Brake replacement for 1968 Airstream

[TeamD]

So I was wondering if I could get some advice about replacing break pads on my Airstream, I have only worked on drum brakes 10 years ago on a 1967 Mustang, before I dive in to work on my Airstream brakes that needs pads, is it worth it? Are there any oddities, I am a little afraid to open it and not be able to put it back together!

Any advice I would appreciate it!

Susie

[Jammer]

Susie

Electric trailer brakes are generally simpler in construction than car brakes.

You should consider purchasing loaded backing plates instead of just shoes. The loaded backing plate will include the shoes, magnets, and other hardware. Usually the magnets will require replacement if the shoes are bad, and it is often cheaper to purchase the entire backing plate as an assembly.

You will want to repack or replace the bearings while you have the wheel apart.

[byamcaravanner]

Best to buy loaded backing plates from a place like Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

about $40 a wheel and they just bolt right on.

Plan to repack the bearings at the same time.

[Shacksman]

For a little more then the price of brakes and bearings you should replace the whole axle. At 44 years it will be hard and need replacing. The axle will come with brakes, drums, bearings and seals.

[TeamD]

Thanks for the great feedback, I do love this forum! I am sure a dumb question but where do I buy an axle? I guess I get confused by the vintage part of the trailer, do I need to go to Airstream or just auto?

[Melody Ranch]

The place I refer folks to is Southwest axle.....I am sure there are other companies out there with comparables. Nice complete units...I used them on a 66 Caravel, a 69 Caravel etc...

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by TeamD

Thanks for the great feedback, I do love this forum! I am sure a dumb question but where do I buy an axle? I guess I get confused by the vintage part of the trailer, do I need to go to Airstream or just auto?

If I lived in Calif. I would look @ InlandRV.com for your axle needs. They can get you the most correct Airstream (OEM) axles that are made to bolt up on your current set-up without any modification. He will need your VIN number & model. These axles can come complete w/brakes and check with them on shocks as they will most likely need replacing too! Last time I looked they were on sale! Andy Rogozinski (Owner) can answer any questions you have on the axles or anything else on Airstreams. He is a wonderful resource to these forums. If you are willing to road trip to his dealership in Corona you can save yourself the delivery charges to ship them to you. He can advise you on having the entire axle assembly aligned and balanced for the best ride your trailer has had since it was new. Hope this helps, Ed

[TeamD]

Your information is sooo helpful! We ended up diving into the kitchen so we are not doing axle's this year. I have a trip planned about once a month these days so I need to do the brakes in the least. I am thinking I will buy the cheap brakes 12" x 2" Electric Brake Assembly - Left Hand / 5.2k #K23-105-00
Stock# 5331009
DEXTER 12" x 2" Left Hand complete electric brake assembly.
This brake is rated to a maximum capacity of 5200 lbs. per pair.
Reg. $39.99 ~ Sale Price $31.99

Is that strong enough? My initial feeling is to buy the highest weight rated but I assume I will be doing that next year with the axles.

Thank you thank you