Wheel

Question

Question:

Can you put self adjusting brakes on a 5th wheel that does not have self adjusting

asked by: Rusty

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can replace your old manually adjusting brakes with a set of self adjusting brakes without any issues. You'll want to determine the size of the drums on your trailer axles, which can usually be easily determine by your axle capacity.

If you've got 10 inch drums and tandem/triple 3500-lbs axles then you'll want to use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA. These assemblies do not come with mounting hardware included so you'll need the # BRKH10B to mount the brakes to the flanges.

If you've got 12 inch drums on 5000-lbs to 7000-lbs axles then you'll want to use the # AKEBRK-7-SA. If you have larger axles with a capacity over 7k and up to 10k then you can use the # AKEBRK-10. These assemblies also do not come with mounting hardware, so you'll also need the # BRKH12.

I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Answer 1

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…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

If the trailer has 8 lug hubs that would indicate typically that the capacity for each axle is at least 5,200 lbs. Now if you go out and measure the outside diameter of the axle you'll get an even better idea. Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle…

view full answer...

Answer 4

For your 7,000 lb axles with 8 bolt hubs, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K #AKEBRK-7-SA or the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand…

view full answer...

Answer 5

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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.

view full answer...

Answer 7

I'd be happy to help you out, John! To replace the brakes on your 5th wheel trailer you need the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA which come with a self-adjusting feature so once you initially set them up you won't have to adjust…

view full answer...

Answer 8

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

view full answer...

Answer 9

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 10

Based on the GVWR of your 2019 Jayco North Point 315RLTS it does seem like you have 7k axles. I recommend verifying this information to be sure. These axles typically use the #14125A outer and #25580 inner bearing found in the Timken #TMK92VR.…

view full answer...

Answer 11

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The attachment bolts for a 5-bolt brake assembly like the part #AKEBRK-6R should be torqued to 30-50 foot/lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench handy, if you tighten the bolts until the lock washers flatten out, you'll be pretty darn close…

view full answer...