etrailer | Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation 23-26

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Full transcript: www.etrailer.com/tv-install-d...
Speaker 1: Today we'll be taking a look at, and showing you how to install, the 10 inch Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes. They're available for the driver's side and the passenger side, or as a kit with both. They come in weight ratings of 3,000 pounds, 3,500 pounds, or 4,400 pounds. That's going to depend on which axle you have on your trailer.One of our customers, Paul, wrote in, "What is the difference between the 3,500 and 4,400 assembly and how do I know which axle I have on my trailer" Well that's easy, Paul. There should be a tag or information stamped into the axle. You just want to see what you have there, and refer to our site to get the appropriate one.
The 3,500 and the 4,400 are the weight ratings.This electric brake assembly is going to be a direct replacement for ones that may be existing on your trailer, or you can upgrade your trailer to add these. The manual inaudible 00:00:47 at the bottom will get a signal from the brake controller on your vehicle. Depending on the sensitivity of the brake controller, that will vary the magnitude of the magnetism on the magnet. The magnet will grab your drum brake, forcing the pads outward, causing the brakes to apply.The brake pads on our assembly are going to be bonded pads. What's nice about this versus riveted pads, is that as your brake pads wear, no rivets can poke through causing any damage to your drum assembly.
There is a left and right brake assembly. There's a sticker located on here that will tell you whether it's a left or right hand side. Another way you can help identify if you have the appropriate side is that this is a leading trailing pad set up, so the smaller pad is your leading pad, which goes towards the front, and the trailing is the larger pad, which is located towards the rear.It comes ready to wire, so you just need to hook it up to your old assembly's wiring if you've replaced it. Or if you're running new ones, you'll need to make sure you have one connection to ground and the other one connected to your brake controller signal. It doesn't matter which one's connected to which, either one will work.It'll connect to your axle with a four bolt pattern.
The hardware you'll need to connect it to your axles comes included with our assembly. When your tire's on, and the system's fully assembled, you can adjust it through the open slot, here at the back. The kit includes a small cover that can be placed over this, to seal up your assembly, once you're done adjusting.We're going to start with our wheel off. Since we're upgrading, by adding brakes to our system instead of just replacing an old assembly, we'll need to replace this hub with our new drum brake hub. You'll need to take the cap off here, at the end.
You'll just hammer this off. Below here, you're going to have your nut. To remove the nut, you're going to need to take the cotter pin, it's found beneath. We're going to have to straighten it back out, so we'll just grab it here, with our needle-nosed pliers. If you are planning on re-using that cap we knocked off, I do recommend using a rubber mallet for that, so you don't damage it. Once you've got the cotter pin straight, you can just pull the cotter pin out. We're going to set it aside. We've got a napkin laid down for everything, so that way, we don't make a mess.Now, we'll remove the nut, located here in the center, using a pair of channel locks. I'm just going to unthread that, all the way. And we're going to set it aside.Our whole hub assembly can now be pulled off. You want to note, though, that there's going to be a washer and a bearing that's just going to fall out, so we're going to use our needle-nose pliers to catch those. We'll set those aside, and now we can set our hub aside. Now, since we're adding drum brakes, we won't be re-installing that hub, nor any of the components except for the nut and the cotter pin and the washer. We won't be re-using the bearings.Now you're going to want to remove all that grease that's on there. And we can now install our drum b

[@sophakpeth4346]

The magnitude on the magnetism of the magnets. Nice

[@nezahualcoyotlsanchez6048]

Thank you! such a small word but means a lot (it doesn't matter which wire goes where) that's the answer I was looking for.

[@etrailer]

We are happy to help! Sometimes it helps to see an installation done before you have to do it yourself. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

When wiring can you pigtail the wires and run one set up to the junction box or do have to run all four wires up?

[@readplanet23]

Thank You for the informative and educational video. I am currently researching the pros and cons of drum and disc trailer brakes. etrailer’s videos are helping me see both brake systems from many different perspectives. Thank You again and Have A Good Day! 🛻🚤🏖️

[@etrailer]

In a nutshell, disc brakes will provide better performance especially for heavier trailers. Electric brakes are less expensive. Let us know if we can help with any questions! www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter/23-26.html

[@seansullivan5071]

Adding trailer brakes, seems like it extends the tire out a little further is that correct?

[@marceloeguino]

Do they work on boat trailers that will get salt water on them?

[@whitepineproductions]

Very clear and confidence building. This is obviously a southern trailer. Does the kit come with washers for the nuts that hold the backer plates on? What torque? The wiring connections exposed to the elements look flimsy. I'd seal it or uses a small junction box. Also your brake wires left to chafe with no protection is a bad idea. One last thing. A new cotter pin.

[@etrailer]

Dexter includes the installation hardware as well as the mud and crud plugs that cover the adjuster holes. 45-50 foot-lbs is the recommended torque value. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter/23-26.html

[@goober239]

How tight should the crown nut be on the axle? I heard if there is enough drag to stop the tire in a half turn by hand its good.

[@etrailer]

The nut is ran down until there is no side to side play in the hub, and then backed off to the next notch in the castle nut so the tang washer or cotter pin can secure the nut. Over-tightening the castle nut can damage the bearings, races and spindle.

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

Would you recommend total axle and drum brake assembly for 1965 Trotwood vintage trailer. Seems too expensive . Need new trailer like enclosed utility trailer..lol. Great video!!

[@etrailer]

A lot of vintage trailers use bearings and seals that are no longer in production. If your axle is in good shape and you are lucky enough to replacement parts fairly easy then by all means use the same axle. Most likely what's going to happen though is that it will take you quite a bit of searching to find replacement parts (if they are even out there) and that alone is almost worth upgrading to a newer axle where replacement bearings and seals are around every turn and very easy to find. Below is a link to our trailer parts list as well as a link to our helpful articles that you can reference. www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Parts www.etrailer.com/article-categories.aspx

[@AUMINER1]

cool - thank you!

[@etrailer]

We are happy to help! Check out the following link for more information on this kit. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-27.html

[@mrpush2855]

The bonded pads failed on my trailer, well after 16 years, but still, it was catastrophic wheel lockup and I was moving. I think rivets would be better to avoid such.

[@etrailer]

That doesn't sound like it was fun at all. The bonding material has improved from 16 years ago and proves to be much stronger. There are still riveted kits available if that is the route you would like to go. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Demco/DMSB18794M-93M.html

[@doubleagent6951]

They failed because of the heat from expansion. Your brakes were old and probably sticking from 16 years of brake pad dust build up. Brakes are good for 5 years or less. I had my trailer lock up on me too. But I caught it while doing my pretrip in the driveway of my home.

[@MegaDysart]

@@doubleagent6951 that 5 years or less rule is nonsense. As long as you keep them serviced and adjusted and not contaminated, the shoes are good until they're worn out whether that takes 5 years or 50 years.

[@nfarc7542]

Are the 3500# axle trailer brakes pretty standardized? I need to replace the brakes on 1 axle of my car trailer with 3500# axles, and they look basically identical to these. They do measure 10" at the inner diameter of the drum as well.

[@etrailer]

There is a high chance if it is a 3,500# axle, that it is a Dexter axle. If you can confirm that it is a Dexter axle, then these are the brakes that you will need. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-27.html

[@jdiddy6901]

What's the wiring process to add a set of brakes to a tandem axle trailer that already has one set? Can the existing wires at the brake axle just be tapped into?

[@etrailer]

Yes, you can tap into the existing wiring and you will want to make sure you have the mounting plate on the axle without brakes to mount the new brakes to. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@docmiki]

can we add the 4 hole back plate for the brakes to be installed? because our axle has no back plates

[@etrailer]

The 4 hole backing plate will have to be on the axle from factory. They are usually welded on to the axle tube. You would need to get a new axle if you are wanting to add brakes to your trailer. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Axles.aspx www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx

[@jessieharris8204]

So on the magnitude of the magnetism of the magnetic magnets. What's the polarity? If you would let me know that would be magnificent !!!

[@gschady]

In order to best determine that .. put on your Tin Foil hat and put your head under the tire then release the jack

[@ShadowDragon246]

currently have a webberlane 5x10 aluminum utility trailer, with dexter hubs on currently. I want to add trailer brakes, is there a link to a full kit or do you have to buy each part sepperately? trailer has the 4 bolt flange on the inside of the axle already. also do you ship to canada?

[@etrailer]

The brakes and drums are typically available separately because of all of the different trailers with different axle set ups. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes-sf-Electric_Drum_Brakes.aspx www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=drum&furl=-pg-Trailer_Hubs_and_Drums

[@CampingDad247]

Do you use the frame of the trailer/camper as a ground? Or connects to the ground on 7 pin connector?

[@etrailer]

One of the wires will connect to the ground on the 7 pole and the other will connect to the brake signal. If your 7 pole has a good ground you can just ground the wire directly to the trailer. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@michaelkiblinger9008]

Do you need to "burn in" new brakes?. I put new brakes on and they do not stop as good as the old ones

[@etrailer]

Check out the following FAQ on our website as it talks about the break in period that Dexter recommends. www.etrailer.com/question-143655.html

[@MR-xk7ku]

My old dexter trailer brakes have a hydraulic pressure release pin, for the parking brake. Is this the right model for that?

[@etrailer]

The best way to tell is to match either the axle to the correct brake kit or if you can get the brake kit number and match it. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@andrewchristian2996]

Will this drum brake kit work on my ufp 3500lb axle that previously had hydraulic disc surge brakes i am wanting to get rid of the hydraulic brakes

[@etrailer]

This kit should work. You will just need to add the wiring to be able to send the signal from the tow vehicle. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html www.etrailer.com/Wiring/etrailer/e99011.html

[@azdeserthobbies2047]

Can these be installed upside down as in a hundred eighty degrees out for instance my axle is in the way of the adjustment in the bottom can I rotate the plates fill out the adjustment is on top

[@etrailer]

The brake assemblies are not designed to be installed upside down. You can use the brake adjustment spoon in the following link. Many people have struggled with the same issue you are having and the adjustment spoon solved their problem. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Performance-Tool/W80630.html

[@erikdale9145]

1970s 2 horse steel trailer,I want to add brakes. can I use one per side or is one per wheel needed? 4 total? Its old so will bearings be replaceable?

[@etrailer]

If you are wanting to add breaks to your trailer, you can either add them to one axle or both. It will depend on how much your are pulling and additional stopping power you think you need. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@HomesteadDad]

Can any axles take new brakes if they didn’t have them previously?

[@etrailer]

It is possible. Check out the following link to learn how. www.etrailer.com/question-358221.html

[@jaydegelder2964]

So just to make sure you stand at the back of your trailer and while facing your back doors left side is left and right side is right, Right?

[@spyder000069]

Left=driver's side Right=Passenger's side. Assuming you are in the United States. :^)

[@jaydegelder2964]

@@spyder000069 , no I'm actually in Canada but same difference , thanks for clearing that up. Jay.

[@mazenanan]

Do you recommend adding a suspension system to a horse trailer?

[@etrailer]

It never hurts to have a smoother ride but the concern would be that you would be increasing the entry height of the trailer. Many of them have torsion axles. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Axles-sf-Rubber_Spring_Suspension.aspx

[@davidbell9143]

Do these electric brakes connect to your brake pedal in the truck?

[@etrailer]

The brakes on the trailer will be applied for the vehicles brake controller, whether it be factory or aftermarket. Typically the brake controller will sense the inertia of the vehicle coming to a stop and the trailer will stop at the same rate. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html www.etrailer.com/fitguidebc.htm

[@kevinholder8370]

How do I adjust the bearings? Is there a torque spec for the axle nut?

[@etrailer]

There's no adjustments that should need to be made with bearings on an axle. You can remove them to pack them with grease and then place them back into the race on the hub. If the axle nut is a castle nut then it will not be torqued. You will tighten the castle nut till it's tight and back it off 1/4 turn and insert the cotter pin. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@elonlovesyou]

The reason for backing off the nut is to allow for heat expansion.

[@jj-eo7bj]

A tandom axle snowmobile trailer would need 1 set or both axles ?

[@etrailer]

It really would depend on the weight of your trailer or what your trailer came with. Some tandem axle trailers have two sets of brakes and some only have one. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@ErikR1979]

What is the part number for the drums themselves for the 3500lb brake kit. I want to ensure I get the right ones. Thank.

[@etrailer]

Check out the following link to see the drum kit that matches the 3,500 lb brakes shown in this video. www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter-Axle/84546UC3-EZ.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@a-kafka4466]

i was wondering. are these water proof to the point that i can put the on a boat trailer?

[@etrailer]

As long as your seals are good, you will be just fine to use this on a boat trailer. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Hubs_and_Drums.aspx www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx

[@joshmiller8663]

I have a 2020 car trailer with a 9990 GVW what size brakes would it take. 3 grease seals failed I'm assuming the pads can't be cleaned. I only have approx 3000 miles on the trailer

[@etrailer]

Your trailer most likely has either 5,200lb or 6,000 lb axles. Check out the following link to see our brake kits that we have on our website for these size axles. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes-sz-5200_lbs_Axle.aspx www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes-sz-6000_lbs_Axle.aspx

[@HeinerStorchennest1]

Does this setup imply a parking brake? I wonder, whether I can upgrade my unbraked 750kg total mass trailer to an electric braking system. Are there some technical drawings, figures to be find on your website?

[@etrailer]

What specific drawings or figures were you needing? If you use this link : www.etrailer.com/faq-Adding-Electric-Drum-Brakes.aspx you can see an example listing the type of parts needed to add drum brakes to a trailer that doesn't already have them.

[@hennerschmidt5964]

@@etrailer Thanks a lot for the quick response, especially the very helpful link. By the way, may I ask how the procedure is in the US, in case you modify your vehicle and keep it road legal. Is there an institution/authority, which confirms proper installation for example? Do you a certification of the manufacturer, who proves the features of the item fitted to a trailer or vehicle?

[@etrailer]

In the US, the only time we're aware of that a trailer is inspected is when a home-made trailer is inspected by the state police/DOT to assign it a VIN. The requirements for passenger vehicle inspections varies by locality. At a minimum, a safety inspection is required. Some areas also require an emissions inspection as well. Hope that helps!

[@HeinerStorchennest1]

@@etrailer Thanks again. Very efficient regulation in the US.

[@etrailer]

You're welcome, glad we could help!

[@Chevyryder2012]

Hi, what wiring a need to install trailer brakes? My trailer have the 4 pin connector

[@etrailer]

You can use our ETBC7 wiring kit to get a 7 pole plug on the rear of your vehicle since you already have a 4 pole connector. You will also need to install a brake controller if your vehicle does not already have one. Check out these products in the following links. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html www.etrailer.com/fitguidebc.htm

[@Chevyryder2012]

@@etrailer no i was asking what wiring kit is needed to install the brake drums on a single axle trailer

[@stilltuckered]

You need a kit that will add a (hand) parking brake to boat trailers. Boats can be heavy but their trailers don’t have parking brakes. Surge brakes and electric trailer brakes are great when moving the trailer. . . But why no parking brakes like military trailers?

[@etrailer]

We have a set of drum brakes available that have a parking brake feature in them. Check them out in the following links. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/T2351300.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/T2351200.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Titan/T2385200.html

[@lostintime8651]

do I really need 4 brakes? I have 2 axles on my trailer. But I don't use it much and I don't carry too much. It's very expensive to replace all 4 right now. thoughts?

[@lostintime8651]

if I only do 2 now should I do the front or the rears ones?

[@etrailer]

If your trailer has brakes on both axles, it means that is what the trailer needs to stop what it is rated for. We recommend keeping all the brakes in working condition if they are installed on your trailer. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@lostintime8651]

@@etrailer I realized today that only the rear brakes were hooked up. Why would they put a complete brake assembly on and not wire it up?

[@Thefubeca12]

@@lostintime8651 lazy people?

[@HaftardsGuideService]

Is this universal to most trailer axles?

[@etrailer]

You need to make sure that is the same bolt patter and spindle size that is on your axle. You check see those on our website in the following link and compare them to yours. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@ApartmentB]

Since there is no physical connection between the unit and the car or the rf module and the Rv how does it know when to brake?

[@etrailer]

Are you speaking of the Tekonsha Prodigy RF, part # TK94FR? If so, the trailer plugs into the RF unit and the unit plugs into the vehicle's trailer connector. Via the trailer connector, the RF unit can sense when the vehicle is braking. If you were speaking of something else, please let us know!

[@ApartmentB]

@@etrailer no sorry I was typing in another video and it switched to this video and posted in here! I was referring to the Blue Ox Patriot brake for flat towing. I can’t find anything on how it specifically works. Does it have an inertia sensor?

[@davidwillerup7605]

What if my axle doesn’t have a backing plate?

[@etrailer]

That most likely means that your old brake assembly was welded on or your axle was not designed to have brakes added to it. You can weld on a trailer brake mounting flange if you are wanting to add brakes to a trailer that did not already have them. Check out the following link to see the options we have available. www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Trailer+Brake+Mounting+Flange&furl=-pg-Accessories_and_Parts-sf-Trailer_Brakes www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@theusconstitution1776]

Can I install this on my boat trailer? Another words can I back it in the water

[@etrailer]

You can definitely install electric brakes on a boat trailer, just be sure to disconnect your trailer wiring from your tow vehicle before backing it into the water.

[@DH-qz4mx]

Now there's a dude I like. No friggin latex gloves used to do his job.

[@forgenorth1444]

Ah nothing like the smell of cosmoline on your hands while eating dinner later

[@mileaux]

god forbid someone use ppe

[@hawkboy000]

My wife loves clean hands. If I’m doing a crazy job and my gloves rip, big deal. But I keep them clean when I can. Have some pride

[@nvuittonet]

The magnitude of the magnetism of the magnet😆

[@garywalton1604]

Do you have surge brakes hook up

[@etrailer]

Check out the following link to see the hydraulic drum brake options we have. www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes-sf-Hydraulic_Drum_Brakes.aspx

[@doubleagent6951]

Adjusting your brakes to tight will wear them out faster and you'll lose fuel milage. The extra dust and brake pad material will cause the brakes to stick. Causing more premature wear.

[@etrailer]

You are correct. This is why it is important to spin the wheel after adjusting them to make sure they are not dragging to much. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html

[@rubenmelger2258]

Me gustaría que el lenguaje sea en Español porque no entiendo nada gracias

[@abigailbautista6710]

El freno tiene 2 medidas frente el más largo el más prkeño atras

[@bigsid1984]

If have dual axle does matter what set

[@etrailer]

If you have tandem axles you will need two right and two left hand brake kits. Or you can pick up two kits that have both sides included. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-26.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/23-27.html www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter-Axle/23-26-27.html

[@enviropals1]

Electric trailer brakes wiring

[@barrydunn1787]

Do NOT use crimp connections on DC circuits! These connections must be soldered to ensure lasting dependability.

[@elinoamrichter162]

I use the heat shrinks with solder in the middle, works great and is super easy

[@gschady]

He forgot to ___________ and I usually ____________ (fill in YOUR expert opinion here)

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

torque up the retaining stud nuts

[@redlineprolandworksdigging1163]

The polarity of the wires is indeed important as newer trucks with built in brake controllers require the correct polarity in order for the system to recognize that there is a trailer brake system attached.

[@gantfrost7749]

Are you sure that applies to what was installed in the video? If both wires are the same color, that usually indicates polarity not matter. Both wires are green here, so how could you know which to hook to neg or pos?

[@Toro-Tor]

You forgot to remove both inner and outer bearing-races from your old hub and fit them into your new hub ... and the seal on the rear, which you you should replace. Why are there 2 places on that Backing-plate cut out? These Brakes are dangerous - I would never fit them, it is just a very bad idea ! Because there's no such "magnitude of magnetism of ...", The coil simply reacts to the brake-light being on or off. Regardless of how hard or gentle you push your brakes, regardless of what speed you are going, regardless of weather and road-conditions: these trailer-brakes will always brake the same amount.

[@davidsmith5982]

the new hub came with new bearings and the races already pressed in. there is a brake controller in the tow vehicle that has an inertia sensor that regulates the voltage and the speed at which that voltage is applied. The brakes are not just wired to the brake lights...lol Maybe a few decades ago? idk

[@Toro-Tor]

@@davidsmith5982 Thanks for replying and clarifying this to me - now this makes more sense than to what is said in the video where it is connected to "magnitude of magnetism of ...". I guess then it is a brake-pressure-sensor fitted on the tow-vehicle, converting that signal (ohms) into volts for the solenoid on the trailer-brakes.