Why Are Some Brakes Not Compatible With 17" Wheels On My Trailer?

Updated 05/05/2025 | Published 04/24/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1075)

$287.45

DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 12" Hub/Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 6,000 lbs

(49)

$625.78

Question:

I am trying to get brake hubs for my tear trailer. I plan to run my original OEM toyota 4runner 17 in wheels. When I look at the options for Trailer hubs and drums with the 6 x 5.5 pattern the limit to wheel size is 16 to 16.5. Is there a worry trying to run a larger wheel? Thanks in advance,

asked by: Steve L

Expert Reply:

Hey Steve, do you know if you have electric brakes or hydraulic? This will help narrow it down.

But to answer your question, there is some worry when trying to run a larger wheel. For example, the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-201-9UC3-EZ works with electric or hydraulic brakes, and is compatible with 14-1/2", 15", 16", and 16-1/2" wheels due to clearance and fitment issues. It's possible this COULD work with your 17" wheels, but Dexter nor we can confirm that fitment.

If you have hydraulic, or are ok with converting, you can go with something like DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 12" Hub/Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 6,000 lbs # DE28YR which is confirmed to fit your application based on what you told me.

Another option is to use adapters to convert to a different lug pattern, but it's not always best practice on trailers.
Feel free to drop a comment below with more info if you need some more help :)

expert reply by: Andrew N

Steve L.

4/29/2025

I am trying to save cost while building my own trailer from scratch. While hydrolic brakes sound nice, I am trying save by using wheels I own already. Is it that the hubs may not have enough space or is it a weight rating issue? Does it make a difference that I am planning an timbren axless hub? Thanks, Steve

Andrew N.

4/30/2025

@SteveL The potential issue is that there may be spacing issues when using with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased # 8-201-9UC3-EZ with 17" wheels. Do you know which part number you are using in regard to the Timbren axle-less suspension? This will also tell us which brake hubs are going to work with your setup. It's very difficult to find everything on a custom trailer from scratch, but I'm hoping we can make something work with your 17" wheels. It's hard to say though without more info. Another issue is that you're trying to use vehicle wheels on a trailer which is difficult to try and make work, but there are sometimes ways to make it work.

Steve

5/5/2025

@AndrewN I dont currently have any purchased parts other than my stock wheels. I am yet to weld my frame starting from scratch. I am a pretty open book at this point. I intend to put 7 spoke Toyota 17 in wheels on if possible. Diameter: 17 inch Width 7.5 inch Number of Lugs: 6 Bolt Pattern: 5.5 Inch Offset: +15mm Backspace: 4.5" Weight: 25lbs Was planning timbren Axeless suspension. Timbren Trailer Axles - ASR2KHDS01 Thanks, Steve