Dexter MH electric brake replacement

[22x]

Hello,
I just bought a trailer that has 6k Dexter Mobile Home axles on it & the electric brakes are all rusted & need to be replaced. Can anyone confirm that the brakes are 12 x 2? I believe they are from all of the research I've done.

Has anyone ever replaced brakes on these? Since the brake backing plate is part of the axle, I don't believe you can replace with a complete brake assembly - but you can replace all of the individual components, i.e., pads, springs, magnet, etc. Can anyone confirm this?

I have called both Dexter & etrailer.com & neither of them have given me a straight answer

Thanks
Doug

 

[orezok]

Measure the bolt pattern on the backing plate. Chances are, standard 12x2 trailer brake assemblies will fit or can be adapted.

 

[Travelover]

The cheapest place I've found to buy electric brakes is Eastern Marine.

Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

 

[22x]

The cheapest place I've found to buy electric brakes is Eastern Marine.

Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

Thanks guys I will measure mine & then check out eastern marine!:thumbsup:

 

[crazyal]

The last time I replaced brake shoes I had to bring a set down to the local trailer place and they had a book and just matched up the brake to an outline. I've heard that companies like Dexter don't like to sell brake parts for their MH axles as a way to prevent people from using them to build trailers. That's why they weld the backing plate onto the axle. I think what I would do is measure the inside diameter and width of the drum buy one of the complete bolt on assemblies, they are pretty cheap. Then I would see if I couldn't adapt it to work. If you can then you'll never have to worry about getting brake parts in the future. Another option is to call a mobile home place. Around here they sell the axles for $100 the last time I checked. You could find you can replace the whole thing for the same price as buying replacement brakes.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Before you spend the money does your state require inspections? If so it may not be a legal trailer due to the MH axles.

I work on trailers part time and we will not touch MH axles due to liability. Also many customers are from a state away that require inspections and they have had issues.

Chris

 

[22x]

Before you spend the money does your state require inspections? If so it may not be a legal trailer due to the MH axles.

I work on trailers part time and we will not touch MH axles due to liability. Also many customers are from a state away that require inspections and they have had issues.

Chris

Not that I'm aware of. This trailer is actually a snowmobile trailer, so it only get's used 4-5 times a year. I've been able to identify all of the parts I will need to replace the brakes.

Thanks
Doug

 

[sklunk]

Check here too:

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

Paul can probably answer a lot of your questions.

 

[22x]

Measure the bolt pattern on the backing plate. Chances are, standard 12x2 trailer brake assemblies will fit or can be adapted.

I am finally getting back to this project - too many other things going on

I have taken one wheel off & taken off all of the old brake parts. My next step will be to grind/cut off the old backing plates. I am trying to determine what size backing plate I need. Does anyone know what size axles they are? Based on everything I've read I think 3", but am not sure.

Anyone?
Thanks
Doug

 

[crazyal]

Is your plan to remove the backing plates and then weld these on?

Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle Redline Accessories and Parts 4-44-1

 

[22x]

Yep...that's exactly what I plan to do. I determined that they are 3" axles. Found a guy to weld them on so will be ordering the parts from ertrailer. Got one side ground off last night and will do the other today.
Thanks
Doug

 

[schmism]

I would have defiantly gone the route of just bolting on new axles. The only thing you have managed to "save" was some axle tubes that im shure are good and rusty.

Be shure to post what it costs you to do your rebuild. I think it would be usefull for others who come across MH axled trailers and have questions about them (several times a year around here).

Do you have a source for new rims and tires lined up? (like some old chevy wheels or something?)

 

[bcp]

From:
Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - FAQ'S

AXLES - Can mobile home axles be reused?
The Dexter MH (mobile home) type axle is designed for limited usage in the delivery of manufactured homes and has a one-time limit use. The axle has steel forged spindles that are not precision ground. The brake assembly is welded onto the beam and not intended to be field replaced. Additionally, the bearing package is smaller than the more expensive service type axle. Most MH axles are also equipped with a single leaf spring suspension for very heavy loads. We do not have components that would convert MH axles to serviceable assemblies.

 

[crazyal]

I would have defiantly gone the route of just bolting on new axles. The only thing you have managed to "save" was some axle tubes that im shure are good and rusty.

Be shure to post what it costs you to do your rebuild. I think it would be usefull for others who come across MH axled trailers and have questions about them (several times a year around here).

Do you have a source for new rims and tires lined up? (like some old chevy wheels or something?)

You reuse the brake drum, wheels, and tires. All you do is replace the welded on plate that holds the brake shoes with a ring (welded on) that allows you to bolt on a complete brake assembly.



It's about $65 per wheel.

 

[crazyal]

From:
Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - FAQ'S

AXLES - Can mobile home axles be reused?
The Dexter MH (mobile home) type axle is designed for limited usage in the delivery of manufactured homes and has a one-time limit use. The axle has steel forged spindles that are not precision ground. The brake assembly is welded onto the beam and not intended to be field replaced. Additionally, the bearing package is smaller than the more expensive service type axle. Most MH axles are also equipped with a single leaf spring suspension for very heavy loads. We do not have components that would convert MH axles to serviceable assemblies.

Dexter doesn't like their MH axles reused. I bet a part of the reason why they don't like their axles being reused is that is money out of their pocket. The last time I checked for $125 I could get a MH axle, springs and tires/ wheels from a MH dealer. Hard to compete against those kinds of prices with new axles. If Dexter really was so concerned with safety they would lease the axles out and require their return.