Apex Nano Axles and Brakes

jfc317 · 04-22-2018, 08:44 PM

I have a 2016 Apex Nano 191rbs 4500 gvwr
The brakes have never felt very strong. Why does it have a 4200# Lippert axle with only 3500# rated brakes?
Brakes are 10x2.25"
Thanks in advance.
Jim

**Bama Rambler** · 04-23-2018, 09:47 AM

Have you pulled the hubs and checked them for grease?
Have you tried adjusting the brakes manually?

I'd Pull the hubs first even if you've never used the EZ-lube system.

jfc317 · 04-23-2018, 10:18 AM

Thanks Bamma,
Yes, I pulled hubs and found grease on the magnets. Also, the left brake was adjusted to tight at the factory and smoked the shoes. Rig has only 3k miles. I was doing my pre trip inspection when I found these problems.
My question is: Why does a 4500# Trailer have only 3500# brakes installed? Did they install the wrong axle?

kfergiez · 04-23-2018, 11:23 AM

Sorry to hear your having brake issues. I have the 193BHS which is the same trailer, but with bunk beds.

I'll have to check my brakes when I get home today and find their official rating, but I've locked up the brakes on the trailer when fully loaded, so I know they work well. That being said, the shoes were not fully adjusted when I picked the trailer up so I had to take care of that.

Can you take a photo of the back of your brake?

What kind of brake controller do you have?

**Bama Rambler** · 04-23-2018, 03:13 PM

According to Dexter literature the 10" x 2¼" brakes are CSA approved up to 4400# so looks like your axle has the proper brakes on it.

jfc317 · 04-23-2018, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

According to Dexter literature the 10" x 2¼" brakes are CSA approved up to 4400# so looks like your axle has the proper brakes on it.

The part# on mine come up as for 3500# axle. Dexter actually makes two 10x2.25 brake units. Problem is the 4400# units have different bolt pattern than mine and won't fit.
Have reported to the dealer where I bought and they are talking to the axle manufacturer as well as Coachmen. Beginning to think they put the wrong axle on at the factory.

MtBiker · 04-23-2018, 04:28 PM

The good news is it should be a fairly simple bolt on swap for the dealer.

kfergiez · 04-23-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfc317

The part# on mine come up as for 3500# axle. Dexter actually makes two 10x2.25 brake units. Problem is the 4400# units have different bolt pattern than mine and won't fit.
Have reported to the dealer where I bought and they are talking to the axle manufacturer as well as Coachmen. Beginning to think they put the wrong axle on at the factory.

What is your part number?

jfc317 · 04-23-2018, 04:48 PM

Kfergiez,
BK-122450 looks like TruRyde P/n. Previous thread meant to say wrong brakes.
jfc317

kfergiez · 04-23-2018, 05:01 PM

Okay.... I found some materials here:

This is the DEXTER website. You should have the D44 Axle.

This is Dexter Light Duty Catalogue, it's got all the specs for your axle and brakes.

This is the BROCHURE I found.... It says that it uses the 10" X 2-1/4" brake drum with 'high performance' magnets and brake linings for 'true 4400#' braking.

Everything else I've found indicates that a 10" drum has a capacity of 3500#, but Dexter seems to be doing their own thing with that? Maybe they've modified those brakes to achieve 4400# braking capacity?

Either way, I'll post some pics of my brakes to see if they're similar. I'd also look at the simple things like brake shoe/controller adjustment to see if things get better before diving down this rabbit hole.

jfc317 · 04-23-2018, 05:16 PM

Kfergiez,
Sorry but I should have mentioned it has a Lippert Axle, 4200# rated
TRuRyde brakes as mentioned
Axletek 6 stud hub.
Brakes are toast, just need to find out what is correct for my trailer before buying parts. Looks like the only ones that match my axle are 3500# rated.
Even the guy at Forest River is scratching his head as to why the brake rating is not at least what the axle rating is.
Thank you for your ideas.
jfc317

kfergiez · 04-23-2018, 05:39 PM

OOOOH!

Sorry, I know my axle is a Dexter D44, and I figured yours would be the same. Weird.

What year is your Nano?

Let us know what they say.

glsimms · 04-23-2018, 05:55 PM

2016, first post....

jfc317 · 04-23-2018, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfergiez

OOOOH!

Sorry, I know my axle is a Dexter D44, and I figured yours would be the same. Weird.

What year is your Nano?

Let us know what they say.

2016.
Apparently, they use whatever is on the shelf when they build these trailers.
I could kick myself for not looking at the brakes sooner, just missed the 1 year warranty. Who would have thought the brakes would go to he.. in 3k miles.
If it turns out they did put the wrong axle/brake combination on it, I will be talking to them about changing out everything. Liability aside, brakes are not something to skimp on.
jfc317

Stormrider151 · 04-23-2018, 10:18 PM

Actually the 4200 lb axel is indeed a 3500 lb axel with beefed up suspension. I have two of them and went through this with bearings. I don’t like it but it is what it is. I’m seriously considering switching to Dexter axel’s.

jfc317 · 04-24-2018, 09:08 AM

Good to know.
Waiting for an explanation as to why this axle was put on a 4500# trailer. Maybe this is why I see so many smaller trailers with dual axles, unfortunately mine has only the one. Hopefully Forest River will get back to me today.

kfergiez · 04-24-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsimms

2016, first post....

Good Lord..... I'm just batting a 1000 aren't I? I missed the first part where he said it was a Lippert axle too.

Stormrider151 · 04-24-2018, 12:15 PM

I’ve seen some on the forum that have said to deduct your tongue weight because your tv is carrying that instead of the trailer axel’s. Even with that it doesn’t seem like you have much if any wiggle room weight wise. You would think on a single axel trailer they would go with a heavier axel...............you would think.

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