Would Installing Higher Rated Brake Magnets Increase Braking Power

Updated 11/18/2025 | Published 09/11/2015

Question:

can you replace white magnets with black magnets for more stopping power on a 5th wheel trailer with 8000 lb axles

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The magnets of a brake assembly do not actually give the brakes more or less power. You want to use the correct magnets for the assemblies you have on your trailer. Going with a magnet for a higher rated assembly will simply make the brake activation harder to control. They won't be any more powerful but they will be more touchy when adjusting the braking power.

I would check the main ground for the trailer. This is the wire that runs from the trailer connector to the trailer frame and provides the ground for the entire trailer. The ground strap may have come loose and now may not be strong enough to fully apply the trailer brakes.

It could be that your assemblies are just out of adjustment. You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Paul

7/25/2025

Hi Jameson, Dexter 7k Axles I currently have the 023-464 and 023-465 brake assemblies. Can I use the 023-458 and 023-459 brake assemblies? According to Dexter, the 464/465 is rated for 7k and the 458/459 is rated for 6k. My local trailer dealer, who specializes in axles, says the difference is the magnet strength; all other parts are the same. Do you have a recommendation, and should I be concerned? The 5th wheel dry weight is 12,440 with a maximum of 15,000. Thank you, Paul

Jameson C.

7/25/2025

@Paul The two are interchangeable and will work just fine in place of the other. It's not so much that magnet strength equals more braking strength so much as that it makes the magnet feel a lot more sensitive to braking adjustments so it can make dialing brake controller gain settings more challenging if you try and uprate your magnet strength

Paul

7/28/2025

Hi Jameson, Thank you for the update. I went ahead and used the original equipment rated for the 7k axles. Paul

Jameson C.

7/28/2025

@Paul Glad to help!

Allen

11/18/2025

Hi Jameson, I am having a time with my 5th wheel brakes. 6,000lb Dexter axle and trailer weighs about 12,000. Brakes are weak, full manual brake control and a roll stop. Replaced full assembly’s with Dexter assembly’s. Turned drums, adjusted till wheel wouldn’t roll and backed off just enough that wheel would roll, less than 7 clicks. Connected temporary trailer brake wire to brakes and run wire to truck cab, straight to 12v car battery in cab. Rolling, connected straight to charged 12v car battery and soft stop, just like with controller on truck. This bypassed trailer wiring and the truck to eliminate those and still no hard stop. I’m about ready to say I need to go for 2” to a bigger axle,hub, brake size. Any thoughts, I’m very puzzled.

Jameson C.

11/18/2025

@Allen Have you burnished the brakes by chance? It's an often overlooked step. Drive the trailer out into an open area, like an empty parking lot. Get up to around 40 MPH and apply the manual override on your brake controller. Make sure the brake controller is set high enough where it will fully engage the trailer brakes (usually the middle setting will be just fine). Do not hit the brake pedal during this time, as you want to slow down your vehicle and trailer with only the trailer brakes. You’ll most likely have to do this about 20 to 30 times to properly seat the brakes. When you feel like your brakes are properly seated, pull over and check for signs that you're done: a bit of smoke is normal and your brakes should be very hot (brakes should read 350-400 degrees with a temperature gun). If you don't see these signs, then keep repeating the process until your brakes are properly seated.

Allen

11/18/2025

@JamesonC Thank you Jameson, I have not done this but will here in a few days, supposed to rain next couple of days and I'll wait for sunshine and dry roads. Thank you for this detail. Allen