Can Dexter 8K ABS Tow Assist Brakes Be Used As Upgrade On Dexter ABS 7k Or 7.5K Axle?
Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 10/28/2025
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Question:
Can the dexter 8K ABS Tow Assist brakes be used on a dexter 7K or 7.5K trailer axle if I already have Dexter abs hubs?
asked by: Ron
Expert Reply:
Ron, they can’t - even though both the 7.5K # DX23WR and 8K # DX55WR ABS Tow Assist brakes are 12-1/4" diameter, they use different shoe widths and hardware that match specific drum depths and axle components.
The 7.5K brakes use a 2-1/2" wide shoe, while the 8K version steps up to a 3-3/8" shoe. That extra depth means the 8K backing plate, drum, and magnet sit farther out, so they won’t line up correctly on a 7K or 7.5K hub.
If your axle tag lists 7,000 lbs, the correct ABS replacements are the Left # DX69WR and Right # DX79WR.
For 7.5K ABS axles, use # DX23WR instead.
Both fit Dexter’s Tow Assist system but aren’t interchangeable because each brake assembly is matched precisely to the drum width and load capacity of its axle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake for Dexter ABS Tow Assist - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand - 7.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- ABS
- Self Adjust
- 12-1/4 x 2-1/2 Inch Drum
- 7500 lbs Axle
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
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Ron
11/3/2025
Appreciate it, Andrew. I’ve got a 2021 Airstream Classic with 7K axles and was thinking about bumping to 8K for a little extra safety margin, but sounds like it’s not just a bolt-on swap.