How to Find Which Trailer Brake Assembly Goes on the Left or Right Side of a Trailer

Question

Question:

Which side is left or right on a trailer when I want to install electric trailer brakes. Thanks

asked by: Ted

0

Expert Reply:

The left side is the driver side, right side is passenger side. On a trailer brake assembly like # 23-105 the arm that the magnet is on points to the front of the trailer and the magnet always will be on the bottom. I have included a picture that shows what I mean. The matching right side assembly is # 23-106.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

click to enlarge

Eric

8/21/2024

A little confused here on the left or right orientation Of brakes. The curve is the arm leads forward and the magnet trails behind? Thanks Eric Stosius

Bryce D.

8/21/2024

@Eric Yes that's correct, the curved arm will point to the front of the trailer and the magnet will point towards the bottom.

Dan

7/29/2025

What happens if trailer brakes are installed on the wrong side

Robin H.

7/29/2025

@Dan they won't have the right amount of stopping power.

Answer 1

Hi Calvin! All of the pre-greased hubs/drums, like the Terran Industries Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3.5K Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 #TX68VJ, come with bearings made overseas and are all basically the same quality. At least that I…

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Answer 2

The right and left orientation is determined if you are standing behind the trailer looking towards the tow vehicle. The left side is the drivers side and the right side is the passengers side. Tthe shorter brake pad will always be in the front of…

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Answer 3

The braking performance will not be very good if you install brake assemblies on the wrong side of the trailer. The left side assembly is the driver's side (if the trailer were a car) and the right side is the passenger's side. The actuating…

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Answer 4

Hey Brett, the reason we took the RoadArmor cushioned equalizers off our site is because we were told that Lippert stopped offering them to us. That said, we have several similar options that work really well and honestly are a better design like the…

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Answer 5

On a trailer electric brake assembly like the Dexter 6,000 Pound #23-105 you were looking at the magnet itself should be at the bottom. The arm that is attached to the magnet should then be located on the front side of the trailer (towards the…

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Answer 6

Hi Jose, I'd be happy to assist you in finding an equalizer upgrade for your 2026 Jayco Eagle 28BHU. The Lippert Road Amror Shock Absorping Equalizer part #LC53CK is a good equalizer but doesn't account for as much up and down travel,…

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Answer 7

If you look at the wheel cylinder of the brake assemblies part #23-399 and #23-398 you'll see the letters L and R stamped on them. The R means right hand side and L means left. I attached a picture that points out the letter. Right side means…

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Answer 8

A brake magnet such as the one on the Hayes/AL-KO #185100 that you referenced or the brake magnet depicted in your photo does not visually look “worn out” and they do not have hole type wear indicators. If the inner coil of the magnet is exposed then…

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Answer 9

If nothing is noted on the axle or outside of the brakes for the front or rear, you can remove the front hub and take a look at the brakes. The magnet is always on the bottom of the assembly and the actuating arm for the brakes always bows toward the…

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Answer 10

The easiest way to tell if a trailer brake assembly is installed on the correct side of the trailer is to pull the hub off and look at the actuating arm. The arm should be in front of the spindles on the side closer to the front of it. See attached…

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Answer 11

If your trailer axle doesn't currently have brake mounting flanges you have a couple of options, one of which is to simply weld on flanges like you mentioned. A brake mounting flange needs to be welded perfectly square and concentric, which…

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Answer 12

Thank you for providing that information. Leaf springs like the ones you have now typically match the axle capacity on your trailer. Although adding leaf springs with a slightly higher capacity won't hurt, it also is not necessary. Based on the…

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How to Find Which Trailer Brake Assembly Goes on the Left or Right Side of a Trailer

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