How to Identify Brakes on an Old Dump Trailer

Updated 09/03/2025 | Published 08/26/2025

Question:

Hey there. So I have an old dump trailer and the brakes are shot on it. There’s no tag on the axles for identification but it’s a 16k overall. How else can I go about finding which ones I need?

asked by: Lee

Expert Reply:

Hey Lee. You'll need to pull the hub and measure the inside of it if you can't find a part number on the brake assemblies themselves. You'll need the diameter of the hub and the width. Most modern brakes, like the item # 23-180-181 you were looking at fit a 12 x 2" drum. You'll also need to check and see what kind of mounting bolt pattern they have that attaches them to the axle. It should be a 5 bolt pattern but it could be a 7 depending on the capacity of your axles.

Are your brakes electric or hydraulic and what is your axle/s capacity? You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Lee

8/27/2025

They’re electric

Jerred H.

8/27/2025

@Lee That's great. Already starting to narrow down the options.

Lee

8/28/2025

@JerredH The ID of the drum is 12 inches the depth looks like 2 1/4 and the shoes measure 2 inches

Jerred H.

9/3/2025

@Lee Thanks for the measurements. So long as your current brakes have a 5-bolt mounting flange the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes item # 23-180-181 are exactly what you need. These are sold as a pair. You'll need one set per axle.