Trailer axles fitted with electric brakes are an integral safety feature that can protect
passengers from injury or property loss during an accident. To maximize braking
performance, a time-delayed controller may be helpful.
This axle beam fits Al-Ko, Dexter and Quality brand trailers using 4-hole brake
flanges with 5 lug hubs for easier installation. Pre-greased for optimal performance.
Brakes
Electric drum brakes are the industry standard and should suffice for most utility
trailers being used moderately and towed regularly. If your PAYLOAD CAPACITY
exceeds this capacity or towing frequency increases significantly, we suggest
upgrading to disc brakes instead.
This axle beam features a 10″x 2″ electric brake assembly with EZ-Lube spindles
(hubs) on both sides for ease of lubrication. Suitable for 3,500lb Dexter, AL-KO or
Quality trailer axles equipped with four hole brake flanges, its self-adjusting brakes
include driver and passenger sides with separate brake shoes as well as springs,
magnets and bearings that provide double lip seals and lug nuts – complete with double lip seals!
Disc brakes are more dependable and easier to maintain than drum brakes, less
likely to overheat, and offer superior stopping power than hydraulic drum brakes.
West Marine provides a variety of trailer brake kits with hydraulic disc and electric
over hydraulic (EOH) systems which are all easy to install with step-by-step instructions for installation.
Hub/Drum
We stock an extensive range of one piece cast trailer drum & hub assemblies
suitable for hydraulic and electric trailer brake applications, in various sizes and lug
patterns. Drums include bearing races with seals pressed in.
Before starting to install your new hub-and-drum assembly, first remove its dust cap
and cotter pin. This should give you a clear view of its spindle nut that secures it to your trailer axle.
Use a socket and impact driver to remove the spindle nut, and once this step has
been accomplished you can slide your new hub onto it while installing outer bearings and grease seal.
Be sure to tighten the hardware using a wrench or impact driver, creating a star
pattern on each lug. Finally, lower the trailer with a floor jack before tightening lug
nuts according to manufacturer specifications and installing dust caps after torqueing lug nuts.
Parts
No matter whether you are building your own trailer from scratch or need to replace
parts on an existing one, our selection of axles, brakes, hubs and drums for trailers
has you covered. Additionally, you will find all necessary lug nuts and bearing kits
necessary for completion of this task.
Dexter(r) electric brake trailer axles come preassembled and ready for simple
installation, featuring pre-greased hub and drum units, along with the brake flange
already being attached. They typically hold up to 6,000-pound capacity and are
suitable for utility and landscaping trailers.
Powder coated trailer axle beams feature spring seats welded on to mount leaf
springs and create a camber angle, so the center of each axle sits higher while its
sides ride lower, creating an evenly balanced load and improved handling and
control for your trailer.
Installation
Owners of trailers have the responsibility of making sure that axles are installed and
aligned correctly, to ensure better trailer control during turns and tire wear with
longer tire life without dog tracking issues.
Periodically inspect your brake drums to ensure their friction surface and armature
(in case of electric brakes) remain in good condition. Any abnormal friction readings
could indicate worn drums or shoes.
Check electromagnets for normal condition by disconnecting one of their lead wire
connectors and placing an ammeter between their two wires at the point you are
inspecting. It should show readings equal or below its full rated current draw at maximum power output.
Those axles equipped with the optional E-Z Lube feature can be regularly lubricated
without taking the hub off, according to instructions in the Axle Installation &
Maintenance manual.