How to Determine Which Replacement Brakes Fit a Vintage Airstream Trailer

Question

Question:

Hello, I have attached an image from a vintage Airstream trailer. Am wondering if I can replace these with something new and modern. Thanks.

asked by: Mdu

0

Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help!

To figure out if new modern brakes will work on your vintage Airstream you'll need to figure out which size your brakes are.

Based on your picture it looks like you have a 5 bolt mounting flange similar to what # AKEBRK-6 use, and these brakes measure in at 12" in diameter and 2" wide. These are designed for 5,200 - 7,000lb brakes so you'll want to check your axle tag to see if this lines up with the axle on your trailer.

The easiest way to get this measurement is by measuring the drum following the included picture.

If you find your brakes are a different size, let me know and we can find another option for you.

expert reply by: Samuel C

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How To Measure Trailer Drum Assembly
(click to enlarge)

Picture of brake assembly on Airstream
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Yes, the Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing, #25580, is the replacement for the Airstream trailer bearing 4T-25580. It has an inner diameter of 1.750 inches and has the same outer diameter as well. If the (back)INNER bearing is the 4T-25580, then there…

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Answer 2

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 3

Hey Tito, From what I can find the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly #8-388-80UC3 and Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes #23-458-459 do appear to be the correct fit but you'll want to first verify the wheel bolt pattern and axle capacity…

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Answer 4

Thanks for the picture and info on your current brake assemblies, from that we know that the Dexter brake assembly part #23-106 that you referenced is the correct fit. For the left hand side you'd then want the part #23-105.

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Answer 5

The four wires on trailer brake controllers are standardized so they always connect in the same way. The black wire connects to the battery positive terminal (through a circuit breaker) to deliver operating power to the controller; the white wire is…

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Answer 6

I was able to find the following produce for adjusting the pendulum on the Kelsey Brake Controller: "Depress the brake pedal just far enough to illuminate the tow vehicle brake lights. Use a finger to pull the pendulum leveling arm (a small…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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How to Determine Which Replacement Brakes Fit a Vintage Airstream Trailer

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