Looking For Pair Of Replacement Brakes For 1973 Airstream Safari 23' With Electric Drum Brakes 12"

Published 10/20/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3348)

$181.47

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(2001)

$173.95

Question:

Ive got a 1973,23 Airstream Safari. New brakes installed by a trailer mechanic 5 yrs ago. One brake recently failed. Sounds like I should put on a new pair on that axle. Could you please advise me re new electric drum brake. Drum is 12 inside measure, 6 bolts. Thank you.

asked by: Robert G

Expert Reply:

Hey Robert!

I'd recommend replacing both brake assemblies on that axle to keep the braking balanced. It sounds like you probably have the common 12" x 2" electric brakes, so I'd recommend our etrailer Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA, which includes both sides.

Before ordering, we'll want to confirm the width of your existing brake shoes and that you have a 5-bolt brake mounting flange, since there are a few different 12" brake sizes. The shoes mentioned above are 2" wide which are the most common size.

If you'd rather replace everything, we also have the Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. You'd need two of these along with the brake kit # AKEBRK-7-SA, and then you wouldn't have to worry about matching your original brake shoe width. We'd just need to verify your spindle bearing sizes, wheel bolt pattern, and mounting flange to ensure everything fits. For example this hub fits 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Dexter E-Z Lube and etrailer Easy Grease trailer axles with #42 spindles using Inner bearing: 25580 (1.75" inner diameter) and Outer bearing: 15123 (1.25" inner diameter).

Do you know if you even need new hubs? Hopefully you can just measure your brake shoes to make sure the 2" wide ones mentioned above is all you need.