Comparing the etrailer Electric Brake Kit and the Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies

Question

Question:

Currently I am running a trailer with 7000 lb. Dexter axles. I am going to replace the brake assemblies this spring and am wondering if I should use the Dexter 23-180 and 23-181 or if I can use the AKEBRK-7-SA which is cheaper and self-adjusting? Thanks

asked by: Bill A

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 you need to change out your mounting bolts and hardware you can use part # BRKH12 to do so.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 2

The #AKEBRK-35L-SA Self Adjusting brake assemblies will adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation. The front brakes will always bear a bit more of the braking work, because more of the trailer weight is normally on the most…

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Answer 3

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 4

The "Service Trailer Brakes" message you are seeing will sometimes appear after the breakaway plug is pulled because the breakaway battery will send voltage back up the brake controller wire. A simple fix is simply disconnecting your truck…

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Answer 5

I will be happy to help. Since we know the front axle is getting power use your circuit tester and find the wires on the brake magnets for the rear axle to test them. There should be 2 wires. One is ground and the other is the power wire. The ground…

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Answer 6

It sounds to me like your trailer brakes are mis-wired. I would start by unplugging the trailer and checking for voltage at the brake output connection in the vehicle connector with a circuit tester, #PTW2993 if needed. Set the Prodigy to max voltage…

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Answer 7

Typically a Dexter 7k axle will have a diameter of 3 inches and an 8k axle will have a diameter of 3-1/2 inches. The thicker the axle the more weight it can handle. There really isn't an advantage to going with higher capacity leaf springs than…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 11

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 12

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Comparing the etrailer Electric Brake Kit and the Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies

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