Can Dexter 2,200 Pound Electric Brakes Be Installed Upside Down

Updated 08/07/2019 | Published 08/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - Parking Brake Ready - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2.2K

(1574)

$249.36

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs to 2,200 lbs

(1572)

$258.54

Question:

Can Dexter K23-103-00 and K23-104-00 left and right kits be switched sides and installed upside-down? I have tight space above the axle and if mounted with parking brake levers up the kits will be hitting the trailer walls. But if I could move the levers to the bottom it would solve my problem.

asked by: Sergey S

Expert Reply:

You can technically install the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit # K23-103-104-00 (which includes both of the assemblies you mentioned) upside down but it is going to negatively affect their braking performance. With them in this orientation you just aren't going to get the type of power/response when hitting the brake pedal that you otherwise would with them installed correctly.

Also note that if you do decide to go this route you will still want to keep the assemblies on the correct sides of the trailer to ensure the arm still rotates in the direction of travel.

This is the only electric brake assembly set we have available for 2,200 pound axles but even if you have a 2,200 pound axle the better option (unless you really want parking brakes) is to go with the 2,000 pound Dexter Trailer Brake Kit # 23-47-48 instead, which doesn't feature the integrated parking brakes and lever. This will allow you to install them in the correct orientation.

Even though they are rated for 2,000 pound axles they will still give you better braking performance than installing 2,200 pound assemblies upside down. I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R