Can I Replace my Manual Brake Assembly with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brake Assembly

Updated 06/16/2016 | Published 06/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(281)

$99.85

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

(102)

$94.45

Question:

I have a Lippert axle with 5,200 lb. capacity. The right hand self-adjusting break assembly is 12x2inch part # 1224513 on a 15inch wheel. A dealer installed a Dexter manual adjust assembly part # K23-181-00. I did not know it at the time. I want to replace it with a self-adjusting assembly. Will a Dexter part # 23-459 that is rated for #6,000 lbs. be okay. Is it safe to have the both brands with different ratings on at the same time? Should I change both brake assemblies? I can get two Dexter assemblies for just a little more than one Lippert, and they are more readily available and would be cheaper in the future, if I had to change one.

asked by: Anthony D

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 7,000 lbs. will be a stronger brake than the Nev-R-Adjust Assembly rated at 6,000 lbs. Also, the braking force will not be equal on both sides. This can cause one brake to wear out faster than the other and you will have to replace each brake assembly at different times. Both assemblies will have different working parts so you will have to keep track of which brake assembly is which if you have to replace parts.

I would recommend if you are wanting self-adjusting assemblies to change both brake assemblies to the Nev-R-Adjust Assembly # 23-459. This way you do not have to keep track of what brake assemblies are what and you do not have to worry about manually adjusting one assembly while the other assembly adjusts itself.

I attached a review video and installation video for the Nev-R-Adjust Brake Assembly and installation instructions you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Sarah H