3500# axles on 14DB??

[GrampaKilt]

So I finally got around to repacking my bearings and ordered seals based on the 2 3000#/1.5" brake pad Dexter axles supposedly on the 14DB. (Yes, I ordered without taking off the tires/drums first.) Well the seals were too small. The brake pads are 2.25" wide and according to all info Dexter, only found on 3.5K/4.4K axles.

So do I have heavier duty drums mated to 3K axles? Or, have 3.5K axles been re-labelled as 3K on my CL? Just wondering what this axle anomaly is all about. Ideas? GK

[Merlin]

It's probably just that Dexter specs have changed since LL bought the axles many years ago? Back then, maybe the 3000# axles had the larger drums and seals. I know mine has the larger size and it was built 8 years ago.

[rideandfly]

Dexter axles are marked with serial numbers. Once you have the serial number, call Dexter's service department with that serial number and they will email you a build sheet for your axles. Any trailer axle parts dealer can take the Dexter part numbers for bearings and seals cross over to standard bearing/seal part numbers.

https://www.dexteraxle.com/Contact/FAQ/Axles

Hope this helps,

Bill

[gzelna]

I need to dig into my 2017 16TBS trailer's brakes at 30k miles driven (that I know of) as I noticed a loss of trailer braking performance the tail end of this last trip. Not urgent as I am taking a 'camping break' after the summer's travels ! They may just need manual adjusting due to pad wear, I just don't know yet. If the pads are trashed, anybody done this 'conversion' and have advice for or against ?
https://www.etrailer.com/p-AKEBRK-35-SA.html

[Merlin]

I need to dig into my 2017 16TBS trailer's brakes at 30k miles driven (that I know of) as I noticed a loss of trailer braking performance the tail end of this last trip. Not urgent as I am taking a 'camping break' after the summer's travels ! They may just need manual adjusting due to pad wear, I just don't know yet. If the pads are trashed, anybody done this 'conversion' and have advice for or against ?
https://www.etrailer.com/p-AKEBRK-35-SA.html

Yes. After 2 grease seal leaks that ruined the right side non-self-adjusting brakes, I bought and installed all 4 new self-adjusting Dexter brake assemblies from etrailer. It was 4 bolts and electric wire splicing for each wheel. New grease seals and some new grease and an afternoon in my driveway got everything working perfectly again. I highly recommend it if you have low braking power both for the new brakes as well as the complete greasing.

[gzelna]

Slow reply here.. Thanks Merlin, I will tear into the rear axle on the rig this winter (FL) when its tolerable to work outside, haha. I have been consistent about greasing them every 5 to 10k miles through the zerk fitting and not a full disassembly/repack. Have not blown a seal out yet- but as its a 2017 I probably need to replace the grease seals and do a full clean and repack. I'd estimate the trailer has 35k miles on it.