Can 6K-Rated Electric Brakes on 5th Wheel Trailer be Replaced with 7K-Rated Electric Brakes

Question:

I have a 2008 37foot Cedar Creek 5th wheel trailer with a GVWR of 14,085 lbs. with 2,889 max cargo. I assume the trailers unloaded weight is 11,196 Axles are GAWR 6,000 lbs.. Electric brakes. Is it a good idea, or not, to use 7k rather than 6k brake assemblies. Im looking at the self adjusting 2 x 2 6k or 7k What do you recommend? Thanks a lot.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

If your trailer was manufactured with 6K-rated electric brakes then the manufacturer determined this capacity was correct for the trailer's gross weight and axle rating.

Changing to 7K-rated electric brakes (in the appropriate size and mounting bolt pattern) will not do any harm, but it will also not really deliver any advantages. Stopping distance will be essentially the same with either 6K or 7K brakes since this is a function of the trailer's weight, although the initial grab of the brakes may be stronger due to the larger magnets in 7K brakes. The cost increment to move from 6K to 7K brakes is significant, and so for the best return on your new brake investment I suggest sticking with the same rating brakes as the OEM units, parts # AKEBRK-7L-SA and # AKEBRK-7R-SA.

expert reply by: Adam R