Which is Best: Dexter, Tekonsha, or etrailer.com Brake Assemblies

Published 02/03/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs

(375)

$90.23

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 7,000 lbs

(191)

$186.31

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

(200)

$176.95

Question:

comparing Dexter, ETrailer and Tekonsha. By the pics it looks like etrailer manufactures the Dexter brake assembly?? Do the etrailer AKEBRK-7R-SA left and right set have the stronger magnet and better shoes to be rated for 5 to 7k lbs? The tekonsha magnet appears higher above the adjust wheel. If true does this contact a different part of the inner drum? Also, Dexter axle said if changing from hydraulic to electric brake, the drumdrum, bearings, races does not have to be replaced. Do you agree? thanks for your help

asked by: Matt H

Expert Reply:

The three brands of brake assemblies are made by different companies. None of them are made by each other. It might seem strange but if it were my trailer I would install Dexter assemblies. They have the best reputation because they are designed well and use high quality components. You really can't beat Dexter's axle components.

For a 7k rated axle the best setup around is going to be the Dexter self adjusting assemblies part # 23-465 for the right hand side and part # 23-464 for the left hand side. What is great about these assemblies is they never require any adjustment (like the name implies).

Whoever you spoke with at Dexter is correct. When changing from hydraulic to electric all you are doing is changing the brake assemblies so bearing/seal removal/replacement would not be needed. You would just need to slide the hub off, leave the bearings in it, replace the assemblies, and then slide hub back on.

I attached a help article on adding electric brakes to a trailer for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C