Can I Use Self Adjusting Brakes in Place of Manually Adjusting Brakes on my 5th Wheel

Published 09/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3073)

$171.77

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 10K

(339)

$355.09

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3070)

$186.02

Mounting Hardware for 10" Brake Assemblies

(417)

$18.22

Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies

(222)

$38.95

Question:

Can you put self adjusting brakes on a 5th wheel that does not have self adjusting

asked by: Rusty

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can replace your old manually adjusting brakes with a set of self adjusting brakes without any issues. You'll want to determine the size of the drums on your trailer axles, which can usually be easily determine by your axle capacity.

If you've got 10 inch drums and tandem/triple 3500-lbs axles then you'll want to use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA. These assemblies do not come with mounting hardware included so you'll need the # BRKH10B to mount the brakes to the flanges.

If you've got 12 inch drums on 5000-lbs to 7000-lbs axles then you'll want to use the # AKEBRK-7-SA. If you have larger axles with a capacity over 7k and up to 10k then you can use the # AKEBRK-10. These assemblies also do not come with mounting hardware, so you'll also need the # BRKH12.

I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to check out as well.