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Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs
Dexter

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs

Part Number: 23-181
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$94.94
Retail:$160.70
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Accessories and Parts 23-181 - Brake Assembly - Dexter
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12" x 2" Passenger's-side electric trailer brake assembly fits 7,000-lb axles. Mounting flange has a 5-bolt pattern. Fits 14-1/2", 15", 16", and 16-1/2" wheels. 1-800-940-8924 to order Dexter accessories and parts part number 23-181 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Dexter products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs. Accessories and Parts reviews from real customers.
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Dexter Accessories and Parts - 23-181

  • Trailer Brakes
  • Electric Drum Brakes
  • Brake Assembly
  • Dexter
  • 12 x 2 Inch Drum
  • Manual Adjust
  • RH
  • 7000 lbs

12" x 2" Passenger's-side electric trailer brake assembly fits 7,000-lb axles. Mounting flange has a 5-bolt pattern. Fits 14-1/2", 15", 16", and 16-1/2" wheels.


Features:

  • Electric brakes are easier to install and offer more user control than hydraulic brakes
    • Requires only an electric brake controller (sold separately) - no actuator or hydraulic lines necessary
  • Adjuster plugs (included) cover access holes to keep dirt and grime out of the assemblies and off of the shoes
  • Mounting bolts sold separately
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: most standard hub-and-drum assemblies, including Dexter, Lippert (LCI), and AL-KO
  • Configuration: right hand (passenger's side)
  • Dimensions: 12" diameter x 2" wide
  • Mounting flange bolt pattern: 5 bolt
  • Wheel size: 14-1/2", 15", 16", and 16-1/2"
  • Axle rating: 7,000 lbs
  • Limited 5-year warranty


K23-181-00 12" x 2" RH Electric Brake Assembly - Passengers Side - 7.0K Axles

Replaces 23-181, K23-536-00, K568106.1, K363233.1, and 60208713




California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

97 reviews
12" x 2" Passenger's-side electric trailer brake assembly fits 7,000-lb axles. Mounting flange has a 5-bolt pattern. Fits 14-1/2", 15", 16", and 16-1/2" wheels.

by:

Another great replacement product from Dexter!

Steven profile picture

Steven

4/19/2025

Working great!



by:

Fit perfect on my al ko 7k axles.



by:

These things are major time-savers! Bolt the whole assembly on, wire it up, and go! Can't beat the price either - would cost quite a bit more buying the parts individually. Made a huge difference in stopping power on my 18' Dively car hauler, 9990 GVWR. The brakes were 6 years old at the time, and had tens of thousands of miles on them - abusive miles too, with shoes seizing and dragging, electrical failures causing some to work 3x as hard as others, stop and go MA traffic, etc.

While I was at it, I also grabbed 30' of Deka jacketed 2-wire 10 gauge brake wiring, and redid the whole system from the plug back. I also removed the drums, had them turned at a local garage, and installed brand new bearings, races, & seals. The improvement in stopping power was nothing short of amazing.

I went from having my Tekonsha P3 on boost level 3 at 11 volts +, trailer UNLOADED, to running boost level 1 at 6 volts with 4,000 lbs. on the 2k lb. trailer! BIG difference in stopping power!



by:

Fit perfect



by:

Product fit correctly, was easy to install, and works well.



by:

Good price and parts fit perfectly. Shipped free and quickly. I've bought many things from etrailer over the years and have never been disappointed.



by:

The products were excellent however, I ordered 2 each of #23-180 and 2 each #23-181. I received 3each #23-181 and 1ea #23-180. etrailer is sending me the correct one but it will take about a week to get in stock, then shipping time to me. I have already paid the service person for a service call of $xxx for the repairs, now I have to pay him another $xxx to come back when the correct one is received. I don’t understand how this could have happened except for someone not paying attention when getting my shipment ready. Needless to say I am very unhappy I have to pay the service person for two service calls due to someone not paying attention when getting the order ready for shipment.



by:

Bought brake replacement kit for 20 ft gooseneck trailer, exact fit



by:

Very fast shipping, brake assembly as described and with a very good price compared to others. Will keep etrailer in mind for future purchases. Thanks, etrailer. Ron M.



by:

The brake assembly was exactly what I ordered. Direct bolt on and cheaper then buying the parts individually. etrailer did a fine job in packaging the product for shipping.



by:

Met my expectations! Exactly what came on my trailer when it was brand new. I use my trailer everyday for business and I’m very happy to know I can buy OEM parts on etrailer. Thanks



by:

High quality Dexter parts at great prices. Along with fast shipping, what's not to like about buying from etrailer!



by:

Product as advertised but I paid for 3 day shipping but it took four days, not a big deal ordinarily but we were on a dead line and as a result it could not be installed prior to our camping trip. I will now have to make another service appointment, wait for it and then pay for additional labor since the shop was doing he wheel bearings and would install it at no extra charge.



by:

Parts were as described and fitment was perfect. The guys and gals at etrailer have what you need and know there parts!



by:

Worked perfectly. Made several trips with my 42ft 5th wheel and brake assembly held up.



by:

The product was shipped promptly. The product was described accurately and fits perfectly. I've been very pleased with the products and services I have received from etrailer.com thank you very much.



by:

Haven’t installed it yet but have every reason to believe it will be fine. Everything we’ve ever ordered from etrailer has been a perfect fit for our camper. Will continue using etrailer



by:

Great communications



by:

The brakes have been on the horse trailer for a year now. They work great.



by:

Ordered a right hand brake assembly and received a left. Called for a replacement and a new one was shipped but it puts everything behind schedule.



by:

It fits xls nitro 28dk5. Mike B. was very professional and friendly and made sure I got the correct brake assembly. Kudos to trainer!



by:

Very disappointed in the time it took to get this product shipped from your location



by:

Exactly as described and high quality made in US. Buy USA made only!



by:

Parts were delivered on time and were exactly as expected. Everything fit and functions as desired. This was my third experience with e trailer, and customer service was once again second to none.



by:

fair price, good service, will buy from e trailer again, thanks job done


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See what our Experts say about this Dexter Accessories and Parts

  • Replacement Trailer Brake Assemblies 023-181-00 and 023-180-00
    We have exactly what you would need. For the right hand side you would want part # 23-181, for the left hand side part # 23-180. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • What Is The Difference Between the 6K and 7K Dexter Axle Electric Brake Assemblies
    You are correct, the difference between the Electric Brake Assembly for 6K Axles, part # 23-458 / 23-459 and the Electric Brake Assembly for 7K axles, part # 23-180 / # 23-181, is that the 7K brake assembly has a stronger magnet, and also has a different compound on the brake shoes than the 6K electric brake assemblies for more stopping power. Both the 6k and 7K brake assemblies, fit the same axle. Yes, the 7K backing plates on part # 23-180 / 23-181, will fit on 6K pound axles.
    view full answer...
  • Can The Dexter 12" Brakes Be Oriented Differently For Easier Adjustment?
    Yes, the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-181 must be oriented so the brake shoe pin is at the top and the adjusters are at the bottom. This is also only for mounting on the right side of your axle. We have the Assembly # 23-180 for the left. I recommend upgrading to the Self-Adjusting Brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA. These will replace your current 12" Dexter brakes and will self adjust as they wear down. There is no need to try and adjust them with the Adjustment Tool # 071-666-00 every...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Brakes Needed for a #12 Dexter Torsion Axle
    Thank you for the picture! I gave my contact at Dexter Axle the serial number off of your tag and he said that the replacement brakes for your #12 torsion axle include part # 23-180 for the left hand side and part # 23-181 for the right hand side. If you would like to upgrade to the Nev-R-Adjust brake assemblies then you would need part # 23-464 for the left hand and part # 23-465 for the right hand. The advantage to the Nev-R-Adjust assemblies is that you don't have to manually adjust...
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    Image 1 for
  • Will Dexter Brake Assemblies Fit on a Lippert Axle
    You will have no problem using a Dexter brake assembly on a Lippert 7K axle. We have installed several Dexter brake assemblies on Lippert axles at our shop. Lippert and Dexter use the same standard mounting pattern and brake sizes. If you want standard brake assemblies, you could go with the Right Hand brake # 23-181 and the Left Hand brake # 23-180. I recommend stepping up to the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes, # 23-465 and # 23-464. The cost difference is very minimal compared to the standard...
    view full answer...
  • Bolt Hole Spacing on a 5 Bolt Flange and Pilot Hole Size on Dexter Electric Trailer Brake
    On a standard 5 bolt electric brake like the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs item # 23-181, The bolt holes measure 3-7/8 inches from one corner to its diagonal counterpart. From hole to hole across the bottom is 3 inches and between the others is about 2-1/8 inches. The center hole of the brake assembly measures 3-3/16 inches across. I have attached a diagram of a standard 5 bolt brake mounting flange to give you a drawing of the dimensions you're...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Difference Between the Two Types of 12x2 7000 lb. Brake Assemblies
    The difference between the two brake assemblies comes down to one being self adjusting and one that is manually adjusted. I recommend the self adjusting because you will never have to crawl under the trailer to adjust the brakes. This can be a headache and we tend to not do it as often as we should which leads to poor performing brakes. With the self adjusting it automatically tightens as the shoes wear down keeping your trailer's braking performance optimized and working as safely as...
    view full answer...
  • Difference Between Dexter 6,000 Lb and 7,000 Lb Brake Assemblies
    The biggest difference between the 6,000 lbs Dexter Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-106 for right hand and part # 23-105 for left hand and the 7,000 lbs Dexter Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-181 for right hand and part # 23-180 for left hand is the axle rating they are used for. If your Dexter axle is rated for 6,000 lbs you would use the 6,000 lb set and if your Dexter axle is rated for 7,000 lb you would use the 7,000 lb set. Also the 6,000 lb Dexter Brake assemblies fit wheel sizes...
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  • Comparing the etrailer Electric Brake Kit and the Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies
    In all honesty I would go with the etrailer Electric Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA for a few important reasons. They are self-Adjusting, and the brake pads themselves are fully bonded so that they last longer and offer more braking torque, plus they have less chance of cracking and crumbling due to the tapered edge circular grinding. Even though the Dexter Brake Assemblies, parts # 23-180 and # 23-181, are still durable, the etrailer kit definitely has more to offer in this situation. If...
    view full answer...
  • Why a Bigger Trailer Magnet for Electric Brakes is not Always Needed
    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...
    view full answer...
  • Can Manual Adjusting Brakes Be Swapped out for Self-Adjusting Brakes
    Yes, the self-adjusting version of the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-181 is the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-465. This assembly is for the right hand side and if you need the left hand side you can use part # 23-464 or part # 23-464-465 for both right and left hand side. The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit has self-adjusting brakes meaning you do not have to turn the adjuster screw for even brake pad wear after the initial...
    view full answer...
  • Are Dexter Electric Brakes Made in USA
    Yes they are! The Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-180 (Left Hand) and # 23-181 (Right Hand) are made in the USA; the accompanying photo is from one of these assemblies with the "Made in U.S.A." sticker on it. These electric brake assemblies are 12" diameter x 2" wide, fit 7,000 lb axles and have a 5-bolt mounting flange pattern. I have added links to video reviews of both brake assemblies as well as a link to an install of 12 inch electric trailer brakes for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Replacement Brake Shoes for Dexter Axle 023-181 Brake Assembly
    Thanks for reaching out! You have the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-181 for your right hand side and the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-180 for the left hand side so for your application you need the Replacement Shoe and Lining Kit # DX28FR which fits both sides. Depending on how much you're needing to replace you might also need the Replacement Magnet # BP01-225.
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  • What is the Difference Between the 7K and 6K Electric Brake Assemblies from Dexter Axle
    There are two differences between the 6K and 7K brake assemblies. For the 7K, they use a semi-metallic compound on the brake shoes instead of the composite compound, and the magnets are stronger. This gives the brake assemblies more stopping power. They fit the same axles and spindle mounts, the only difference is how much weight the assemblies can safely stop. Choose the brake assemblies that have the weight requirement you need. 6K Left: 23-105 6K Right: 23-106 7K Left: 23-180 7K...
    view full answer...
  • Torque for 7,000 lb, 12 Inch x 2 Inch Dexter Electric Brakes
    The Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs # 23-181 and Left Hand # 23-180 should should be torqued to 30-50 foot/lbs.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Electric Trailer Brakes for Dexter 7,000 Pound Trailer Axle
    For trailer brake assembly # 23-428 to fit the drum will need to have an inner diameter of 12-1/4 inches and a width where the pads touch of 2-1/2 inches. I have included a picture showing these locations in a drum. This brake also mounts on a 4 bolt brake mounting flange. The 12-1/4 by 2-1/2 is not a common size though. The most common size brakes for a Dexter 7,000 pound axle is going to be 12 x 2 inch that mounts on a 5 bolt flange such as # 23-180 and # 23-181.
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    Image 1 for
  • Hub/Drums and Replacement Assemblies for Dexter Axle with Assemblies 023-181 and 023-180
    We have exactly what you would need. For the right hand side you would want part # 23-181, for the left hand side part # 23-180. Then for hub drums that fit that axle you'd want the part # 42866UC3-EZ.
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  • Replacement 12x2 Inch Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies for 7,000 Pound Axles
    Yes, there are other options for 12x2 electric brake assemblies for 7,000 pound axles. If you want self adjusting brakes you can use # AKEBRK-7L-SA for the left and # AKEBRK-7R-SA for the right. If you want manual adjust brakes use # AKEBRK-6L for the left and # AKEBRK-6R for the right. If you are looking for something more corrosion resistant you can use the dacromet versions # AKEBRK-7L-D for the left and # AKEBRK-7R-D for the right.
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  • Can I Replace my Manual Brake Assembly with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brake Assembly
    You will be able to use the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Assembly for 6,000 lbs. Axles # 23-459 for your trailer even though your axle is rated for 5,200 lbs. However, you are limited by the 5,200 lbs. capacity of your axles and cannot load 6,000 lbs. in your trailer because you installed this brake assembly. I do not recommend installing brake assemblies with two different ratings on your vehicle. While your trailer brakes will work, the Dexter manual adjust assembly # 23-181 rated for...
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  • Comparing Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies 23-181/23-180 and 23-465/23-464
    The only difference between the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-181 for right hand or part # 23-180 for left hand and the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly part # 23-465 for right hand or part # 23-464 for left hand is the adjustment. The former are manual adjust brakes and the latter are self-adjust brakes. The manual adjust brakes require you to adjust them for even pad wear every so often whereas the self-adjust do this automatically. The adjustment...
    view full answer...
  • How To Determine Left and Right Side Of Trailer When Adding Braking Assemblies
    When determining the right and left side when adding brakes it is determined if you are standing behind the trailer looking towards the tow vehicle. The left side is the drivers side and the right side is the passengers side.
    view full answer...
  • Which Replacement Braking Assemblies For Axle Using 12 x 2 AL-KO Brakes
    Based on the information you provided your trailer uses 12" x 2" AL-KO Braking Assemblies which are unique in the fact that they use a different bolt pattern than the typical 12" x 2" brake. For replacements you will need the 12" x 2" Electric Brake Assembly Left Side # 23-180 and Right Side # 23-181. i included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
  • Brand New 7k Dexter Brake Assemblies on Trailer are Not Strong Enough
    Whether you have the 7K Dexter brake assemblies like part # 23-181 or like the Nev-R-Adjust # 23-465, you may simply need to adjust the brakes. Even if your brake controller is set to the highest setting, if your brakes are not adjusted properly then they will not perform correctly. You can adjust your brakes using the Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes # W80630 until they are set at the desired braking strength. If you check out the attached review video you can see the access holes...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Hold Down Springs and Pins for Electric Trailer Brakes
    It sounds like you are talking about the parts that hold the brake shoes down. These parts include hold down springs that have little caps on them through which the hold down pins are inserted. We have kit # AKBRKR-SHD which will work with AxleTek, Dexter, Lippert (LCI), IAC, and AL-KO 10 or 12 inch brakes with shoed widths of 2 inches or 2-1/4 inches. If you have different size brakes or you are talking about different parts let me know.
    view full answer...


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