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

Reply

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

Reply

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.

Reply

Jon G.

8/31/2020

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

Helpful Links

question-470347.html

Reply

See All (5) Replies to James ∨

Answer 1

Hello Graham, thanks for reaching out. Both the parts you mentioned, the Timbren #T54KV and #TASR5200S03 are 5,200 lb axle-less systems. The difference is the #T54KV is designed for off-road applications with offroad tires while the #TASR5200S03 is…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hey Terry, yes the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust assemblies part #23-468-469 that you referenced are correct for your Dexter 3,500 lb trailer axle. These are really nice since you don't have to ever worry about adjusting your brake assemblies.

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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.

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hi Jeff, welcome back! Is that the 126003? I don't see a 1260031 but the Lippert 126003 is a 3,500 lb hub with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. Assuming that is correct, the Terran Axle Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #TX68VJ will work as a replacement.…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hey, Andy. It looks like from the pictures you sent, your trailer has torsion axles. Right now, we only carry leaf spring axles, so I won’t be able to offer an exact replacement. That said, we do have a great alternative! You can switch over to a…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Mike, I see your confusion there! They are both rated for 2,860lbs at 65 psi. I went ahead and reached out directly to Kenda to make sure we had our information correct, turns out we did not. Both part numbers have the same weight rating for the…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hello Richard, The Eva-Dry Rotary Desiccant Dehumidifier - 2 Liter Tank Capacity #ED64FR would be a great option for removing humidity from your 36' 5th wheel, even in Florida’s high-moisture climate. The #ED64FR is quiet, energy-efficient, and…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Kevin, you would want 4,400 per axle and not 2,200 lb per axle. The closest we have for a leaf spring to that in 26 inch in length would be the part #e27SR which is for a 4,500 lb axle.

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Keith, can you send me a picture of your axle tag? I can use that to identify the bearings through Dexter. You will have to respond to the email that brought you to this answer page and attach the picture.

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hey Tim, thanks for reaching out! If your 5th wheel is a newer one (made in the 2000's) then it will use industry-standard brakes and hubs. If you can let me know what the weight rating is for your axles then I can let you know what you need. If…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Dexter brake assemblies like the #23-464-465 are widely considered to be the best and highest quality trailer axle/suspension components which is why they cost more than the #AKEBRK-7-SA. Some of the quality difference wouldn't make much of a…

view full answer...

Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching