How Do I Find Out What Brake I Need?

Updated 10/24/2024 | Published 10/23/2024

Question:

How do I find out what brake I need?

asked by: Randy M

Expert Reply:

Hey Randy I am happy to assist but I am going to need a lot more detailed information from you here. Are you looking to add brakes to your trailer? Are you looking to replace brake parts? Are you needing a brake controller for your tow vehicle? Please elaborate and provide as much detailed info as you can and I am happy to look into it.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Randy

10/23/2024

Thank you for the quick reply. I have a 2018 genesis toy hauler 25ft. My truck will indicate that my trailer is disconnected ..I thought it would be my truck so I took it to the dealership and they replaced everything. I was told it could be my trailer brakes worn..How do I fine the correct trailer brakes?

Jesse M.

10/23/2024

@Randy Ok gotcha. Brakes will be specific to the weight capacity of your axle, but there is no way to look this up based on the year, make and model of trailer. If you look under the trailer at the axle tube there should be a sticker that shows the weight capacity. For example, the axles rated between 5,200 lbs and 7,000 lbs use the same standard 12"x2" brake assemblies such as the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA. If no sticker is present let me know the diameter of the axle tube and the number of bolt holes in the brake flange and I can narrow it down for you. Generally, the brakes being worn would cause weak braking power, but not connection issues with the truck. It might be worth checking the 7-way on your trailer and truck for any rust or corrosion. I have heard of many cases where corroded pins on the 7-way can cause the truck to think the trailer is disconnected. just wanted to throw that out there. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Randy

10/23/2024

@JesseM It's a lippert 5200 lbs 5 lug. Thank you for your help

Jesse M.

10/24/2024

@Randy Thanks for confirming. In that case I recommend the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA. These are self-adjusting brake assemblies. They are the standard 12x2 size which is correct for the 5.2K axles.

Jesse M.

10/24/2024

@Randy Depends on the condition. Check the inside of the drum especially the surface the magnet rides on. If there is excessive wear or any pitting they will need to be replaced. If your hubs are original from 2018 they may still be usable but it really depends. As far as new hubs it can be a bit more tricky. Your axle should use a hub like the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. There are a few possible bearing/seal combinations for the 5.2K axles so I do suggest you verify what bearings your axle uses. The best way to do this is to pull a hub and remove the bearings. Each one will have a number stamped on the edge and we can use the inner and outer bearing numbers to get you the right hub. If your axle has a sticker with a model number and serial number we may be able to use that to determine the bearing sizing. This can be hit or miss though because it can be difficult to get this info from trailer manufacturers and it can take time. If you are willing to remove a hub it will be much faster and a more reliable way to get the right parts. The # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K hub I mentioned uses the # 25580 (1.75" inner diameter) inner bearing and the 15123 (1.25" inner diameter) outer bearing.