Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits

Question

Question:

Considering replacing the standard electric brake assemblies on my boat trailer with the self adjusting style. I would of course want the highest quality product for the money. There really isn’t anything wrong with what I have, however NOT having to manually adjust my brakes from time to time looks appealing to me. Could you give me a list of options as to what’s available? Thank you 10 inch drum, 2-1/4 shoes

asked by: Dean

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I currently have four different self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes. You can choose from the following:

-Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes # TX97ZJ (3,500 Axles)

-etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles)

-Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-468-469 (3,500 Axles)

-Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # K23-478-479 (4,400 Axles)

The Terran brand is going to be the economy line, the Dexter brand is going to be the premium line, and our own etrailer house brand falls in the middle. The Dexter brakes have a five year warranty and come with mounting hardware whereas the eTrailer brakes have a one year warranty and do not come with mounting hardware, but can be obtained with part # BRKH10B. The Dexter brakes also offer options for both 3,500 lb and 4,440 lbs axles which will vary in braking aggression.

I have attached a sample install video for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

James

8/3/2020

I am in a battle with the dealer and have decided to price the braking correction with aftermarket (if you will) not the factory equipped LCI. I have twin 4400# LCI axels with 3500# brakes (as described on their repair order) on a 10,000# GVW travel trailer. My complaint was / is that it simply does nit stop. Gain has to be set at 10 max) to feel any braking action. My question is do the 4400# brakes (K23-478-479) have a more aggressive stop then the 3500# (23-468-469) and do the fit LCI axel flanges. Or are they the same brake with different backing plates? I am thinking that the extra 1800# stopping force would correct my issue?!!! I would love to know that there was a 12” simple bolt up option (brake assemblies and hub/drum (to add some redundancy to my braking)), but working out of my retirement pockets, after just spending $26k on a trailer really really hurts!!!! HELP

Jon G.

8/12/2020

The 4.4K Brake Assemblies # K23-478-479 will fit your application and have more of a bite to them than the 3.5K Brake Assemblies # 23-468-469 which is really just due to their design as they are meant for heavier trailers. You might try adjusting the brakes on your end before shelling out some more money because even though these are "Nev-R-Adjust" sometimes there is an initial adjustment that needs to be made. You can see how this is done towards the end of the attached video.

Helpful Links

tv-install-dexter-nev-r-adjust-electric-trailer-brakes-left-right-23-468-469.aspx

Todd F.

8/19/2020

This information is not correct...the 4400# lippert axles have a 2 7/8 pattern and 4" diagonal that will not fit the 4400# dexter brakes. I have seen this info passed along several times on your site. This is why James got 3500# brakes because thats what fits this axle. In fact any 3500# brake setup will fit it. I also learned today that the only difference between the 3500 and the 4400 dexters is the stud pattern on the backing plate of these self adjusting axles...same magnet although dexter lists different part number for 4400 and 3500 magnet. That is the ONLY piece that could cause a more aggressive action. Same shoe same drum same contact area. I have tried to reach your tech service to discuss as I need to replace my brakes on my Eagle HT with 4400# lippert axles. I measured and they ARE in fact the 2 7/8 pattern top and bottom.

Jon G.

8/31/2020

UPDATE - Check out the link below to confirm what you have.

Helpful Links

question-470347.html

See All (5) Replies to James ∨

Answer 1

Hi Kenneth! Since your 2023 Brinkley Z 3100 5th wheel has 7k axles, I recommend grabbing the Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 6-7K #TX77ZJ. These are priced very well, fit the standard 5 bolt pattern…

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Answer 2

Hello Gilbert, thanks for reaching out. We do have brakes and hubs for Dexter 4,400 lb axles, but the sizing for these 4.4K axles can be funky depending when they were made. The best way to confirm what you need is with the casting number on the…

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Answer 3

The correct hub and drum assembly replacement for your Lippert 4,400 lb axle is the #8-407-5UC3-EZ. This comes with bearings and a grease seal. If you need brakes as well you can use the #LC66WD, or for self-adjusting brakes #K23-478-479.

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Answer 4

Hey Mike, thanks for stopping by! When initially adjusting your Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes #23-468-469, you will want to have the truck and trailer on a smooth level surface, slowly accelerate to 20 MPH, then step on the truck…

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Answer 5

Hey Jeb! Yes, the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes #AKEBRK-35-SA can replace the Dexter brakes you have now. However, they do not have the parking brake feature. If that is important to you, the only option is to stick with the Dexter Electric…

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Answer 6

The ST tires will actually be a better option for a small utility trailer than LT tires. LT tires are for Light Truck applications and can be used on trailers, but they are not made specifically for trailers. They are made to have not as strong a…

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Answer 7

We aren't manufacturers of those parts, and we don't have the testing ability in house, so I reached out to a couple of our manufacturers to see what information they could provide to try and help. I reached out to my contact at Curt…

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Answer 8

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 9

Hello Javier, As I would love to make your life easier and tell you it is not necessary, I cannot do so. Brake Burnishing (bedding-in, or break-in) should be done for the following reasons: - Achieve Maximum Performance: Burnishing evenly transfers a…

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Answer 10

Actually, there's a little more to it than that. The magnets on the #K23-478-479 are a little different, but the primary difference is the mounting bolt pattern. On a typical 3500 lb brake assembly, the mounting studs will all be 2-7/8 inches…

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Answer 11

Richard, to replace your UFP HD-1377-10 hub and drum you can use the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles #84546UC3, the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes #23-468-469, and the mounting hardware #BRKH10B.

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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 and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits

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