What Trailer Brake Supplier To Use

sflem849 · Apr 6, 2011

Sorry for the double post, but I didn't find this forum in the big list then I found it in the drop down.

All of my trailer brakes are junk. The magnets and pads are trashed and the drums probably can't be saved. Is there an online retailer that is good? Should you just go to NAPA, etc? Any other ideas? I'm a little down about the prices I saw at first glance. Looks like a $500+ job!?!

Dean Olson · Apr 7, 2011

I recently rebuilt brakes on 2 axles. It had drum style brakes.
I had my local mechanic do it for me, $500 would have been
welcome.

Any way I chose to upgrade to disc drakes and a new electronic
controller that controls brake pressure. The old one I had to set
manually and it had a different setting for every trailer . I sure like
the new controller better and it's supposed to greatly extend brake
component life.

All components came from NAPA.

rustyfarmall · Apr 7, 2011

You can go on-line directly to Dexter Axle and get anything you need. I got 4 new rubber plugs for the E-Z lube hubs on my trailer.

edj856 · Apr 7, 2011

Try Redneck Trailer Supply.
Redneck Trailer Supply

sflem849 · Apr 7, 2011

The early on report:
Supplier, Brake Assembly, Drum (Complete/Incomplete) Some people sell the drums with the bearings and seals and some sell them separate.
Redneck, 75.20, 118.31(C) + shipping of about $75
Trailer Parts Superstore, 63.50, 129.99 (C) + shipping about $80
Dexter, More expensive so I didn't write the prices down
RA Adams, 58, 70 (I)
Chico's, 70, 89 (C)
NAPA (Elkhorn, WI), 113, ? (?)

RA Adams is a local retailer in McHenry, IL specializing in trailers and snowplows and stuff.
Chico's is a snowplow store in Kansasville, WI.

I am suprised that the "local" retailers are cheaper than any of the internet guys so far. I took the drums in to get turned this morning. I didn't ask how much it was going to be to turn them, but for $89 for a comlete setup including bearings it might not be worth turning them.

I had to take them to the machine shop to turn because NAPA can't turn the inside surface the magnet rides on. The machine shop can because they turn it like a flywheel. I would guess it will be about $30 per drum to turn them.

charles todd · Apr 10, 2011

EBAY. I bought 4 - 12" brakes and 1 - drum w/ bearings for less than $300 shipped. Good luck.

CT

sflem849 · Apr 12, 2011

The final deal...
I had two good drums and two junk drums.
- Loaded (w bearings) hubs seem to be cheaper than the empty ones 90% of the time.
- etrailer.com ended up being the cheapest for everything. Maybe it is just that, cheap junk. I guess I will find out.
- Bearings were $19.23/wheel
- Loaded drums were $78/wheel
- Brakes were 70.95 for Dexters and 44.95 for some off brand.
I gave the off brand ones a shot. For 45% less they can last half as long and still be an ok deal. They had good ratings from what I saw. I'll find out that on my own as well.
etrailer hac a coupon code that I stole off the net for 5% off and they had free shipping as well. The "local" guys were all 50 miles away except for NAPA which was outrageously priced. I'll have to wait 2-3 days, but I saved a solid $100. I think it was worth it.

What Trailer Brake Supplier To Use

sflem849

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Dean Olson

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rustyfarmall

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edj856

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sflem849

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charles todd

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sflem849

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