Differences Between Combined Hub & Rotor and Separate Hub & Rotor Brakes

Updated 06/18/2025 | Published 04/12/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(160)

$518.24

Kodiak 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(26)

$139.94

Question:

I have a tandem axle Loadmaster boat trailer with 5200lb torsion axles. It had Kodiak disc brakes on the front axle but the previous owner removed them and put just a plain hub on that axle. How do I tell if I should use a separate hub and rotor or an all in one hub/rotor?

asked by: Andy

Expert Reply:

The only real difference between using an integrated hub/rotor combo and a separate hub and rotor combo is that if something happens to the rotor and or hub on the separate hub/rotor, you can just replace the damaged component and not the entire assembly.

As long as the idler hub you have on your trailer now has a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern, then I recommend using the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit part # K2R526D. If you already have the calipers and mounting brackets then you can use part # KR12D to replace the rotors.

expert reply by: Conner L

Capt G.

6/16/2025

if i have dexter slip on brakes on my boat trailer now but want to install the integral hub Kodiaks will they work and will the wheel sit in the same place? it looks like the hub face on the kodiak integral brakes is shorter than my dexter slip ons and the wheel will sit closer to the trailer.

Nick S.

6/18/2025

@CaptG Kodiak is actually owned by Dexter so their parts work well together. You would be able to install those to your setup with no issue. The hub face on either are going to be very similar in size. I am not sure of those exact dimensions on the 2 different brands but since Dexter owns Kodiak they make their brakes/rotors to be direct replacements with each other making the fitment the same on both. You should not have any difference in how the wheel sits.