Replacing brakes on '88 Excella

[Sunset Coast]

I'm new to the forum ... just signed up. I am looking for advice on replacing the brakes on our '88 Excella, 32'. I saw some of the posts mention using Dexter brakes. My question is this: there are two "sizes" of the 12"x2" brake assemblies. One is where the pair is rated for 5200 lbs and the other is rated for 7000 lbs. The Excella is listed as 6500 lbs "dry" so I would think that two sets (4 brake assemblies) of the 5200 lbs (10,400 lbs total) would be enough. Am I looking at this correctly? We are heading through the Rocky Mountains this summer and I want GREAT brakes! Thanks, Doug

[Action]

I have never heard of brake friction material rated for load. If it's a 12"X2" shoe, what would be the difference in the two 12"X2" shoe types? Thicker friction material? You sure you don't have 10" and 12" shoes confused? Or 2" and 3" wide shoes, may be.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Sunset Coast

I'm new to the forum ... just signed up. I am looking for advice on replacing the brakes on our '88 Excella, 32'. I saw some of the posts mention using Dexter brakes. My question is this: there are two "sizes" of the 12"x2" brake assemblies. One is where the pair is rated for 5200 lbs and the other is rated for 7000 lbs. The Excella is listed as 6500 lbs "dry" so I would think that two sets (4 brake assemblies) of the 5200 lbs (10,400 lbs total) would be enough. Am I looking at this correctly? We are heading through the Rocky Mountains this summer and I want GREAT brakes! Thanks, Doug

Electric brakes are never great, but they can be good.

If you want great brakes, change to "disc brakes."

Dexter has 6000 and 7000 pound brakes according to a recent catalog, both 12" x 2".

The difference is the magnets and the shoes. If you stay with the electric brakes, go with the 6000 pound rating, since replacement parts are readily available.

Replacement parts for the 7000 are usually special ordered only.

Andy

[Sunset Coast]

Thanks for the reply ... I have the same questions. Here are the two descriptions. I did notice that the 7000 lb rated set has a "related products" link to a 12" x 2" brake drum that has an 8 on 6.5 wheel bolt pattern which is the wrong one. So I believe I should be ok with the 5200 lb rated set (which shows a 6 on 5.5 wheel bolt pattern).

12" x 2" Electric Brake Assembly - Right Hand / 5.2k
DEXTER DXQ 12" x 2" Right Hand complete electric brake assembly. Mounts to 5-hole axle brake flange.
This brake is rated to a maximum capacity of 5200 lbs. per pair. (White Wire Magnet)
DEXTER part #023-106-00

12" x 2" Electric Brake Assembly - Right Hand / 7k
DEXTER 12" x 2" Right Hand complete electric brake assembly. Mounts to 5-hole axle brake flange.
This brake is rated to a maximum capacity of 7000 lbs. per pair. (Black Wire Magnet)
DEXTER part #023-181-00

Here is the EasternMarine link
Trailer Parts Superstore - Electric Trailer Brakes & Accessories

[dwightdi]

I put the 5.2k rated brakes on my 77 31 footer. They work ok. They go on easy. Make sure you check and repack the wheel bearings while you are at it. If you see any pits in the bearings or cups replace them. You might put new seals as well. Use waterproof wire nuts to prevent problems. Keep the wires well secured so they do not hook anything on the road. Getting the best controller is very important to brake performance. If you are traveling to the mountains be sure to flush all the old brake fluid out of your TV and replace with new. Old DOT 3 absorbs water out of the air and will boil a high elevations and heavy use making the brakes useless coming down long inclines. I had to use my trailer brakes manually to stop the rig after a long decline down the canyon leading into Lewiston Washington. Replaced all the brake fluid the next day.

[Action]

Is there a diff in the shoes? Or is it just the magnets that are different?

>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Action

Is there a diff in the shoes? Or is it just the magnets that are different?

>>>>>>>>>>Action

The shoes "and" magnets are both different.

Andy

[Phil Gobie]

Go with disc brakes you won't regret it.

[nohillgrish]

My vote, likewise, is to go with the disc brakes if you've got a few extra nickels and you're changing anyway. Did it myself this past year and was a "little pained" at the time with cost, but so far I have absolutely no regrets whatsover. Haven't been in any mountains yet to make that comparison, but they just seem to operate so much smoother than the others.

[Sunset Coast]

After reading these posts and many other threads on installing disc brakes, I ordered the disc brake kit from Andy (many thanks for all the advice and guidance!). I do need to pick up several new toys (translate: tools) and I will be ready to dive in.