Recommended Self-Adjusting Brakes for a 5,200 lbs Axle

Question

Question:

I have a lippert axle 5200k Best i can tell its a 12x2. I have noticed there are several 12x2in 5 hole backing plate brake assemblies. I am wanting a self adjusting assembly. Is there any difference between a 12x2 assembly aslong as rated over my 5200. most are 5 to 7000k. Sorry being winded tring to save some cash. Thank you

asked by: TODD T

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Expert Reply:

Hey Todd, welcome back! The most affordable set of self-adjusting brake assemblies I have for a 5,200 lbs Lippert Axle are the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes item # AKEBRK-7-SA. This is a set of left and right brake assemblies that fit a 5-bolt brake mounting flange. These will save you quite a bit of money over going with the comparable Dexter item # 23-458-459.

Most brake assemblies for 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs axles are the same size and have the same 5-bolt brake flange pattern. You do run into some that are specifically designed for certain types of braking systems like ABS but on a 2014 trailer you won't have to worry about that.

If you need new installation hardware, we have the Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies item # BRKH12. This will replace one axle's worth of hardware.

Are you replacing the stock brakes on your 2014 Keystone Cougar?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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AKEBRK-7-SA
(click to enlarge)

Todd T.

5/21/2026

Thank you for the reply. My mechanic is going to tear into them in couple weeks and we will know more. He is thinking magnets are weak and seems like it be about as simple buy the whole thing

Bill S.

5/22/2026

@ToddT. Buy the whole setup with backing plate, brake shoes, magnets, etc. So easy and everything works!

Jerred H.

5/23/2026

@ToddT You're welcome! In these situation's it's typically less expensive and easier to swap out the entire brake assembly rather than replacing individual parts.

Jerred H.

5/23/2026

@BillS Great tip Bill! Thanks for sharing that feedback!

See All (4) Replies to Todd T. ∨

Scott

5/23/2026

Todd, Yes, buy the entire package. It is a simple installation and so worth it with the self adjusting setup. The 5200 to 7k axles are all 3” diameter and backing plate hole spacing is the same. Scott

Jerred H.

5/23/2026

@Scott Great tip Scott! Thanks for taking the time to share that feedback!

Answer 1

The Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K #AKEBRK-7-SA are the equivalent of the Dexter 7K assemblies #23-465 and #23-464. They are actually a little nicer than the Dexter assemblies in…

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Answer 2

Installing brakes on a trailer really isn't too bad. The install is pretty basic and a DIYer like yourself wouldn't have a problem at all. To determine the parts you need though we need to for sure know what axles/spindles you have so that we…

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Answer 3

Hey Buddy, thanks for reaching out and providing the photos! The part number you gave me means that you can use the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes #23-105-106 as an exact replacement for what was used as a replacement on the highway, but you'll…

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Answer 4

The etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-SA and the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Kit # 23-464-465 referenced in your question are both self-adjusting assemblies that will work to replace the existing Dexter brakes on your 7,000…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs #23-180-181 and the #23-105-106 you mentioned are the strength of the brake magnets. The #23-180-181 was designed for 7000lb axles…

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Answer 6

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 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

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 9

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 10

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 11

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 12

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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Recommended Self-Adjusting Brakes for a 5,200 lbs Axle

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