Dexter MH electric brake replacement

22x · Mar 19, 2013

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 · Mar 19, 2013

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

Travelover · Mar 19, 2013

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

Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

22x · Mar 19, 2013

Travelover said:
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 · Mar 19, 2013

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 · Mar 19, 2013

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 · Mar 21, 2013

Diamondpilot said:
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 · Mar 21, 2013

Check here too:

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

Paul can probably answer a lot of your questions.

22x · Jul 3, 2013

orezok said:
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