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  1. Trailer Brakes
  2. Dexter
  3. Electric Drum Brakes
  4. 15000 lbs Axle
  5. 12-1/4 x 5 Inch Drum
  6. 16 Inch Wheel
  7. 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
  8. 17 Inch Wheel
  9. 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 15K
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Dexter

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 15K

Part Number: 23-446-447
$787.96
$767.96 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate
Trailer Brakes
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Trailer Brakes 23-446-447 - 12-1/4 x 5 Inch Drum - Dexter
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These brakes automatically adjust as you tow so you don't have to crawl on the ground to do it manually. 12-1/4" x 5" Assemblies fit 16" or larger wheels. Cast iron backing plates are ideal for heavy-duty use. Made in the USA. Great Prices for the best trailer brakes from Dexter. Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 15K part number 23-446-447 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Dexter Trailer Brakes - 23-446-447

Highlights

  • No More Manual Adjusting: Self-adjusting design keeps brake shoes aligned for consistent stopping power.
  • Ready to Bolt On: Left- and right-hand 12-1/4" x 5" assemblies fit 7-bolt flanges for quick setup.
  • Smooth, Quiet Stops: Bonded, tapered pads reduce chatter and lockup while boosting braking torque.
  • Built for Heavy Loads: Rated for 15,000-lb axles and 16" or larger wheels for dependable control.
  • Simple Electric Hookup: Works with an electric brake controller—no hydraulic lines or actuators needed.
  • Durable Under Hard Use: Cast iron backing plates and steel housings handle repeated heavy braking.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Stronger, Smoother Stopping for Heavy Loads: 12-1/4" x 5" Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes

These Dexter Nev-R-Adjust assemblies are built for serious braking power on 15,000 lb axles. The 12-1/4" x 5" cast-iron backing plates hold durable magnets and fully bonded brake pads that give strong, even torque. Tapered pads cut down on chatter and lock-up, keeping every stop smooth and controlled under heavy load.

Close-up view of Dexter electric trailer brake showing tapered bonded brake pads designed for smooth, consistent braking performance.

No More Manual Adjustments: Self-Adjusting Mechanism Keeps Brakes Dialed In

Standard electric brakes need periodic tweaking to keep the shoes properly set. These self-adjusting assemblies handle that automatically. A tension cable and fine-tooth star gear maintain the right shoe alignment as the pads wear, so you always get peak braking power without crawling under the trailer to tighten anything.

Reliable Fit and Compatibility: 7-Bolt Mounting Pattern for Standard 15K Axles

Each assembly bolts directly to a 7-bolt mounting flange and works with most standard hub-and-drum setups, including Dexter and Lippert (LCI). They fit wheels that are 16" or larger, making them an easy match for heavy-duty configurations. Left-hand (driver’s side) and right-hand (passenger’s side) units are included for a complete axle setup.

Built Tough for Repeated Use: Cast Iron Backing Plates and Bonded Pads

The cast iron backing plates stand up to heat and stress over long hauls. Brake pads are fully bonded—no rivets to grind into the drum—so you get consistent friction across their surface and longer pad life. The sturdy magnet housings deliver dependable braking power every time current hits the coils.

Straightforward Electrical Setup: Works with Any Electric Brake Controller

These assemblies need only an electric brake controller—no actuators or hydraulic lines. Standard 12 gauge wiring connects each magnet to the controller circuit, letting you convert from air or hydraulic systems with minimal extra parts while keeping your existing breakaway system intact.

Specs

Application

  • Application: most standard hub-and-drum assemblies, including etrailer, Dexter, and Lippert (LCI)

Dimensions

  • Dimensions: 12-1/4" diameter x 5" wide

Mounting Specifications

  • Mounting flange bolt pattern: 7 bolt

Wheel and Axle Compatibility

  • Wheel size: 16" or larger
  • Axle rating: 15,000 lbs

Warranty

  • Limited warranty: 5-year warranty

Note

The brakes will be very hot after doing this, so after every 10 stops you'll want to wait about 10 minutes to let the brakes cool off before continuing. If you don't, you might cook and crack the pad material.

Diagram of Dexter self-adjusting electric trailer brake showing red callout highlighting tension cable and pulley mechanism inside the drum assembly.

  • A trailer drum brake with a red callout shows the location of a tension cable and pulley on a self-adjusting trailer brake. ? As the brake pads wear over time, a tensioning cable will automatically keep the pads in alignment so they’ll consistently make contact with your drum when you brake.

23-446 Dexter Electric Brake Assembly - LH - Driver Side - 12-1/4" x 5" - Self-Adjusting - 15,000 lbs - Cast Back Plate

23-447 Dexter Electric Brake Assembly - RH - Passenger Side - 12-1/4" x 5" - Self-Adjusting - 15,000 lbs - Cast Back Plate





Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

1896 reviews
5 Stars
(1640)
4 Stars
(157)
3 Stars
(35)
2 Stars
(22)
1 Star
(42)
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by:
Very good customer service and fast shipping. Perfect fix
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Fast shipping!
by:
Excellent Service by sales person, Item received in two days. Very Competitive prices. Thank You. I will continue to shop at E-Trailer in the future.
by:
fast free shipping, arrived next business day
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We are an handy couple and like performing our trailer maintenance when we can. Updated our 25ft Airstream Intl from original 12x2 Dexter brakes 4500 lb (cracked and spilt brake wiring from age and noticing very little braking power). Updated to 6000 lb self adjusting versions. Extreme difference once burnishing in and braking for 30 miles. Have a few 300mile trips behind us now and the trailer brake gain dropped for 7.5 down to 5 mostly loaded. Possibly need to turn the brake gain down further as the braking is SO much more positive than ever before. Even when the old brakes were better working. Much less worry and stress now towing at any incline or highway speeds.
Lazer S. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Lazer S.

3/24/2026

Glad they are working well for you guys, Dirk! Stopping is pretty important and being able to do so comfortably definitely makes towing less stressful. ^___^ Cool Airstream as well! What the next trip you guys have planned?

by:
First time buyer from etrailer. I was having a hard time navigating through the website as I wanted to make sure I got the correct parts. Kayleigh was the representative that I got. She did an excellent job answering my questions and making sure I got the right parts. I installed the complete tandem axle replacement pieces and everything installed just like it should. Kayleigh made this a great experience and I will use etrailer for any future camper needs.
by:
Super easy to install and easy to wire in. Did a full new install, mounting to factory brake flanges. All it takes to install these is a small amount of mechanical ability and a knowledge of vehicle wiring. Just remember that these are the brakes only, and you’ll need to add drums as well, replacing your hubs.
by:
Everything was as needed Carter helped locate all items and made sure all was correct t for my axles highly recommend for any trailer parts needed
James D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

James D.

5/11/2026

Glad Carter could help you track down everything you needed and let us know if you ever need anything else! Appreciate you choosing etrailer Bud!

by:
It has been about a year since installing these trailer brakes, and the install was straightforward on our 2 horse/w-tack room -Featherlite gooseneck as direct replacement parts. We have towed a lot of miles over the past year and they have performed great.

Ordering through etrailer was easy, and the customer service was excellent. When I had questions, I was able to send photos for clarification and get clear answers. Solid product and great support. I would definitely order from etrailer again.
by:
Easiest brake job I ever have done. Product arrived on time and was packaged well. I would recommend these brake replacements to everyone who needs new brakes on there Dexter never adjust system. As you can see in the photo, many of the parts on the this right side were missing. Springs,self adjuster,cable. Removed the drum and five nuts later the whole backer plate was in my hand. Much easier than trying to figure out what's missing then order and replace those parts. Now I have the confidence of having new brakes on that axle. In the spring when I bring my fifth wheel back from Florida I replace the brakes on the front axle too. Hope this helped anyone on the fence about doing this job.
Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

9/25/2025

Install looks fantastic, Frederick! I know your review will help others when they come across it. Also... where do you keep your 5th wheel at down in Florida?

by:
These are hard to find easy to install and thanks for the knowledge of your staff for knowing what i needed!!!
Christopher H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Christopher H.

8/4/2026

Glad we could make it a little simpler for you and glad the installation went smoothly. Thanks for including the photo!

by:
I'm real happy with the upgrade from surge to electric brakes on my boat trailer. I only do fresh water and only a couple trips a year, but the upgrade was well worth it for me. There is but one thing I wish were different with these brakes. The studs are pressed into the backplate, and on my trailer axle, the welds on the back wouldn't let the nuts sit flat on the bottom bolts, when tightening them. This forced me to remove the bottom studs, buy some 3/4" bolts of the same thread (grade 8) and put nuts on the brake-internal side of the plate. That left the nuts very close to the magnet wires on the arm that holds the magnet, and I had to adjust the clips to flip the wires over the arm at a higher up spot to avoid the nuts. All in all it worked, but I would love to see them come up with a better routing path for those wires. As it is I'm going to have to inspect them regularly to make sure nothing is moving and pinching, or I'll have some shorting of the wires if they moved drastically. I did have one brake that after assembly, I found that the bottom adjuster wasn't snapped in properly (my fault) but otherwise the rest of the process went well.
by:
I made the initial order online but then added additional items using the phone. I was able to combine the orders easily and all of the items arrived on time. Additionally, the box was intact and was not damaged. The items were packed tightly and in such a way that the items did not move around in the box. Overall, eTralier did an excellent job.
by:
Went with this new setup to have the auto adjustment feature, and the install went perfectly. I have been running them for 2 years now and haven’t ran into any issues.
Thanks to all at etrailer for all your help and fast shipping.
by:
E-trailer was great deal with and shipped these Dexter brake assemblies within a couple days They offered us another brand to save money, but we chose to use the genuine Dexter brand We were able to install them on our fifth wheel camper with no issues.
by:
Parts showed up super quick. All the parts were the correct parts that the Representative helped me order. I’ll definitely order from them again.
Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

4/9/2026

I’m glad everything showed up quick and that we got you the right parts the first time, especially with brakes where you definitely don’t want any guesswork. That makes a big difference when you’re ready to get everything back together. Also, that looks like a pretty serious RV you’ve got there. What are you running?

Jeffery C. profile picture

Jeffery C.

4/9/2026

@HeatherA That’s a 22 Keystone Fuzion 427. It’s big AF. 44 ft 5 in. When it’s loaded down, it’s about 18k pounds. So braking is clearly essential to the safety of my family and everyone else on the road. Thanks for your help. We nailed it first try and you were key to getting the right parts.
by:
After making sure the brake adjusted itself and burnished them, the brakes do not stop well at all. I'm getting 12v to them, so don't know what the issue is. With the brake controller on 20, it should lock up the brakes, but they barely stop.
Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

6/23/2026

What's the wire gauge used in the brake output circuit on your trailer? 12ga is acceptable, but I'd rather see 10ga.

Mike profile picture

Mike

6/24/2026

@MikeL The brake magnets are only wired with 20 or 22 ga. The wire to them is what came in the Dexter axle, 16 or 18 ga. There isn't significant voltage drop at the magnet wires when the brakes are at full current.
by:
Everything has been working just fine. I was happy to have been able to receive a quality product from an USA based company. Hoping to get many years of use from my dexter brakes. Thank you!!!!
by:
I did the whole Electric brake kit it's still doing great
Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

8/20/2026

Glad to hear that, thanks for checking in!

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See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Brakes

  • Converting From Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes To Just Electric For a 12k Axle
    Hey, Chris! Happy to help out! We don't have a full kit that would come with everything but we do have the parts. The electric brakes you would need for that capacity of axle would be the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes part # 23-446-447. The hub/drum you would want to use is the Dexter Heavy-Duty part # DX78QR. You will want to confirm what your bolt pattern is just to make sure You will need to run wires that are 10 gauge, part # 10-1-1. This is going to be the best sized...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Brake Assemblies and Hub/Drums for 15k Dexter Axle
    Is the battery of the breakaway kit charged? Does your tow vehicle have a brake controller installed?
    view full answer...
  • Electric Brake Conversion from Air Brakes on 15,000 lb Axle Trailer
    The Dexter Electric Brake Kit w/ Cast Backing - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand - 15K # 23-446-447 will fit any 15K axle that have the standard 7 bolt mounting flange. These are self-adjusting brakes so there is no need for manual adjustments after the initial installation. They are labeled left-hand (driver's side) and right-hand (passenger's side) to ensure proper placement. If you need the mounting hardware, I recommend # BRKH122510 for each axle. You will also need...
    view full answer...
  • Is There a Way to Tell Difference Between 12k and 15k Trailer Brake Assemblies
    12k trailer brake assemblies like the part # 23-442-443 and 15 assemblies like part # 23-446-447 can both be 12-1/4 inch by 5 inch and use the same 7 bolt mounting pattern so dimensionally it's hard to say. I would look for part numbers on your assemblies to see if you can determine it that way or you could look on the axle for a capacity listed. The big difference between the two will be magnet sensitivity as the higher rated assemblies will need a magnet that grabs a little harder....
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Convert Dexter 15k Air Brakes to Electric Brakes
    What you'd need to convert your 15k Dexter air brakes to electric brakes is just new electric brake assemblies part # 23-446-447 to replace the air brake assemblies you have now. I checked with Dexter and the drum you have now will work fine with these assembly replacement. You'd be able to pull off all of the air brake components you have now and replace everything with basically just wires that lead back to the brake drum magnets with 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 which is sold by the foot.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement 12-1/4 x 5 Brake Assemblies For a 15,000LB Dexter Axle
    Currently Dexter only offers 12-1/4" x 5" brakes with a 7-Bolt mounting flange. I do see Dexter does offer a mounting flange 004-048-00 which you can get to update your axle to the 7 bolt flange. We currently do not carry this but it will allow you to use either their Electric # 23-446-447 or Hydraulic # 23-406-407 brake assemblies.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Brakes For Gooseneck Trailer With Heavy Axles
    The largest set of brakes we will have is for a 15K axle. We have two options, the Dexter Electric Brake Kit, # 23-446-447 for 15K axles with 12-1/4 x 5 Inch Drums.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Convert Electric Over Hydraulic To Electric Brakes On Dexter 15,000LB Axle
    To confirm that the Dexter Electric Brake Kit # 23-446-447 will operate properly on your Dexter 15,000lb axle you will need to confirm that your hub is compatible with electric brakes. The Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # DX78QR for a 15,000lb axle, you can see the smooth surface inside the drum where the mounting bolts are that confirms it will work with electric brakes. The only other parts you will need is some 12 Gauge Wire # 12-1-1 to run from the 7-way connector to the brakes...
    view full answer...
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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jeff D
Installed by:
Jeff D
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Alexander C
Written by:
Alexander C
Employee Ryan F
Written by:
Ryan F

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