Dexter trailer brakes problem...

[Gary - K7GLD]

PK - if you read back up thru the thread, I mentioned a couple of times that I've tried virtually EVERY reasonable brake adjustment - from completely off, to a pretty decent drag - makes NO difference!



RT - thanks for the input - funny thing is, By brother-in-law had EXACTLY the same make/model trailer, just a couple of years older, and NEVER had any brake problems I was aware of...



Go figure!



I'll try the higher capacity backing plate assembly first - as long as it doesn't require a complete brake drum and wheel replacement - it that doesn't work, will have to seriously consider a total axle change...



All your comments on spindle nuts, springs, etc. , are acknowledged - and agreed with - I've noticed the same thing...

 

[C Schomer]

There's no brake upgrade for the 3500lb axles. I've checked with Dexter. The drum and hub are integral so bigger drum means bigger hub, bigger bearings, bigger spindle etc. I priced 6k axles - I think they were about $600@ but then you have to buy new wheels cause they're 6 bolt. Can of worms! I think the tube is probably bigger too. Craig

 

[pkennedy]

Sorry Gary I thought the drag you mentioned was on your controller, after re-reading all postings your right. We spend a lot of time working on horse trailers here as well as RV units because of the gravel roads and the damage it causes. Dexter will not admit it but just like quality spark plugs some are duds, therefore we have tried replacing individual magnets to see if it makes a difference, also I work on tractor trailer units all the time and a positive ground wire (- battery terminal to tractor plug) is the only way to get max connection and current flow. If the trailer is that old 2 new axles is not that expensive and you would be surprised as how quick they will sell at a garage sale. PK

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

HMMmmm - unfortunately, there is still another part of the equation... We are well into our 60's, pushing 70 - and have to also consider how much RV traveling is still ahead of us, and how much use/benefit there would be in swapping/upgrading the axles...



Safety isn't really an issue - the new truck, along with what braking we DO get from the trailer, stops decently - a tribute to the 4-wheel disk brakes on the '02 Dodge...



So if the info above on non-availability of any upgrades of the existing axles is correct, we might simply continue to live with less than satisfactory trailer brakes, while getting as much outta them as we can with careful adjustment and attention...



After all the stuff, both mechanical and electrical, I've done, I sorta figure the basic problem relates to magnets that are too weak to properly activate the brake shoe linkage - I'll run my problem past the local RV shop, and see what suggestions they might have - thanks to all for the input - it has been VERY helpful!

 

[T-Ricky]

I just remembered a crazy mistake I made a few years ago that caused a problem like this. I put the primary shoe on the wrong side after a rebuild. If you do go for a rebuild buy new axles. It cost the same as buying all the brake components.

Rick T.

 

[HBarlow]

Braking Problem with Dexter Axles

For "T-Ricky"



You suggested replacement of the troublesome axles to cure the braking problem and mentioned Southwest Wheel as a good source.



Did you use solid axle assemblies or the torsion axles Southwest Wheel manufactures and installs? Would you mind sharing the approximate price for replacement of a pair of complete torsion axle assemblies on a tandem axle trailer if that is what you used?



Thanks,

Harvey