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The automotive-grade pads on these automatically adjusting brakes offer lasting effectiveness. 10" x 2-1/4" Assemblies have rust-resistant, e-coated backing plates to protect from road debris. Fits 13" to 15" wheels.
Features:
Specs:
Quick Tip: There's really not a whole lot to getting new drum brakes. If you've confirmed that all of the specs listed above line up with what you need for your trailer, you can be pretty sure these will work for you.
The pads on these trailer brakes are made of the same friction material that you might find on a car's drum brakes. In fact, the material is SAE-N certified. So, not only does it provide high-performance braking, but it's environmentally friendly, too! With these brakes, your trailer will be good to go on any road throughout the United States and Canada.
The superior quality of these pads is also due to the fact that they're bonded to the shoes, not just nailed down. Riveted brake pads will always give you a screeching reminder to replace your brake shoes. That's because the rivets will scrape against your drum as the friction material wears down. You won't have that noisy problem with bonded brake pads. You'll also get a little more friction pad contact because there aren't any cutouts for rivets. And more friction means more stopping power.
These pads are also tapered, which should help to prevent any broken, crumbly bits of material from rotating inside the drum as the pads wear over time. Brakes without these tapers are more likely to create a jarring braking experience that could cause the brakes to stutter and lock up.
With typical electric brake assemblies, you need to manually adjust them every now and then to make sure you're getting the shortest stopping distances every time you tow.
With self-adjusting brakes, though, you'll always have peak stopping power - simple as that! As the brake pads wear over time, a tensioning cable will automatically keep the pads in alignment so they'll consistently make contact with your drum when you brake. You won't have to do tedious manual adjustments anymore.
A lot of resources have been invested to ensure that these brakes meet the requirements for certification set by the QAI and CSA . Basically, these certifications tell you that these trailer brakes are well built and safe for use on the road. They've been tested for braking performance under real-world conditions to provide the most realistic scenario for the everyday tower.
Once you get these brakes installed, you'll need to break them in. First, find a long stretch of road or a big, empty parking lot. Once you're there, set your brake controller to its maximum setting and get moving. Speed up to about 40 mph and brake to slow to about 20 mph. Repeat this 15-30 times. The goal is to get the brake shoes and magnet properly seated into your drum. You'll know you've done that when it feels less jerky (and more consistent) each time you apply the brakes.
Note: The brakes will be very hot after doing this, so after every 10 stops you'll want to wait about 10 minutes to let the brakes cool off before continuing. If you don't, you might cook and crack the pad material.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2145 Customer Reviews)
The automotive-grade pads on these automatically adjusting brakes offer lasting effectiveness. 10" x 2-1/4" Assemblies have rust-resistant, e-coated backing plates to protect from road debris. Fits 13" to 15" wheels.Great,fast shipping. Some people have said it needs better packing. I ordered two (Right and Left). One did arrive "ajar". However, it's easy to fix. Just get a ten-inch piece of 2x4 wood, and a hammer and knock it back into place. Use the wood between the hammer and the brake as a cushion. I will write an update after I install them. I am happy with my purchase. I don't think any more packing would help the "jarring out of alignment". The brakes are sort of spring-loaded. It can happen because of the springs and bummpy transportation. I will post an update after I install them and use them. I don't anticipate any problems. This is a honest review and five stars happy.
It's been about a year since i converted my boat trailer to electric brakes. I'm very happy with the results. Brakes are stronger and adjustable through the controller. It was cheaper than replacing all of the hydraulic parts (which was needed) and I love the fact that they don't engage when I'm trying to back up.
James
10/5/2024
I still feel the same as I did a year ago.
After fully installing, taking for a drive, they did not auto adjust. My truck brakes were hot and smelled so I know my truck did mist of the work. I felt the trailer brake drums, not even warm. Okay, they need to be adjusted. Not a problem. But after looking up a quick video to remind me how to set the brakes, I went for it. If you rrad etrailer's ultimate guide to to adjust the brakes, it calls for trailer to be jacked, remove plastic covers to access adjustment screw, turn until tire or drum difficult to remove. Then back off about 10 turns until slight drag of brake pads on drum. However, these chinese POS drums DONT HAVE A DAMN NOTCH for you to reverse the tightness. 25min later using with two screwdrivers, one to hold a spring retention plate and the second to try and reverse the screw on its thread, with no joy. Extremely frustrating to have to pull the tire of, then pry the damn drum off because the brakes are holding it on super tight. Once drum removed, the damn brake adjustment screw had tiny small catches shaped in the direction of tightening only, hence why my flathead kept slipping off and wouldnt release tension on the pads. Tried to jack other sides tire and tighten slowly...but oops one fricking click to far and have to repeat whole damn process. I took the time to write up this review as Im pissed and need to cool off before I have to remove second tire. What should have been a 2-2.5hr job has nearly doubled.
Katrina B.
4/18/2023
Of course they were difficult to manually adjust, since these are designed to self adjust. I am sorry that you had to do that Jonathan! I have gotten in contact with one of our installers and they have confirmed that even though these are self-adjusting brakes, there is a period after you first install them that you will need to break in the brakes. This could be why the brakes were not adjusting when you initially tried to use them. In order to Break them in, you will need to apply the brakes several times while moving slowly to allow them to self adjust to the correct tension. They will feel pretty weak at first until they reach the correct adjustment. So the easy solution for you would be to take out the trailer and while travelling slowly reach down and grab the manual override lever of the controller several times and youll feel the brakes start to grab harder and harder.
Jonathan
4/24/2023
My main point was the sprocket does not have a notch to reverse the tension. A service rep did point me in good direction to check voltage. Turns out I had to re-wire brake power line as I had greater than 1-1.5 voktage from truck to brake assy. My was 4-8 volts. Meant corrosiin in the wire. Re-wired, new crimp connections and viola, voktage within range. Also, etrailers guidance on how to adjust these brakes by driving and applying controllers manual over-ride is seriously understated. Perhaps because you sell so many brake assemblies that all you provide is blanket instructions. Fair enough. However, it took over 50 applications: driving up to 40mph, not touching vehicle brake, but only using brake controller manual override to slow the vehicle to 20-25mph. Agressive break-in is relative. Better upfront written description of this will help set the expectation of future buyers. Too bad actual mechanics arent the ones writing this stuff up and talking with customers.
Old brakes and new brakes. I know, I disturbed years of spider handy work, nasty. Totally happy with my first purchase and the fact that I got the right ones. I actually had no idea they came assembled like they do. I wouldn't of sand blasted and painted the base plates. So happy with the results. Thank you etrailer!
Jason
10/18/2023
Its been a year and a day since I last posted how happy I was with these brakes I purchased. I wish I could say that Ive taken this 1968 completely rebuilt from the ground up camper on a trip, but I cant. Im not done yet. I can tell you that I did hook up to the truck with the camper jacked up and was able to test the brakes and they worked perfectly. I also adjusted them because I had initially set them loosely to fit right on. Adjusting them can be sort of tricky, but etrailers videos are very helpful and I was able to set them just right. I would have been totally done this summer, but getting a new VIN number is currently in the works as well as curtains and cushions. Rebuilding old campers is not for everyone, but finding etrailer early on for me was another tool in the arsenal. Good luck everyone with your projects. Theres nothing like getting it done yourself.
Mike L.
11/9/2023
These are very nicely finished and seem to be of very good quality for being made in China (which I didn't know until after they arrived) with that said I'm satisfied; my only con for this purchase is I was told by Etrailer that instruction for initial adjustment was included in the box which was no so. They do have a video but very poor in my opinion.
These are a good option for replacing brakes is you don't want to spend the extra for made in America by the axle mfg. JMHO
Seadog
8/19/2024
These have worked fine after I got them correctly adjusted. I have towed many miles since installing and experienced no problems. These are a good alternative if you dont want to spend the extra dollars on axle mfg brakes.
Absolute poor packaging - no quality control makes one wonder if this is their quality control for shipping what is it like at the manufacturing facility where they source the product. Two electric drum brakes thrown in a large box with no separation or divider and no protection.
Purchased these to replace the Dexter brakes on my Coleman pop up camper. Install was straight forward. I adjusted the wheel a few turns then test fitted the drum until there was just a slight drag. I followed the break in instructions and the trailer stops nice and smooth.
2014 stealth enclosed trailer. Fit good no issues as everyone has mentioned before packing could be better but mine shipped fine.
Logan H.
10/19/2023
Work just as they’re supposed to. Easy install, not sure why I put it off for so long. Will get the same ones again when it’s time to replace them.
These are an exact replacement in terms of size for the original brake assemblies. However, they have no where near the stopping power. After a couple iterations of manual adjustment and cranking the controller gain way up, they just don't work as well. I have no idea why. I have two axels with brakes on all wheels. The trailer is about 5500 lbs.
Mark
6/3/2024
Update: I finally traded the trailer in and no longer own it. The brakes did finally break in and the stopping power was almost as good as the factory brakes. In my case it took almost a year for them to work properly. Maybe I didnt use the trailer enough.
electric brake assemblies packed improperly resulting in damage and delay in getting my trailer repaired.
Jenny N.
2/28/2024
I am so sorry that the brakes arrived damaged. Customer Service will be in touch with you.
I replaced all four brake assemblies on my 21 foot trailer. The etrailer branded assemblies were direct replacements without any installation issues. They have worked fine for the past 12 months. I will definitely buy them again if needed.
The right brake assembly arrived with the adjuster sprocket and lever misaligned and not even touching one of the shoes, so I had to disassemble that half and put it back together correctly. The assemblies also didn’t come with nuts to bolt them to the axles, so I had to get those separately. Otherwise, they seem to be a good value, especially with the free and quick shipping.
Katrina B.
6/21/2022
You are correct, these brake assemblies come with the following: Left-hand [drivers-side] brake assembly, right-hand [passengers-side] brake assembly, and mounting bolts. However, the nuts and lock washers are sold separately. We recommend part # BRKH10B.
Used these on a custom built offroad camping trailer. Easy install, just don't forget to order the mounting hardware. These bolted right up to the Timbren suspension (ASR3500S06) in about 5 minutes. Also used the 10 inch 5x5 drums to mate to Jeep Wrangler wheels. I would recommend this product and etrailer.com as a whole. Great customer service and fast shipping.
Been almost a year since I installed these and probably have about 5,00 miles on them now. They work well, especially in the mountains with a 3200 pound single axle cargo trailer conversion pulled by a ‘21 Tacoma. Have not checked the pad wear yet but no squeaking sounds yet.
Situation:
This was an upgrade to my 2015 Suretrac 5x8 square tube single axle utility trailer. The trailer was not equipped with them when I purchased it. I quickly realized after two trips with a full load that they would easily improve safety.
My tow vehicle came equipped with an integrated brake controller as well as a 7 way rv plug.
I performed this installation with the trailer raised up an only a inch or two, resting on safety stands. !! Of course, a lift would make this operation go much easier. !!
Installation:
THE etrailer parts were easy to assemble. All fit perfectly together. Obviously I did have to adjust the brakes a small amount to get them within the activation reach.
Consideration:
1) To insure correct wiring it required extra patience and planning. I found the information regarding what wire activated what to be a bit confusing online. Using an inexpensive test light proved extremely helpful. For me it helped to determine from the start each connection point and color code that were meant for each other (in my situation changes in coding took place). To make it go smoothly I drew our a schematic before getting settled underneath. Note: that I have included images of the old flat plug wiring along with the coding.
2) If I were to do this again, I WOULD HAVE spliced the wiring to both L & R brakes before hand. Lying flat on my stomach underneath the trailer and trying to both properly strip and crimp the short pieces of wire from each brake to the 12 gauge lengths of wire was a little tedious.
*Parts list from etrailer:
(QTY)
(1) ET7WK Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit
(2) AKHD-545-35-K Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
(1) AKEBRK-35-SA Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
(1) BRKH10B Mounting Hardware for 10" Brake Assemblies
*Additional wiring (below), ties, a few screws, electrical tape, extra crimps and stud crimps, etc. were locally sourced for connecting from the box upgrade kit to both L&R brakes.
(1) 12ft section of white 12 gauge
(1) 12ft section of black 12 gauge
*Additional grease, both tube and tub type were purchased along with large rubber gloves for greasing and hub installation.
NOTE: at this date I have NOT yet driven the trailer with the brakes. I had only tested them by hand spinning each wheel while having someone actuate the [trailer brakes only] from the vehicle.
I again am amazed by your service, fair pricing, and certainly your ability to have parts to me overnight! Last minute brake job on trailer before a trip! Thanks once again for your support and prompt shipping service!
I’ll be back as soon as I need anything else!
My trailer brakes were weak, so I checked them out... 3 of the 4 sets had linings that had come of the shoes. I started checking prices on replacement parts, but found the price of an entire assembly cheaper than a few parts. Called etrailer and spoke with Ashley to confirm part numbers and availability. Ordered a set of 4 complete brake assemblies for my trailer.
The parts arrived within a few days. I replaced all 4 sets in about an hour and 15 minutes! Completely straight forward process! An impact wrench will help remove the 4 nuts from old assembly.
My trailer now has brakes again!! Thanks to Ashley and etrailer for good prices, good information, quick shipping, and great replacement parts!
Pictures show a lining off my original brakes; one new assembly; one new assembly installed; and finally both assemblies installed on one side of my trailer.
This is the trailer I built using your spindles and electric brakes.
It towed beautifully from Texas to Kansas City and back for the World of Wheels.
Prats fit excellent and shipped fast. Trailer now has brakes on both axles!!!
The brakes are fine. Easy to install. Disappointed in either quality control or shipping. One of the brakes had both wires cut. I had to splice a new set of wires inside the brake. Easy for me to do, it just made the install take longer. I've included pictures of the damaged wires as well as the other brake that had no damage.
Jenny N.
11/9/2021
Thank you for sharing! I will have our customer service team reach out to you.
Extremely poor. I received my replacement order to find that one of the 2 replacement breaks was incorrect again. One of them was self adjusting like it was suposed to be and the other one was another manual adjusting one. Prior to receiving these only one was shipped out when It was supposed to be 2. And was not shipped priority like it i was told. so I had to call and try to straighten it out over the phone. Then when they showed up the replacement order was incorrect as well.
Brooke M.
10/7/2024
Gosh, I am so sorry your experience with us has been such a headache! I am really grateful you took the time to write all this out to let us know. It looks like the correct brakes are on their way to you now.
Left hand brake assembly was correct and in working order,, right hand brake assembly was assembled incorrect,, I had to fix it before I put it on the trailer
Katrina B.
6/21/2022
I am sorry that this happened to you. It looks to me like the right side self-adjuster was knocked loose during shipping and handling. I am glad to see that you were able to correct the situation! Please let us know if you are needing any further assistance.
I would give this product a much better review but I ordered two sets for my double axle trailer and one of the four brake assemblies were wrong. I was in a time crunch and needed the right part ASAP and customer service said I had to pay for expedited shipping even though it was their fault for the wrong item. Therefore, I had to pay a much higher price at a local dealership for the right part. After looking at other customer reviews this is not the first and only incident on receiving wrong parts. etrailer.com was willing to exchange the part for the right one but not fast enough for my needs, so they were willing to fix their mistake but not make the situation right.
the packaging was poor at best. nuts and washers were loose in the box hardly any packaging in the box and because of how it was packaged the insulation on some of the wires was worn away and wires were exposed. I wont be buying from them again unless I absolutely have to.
Jenny N.
8/13/2022
I understand your frustration with receiving the order in this manner. I will share this feedback with our shipping department and I will have our customer service team reach out to you.
Great service. Prompt shipping. My goal to trailer supply store.
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Fran
6/3/2024
The self-adjusting trailer brakes are great. After I installed them and had the wheels back on, I had a compulsive urge to take the dust covers off and begin turning the star-nut and adjust them. But, I resisted and after about a ten mile test drive with many traffic lights and a spin on the freeway, the brakes work great. There is no need to turn the star-nut by hand. It self-adjusts.