How To Pick Out Replacement Brake Assemblies and Hub and Drums for a Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 1982 EXCEL travel trailer 16foot with one 3500 lb axle made by Kelsey Axle and Brake. The electric brake drums are 10inch with bolts instead of studs/nuts. The brake shoes are 2 1/4inch tall. The backing plate is mounted on 4 bolts, 2 7/8inch center square pattern. The bolt pattern on the drum is 4 1/4inch measured by skipping one bolt in between the measured bolts. There is enough wear on one drums magnetic surface to require drum replacement and therefore the magnet too. I would have to do both sides. The bearings require replacement also. My question specifically: Wouldnt it be best to replace everything backing plate, magnets, brake shoes, bearings, seals and drums? Maybe reuse the backing plate? I assume Dexter parts are the replacements, meaning I can have studs/nuts now. What parts do I need from your parts house?

asked by: Charles P

Expert Reply:

You are right, replacing everything would probably be the easiest and safest bet for you. The easiest way to do this would be to start with determining what spindle you have so that you can pick out the correct hub and drum assembly. You will also need to know what bolt pattern hubs you have currently so that your wheels will fit. I attached an FAQ article on that.

To determine what spindle you have you either need to get the numbers of the hub bearings (inner and outer) or get exact measurements of you spindle. Check out the picture I attached.

With those two pieces of information we can work backward and figure out what hub and drum assemblies are recommended and then get the matching brake assemblies that will mount onto your mounting flanges and will be compatible with the hub and drums. Email me back with that info and I will help you pick everything else out needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C