brake/axle question

[Chuck]

I was just curious about replacement brakes...I've seen people mention that the new axles come with Dexter brakes. went poking around to see what it might cost to replace mine, and from the pictures I see, it seems that all the Dexter drums only have 5 holes in them...how does one mount a 6-hole wheel to such a drum? Or am I looking at the wrong thing? What would the correct replacement brake be?

now, my brakes seem to be working fine, and the PO mentioned that he had the "brakes replaced" (whatever that means ) in recent years. I'm wondering if these brakes would fit on a new replacement axle, as mine are looking worn...or if new brakes would be required.

[Over59]

I don't see the problem here chuck, just use five of the wholes and keep the other one for a spare.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Over59

I don't see the problem here chuck, just use five of the holes and keep the other one for a spare.

That would be silly. You need to get you some five-hole-to-six-hole adapter plates, and trim the aluminum skin so the tires can clear with the added width

Maybe some painted flames down the sides...

[Chuck]

Thanks, guys. That's very helpful.

[markdoane]

I wouldn't use any kind of adapter. Just drill and tap an extra hole in the hub.

On a more serious note, you're looking at a different hub. The number of lugs depends on the rating of the axle. I think the 10" brakes have 5 bolts, and the 12" brakes are 6 bolts. Not sure if you can special order a different arrangement.

Additional info: Dexter does list an optional six bolt hub for 10" brake set, but you cannot get 12" brakes with a five bolt pattern.

[Chuck]

yeah, I'm sure I was looking at the wrong thing. the other confusing factor is that the dexters have lugs; my existing drums (KH ?) don't. they have holes. the wheels attach with lug "bolts".

so...the correct brakes are "12" x 2", is that correct? and those backing plates will match the henshen spindle?

[TomW]

Originally Posted by chuck

... and those backing plates will match the henshen spindle?

Be careful about that one. I was in an SOB RV store the other day & noticed some loaded, 12" backing plates on the shelf. The parts man (who happened to own an Airstream ) advised me that, while everything on the plate would work with my drums, the backing plate would not.

I posted this information in another thread on a different topic, and InlandRV eventually said something about machining some metal to make it fit would be necessary.

I'm sure there is more to this tale, but that's all I recall.

Tom
p.s. Think about the painted flames

[uwe]

More useless information, Chuck:
My new axles came with Dexter 12x2" brakes. The backing plates have 5 mounting holes. These are actually 4500lb rated each.
Dexter has backing plates as well as hubs/drums available. You must make sure, however, that the spindle size and position will mate up with the new hubs,bearings.
If your drums and magnets are in good condition, then it's often best to just replace the brake shoes.
If your axles need replacing, then i would recommend complete axles. Solves a bunch of issues all at once.

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by uwe

...Solves a bunch of issues all at once.

sure, and it costs an extra 600 bucks!!

[Over59]

These guys did good by me. They found it strange to put shocks on a trailer but they remodeled my new axel to fit it and Andy blessed it after the fact. They are a Dexter dealer. Prehaps a couple new duraflex axels for Christmas.
http://www.wrighttrailers.com/ and they are no too far from you.