Brakes

[larrybessette]

My Flagstaff 8228IKWS needs a brake job. I have never been happy with the brakes on this 5er so I started looking into a disc brake conversion. I have contacted my local trailer dealer (not RV dealer) and they are telling me that it can't be done on my unit. There is a problem with the dexter axles I have. I have Dexter 4k axles #3722505. the dealer says I would have to upgrade to 5.6k axles to make the conversion $4,000.00 for the axles and then the conversion kit $2,400.00, new wheels and probably tires. So, I was thinking that wasn't an option but then I started looking into the cost of a brake job using what I have. $348.00 per wheel for the brake assemblies (shoes alone are not available) $100.00 per wheel for new drums. So I'm looking at 4k for parts to do a brake job on this camper. I have been to Dexter, Performance Brakes and E trailer. Same answer. Any advice would be appreciated.

[clr]

I had performance brakes put disk brakes on my 2015 Prime Time Sanibel 5th wheel in 2017 due to ongoing problems with the drum brakes. They installed in my drive way about a week after I agreed, an installer and his wife were on their way to the FROG rally and stopped at my home first. The installer did a great job, better then what I had planned to do. The difference in the braking was amazing, I should of done this earlier. I can not comment on you axles, since I had 7K Dexter axles on my unit. PS I would up with 8K axles on my rig after the install. The difference between the 7K and 8K Dexter axles are the bearings, and performance installed the 8K bearings.

[emm-dee]

Go to Performance Trailer Braking website. Prices way below what your dealer is quoting.

https://performancetrailerbraking.com/axles-suspension

[dieselguy]

You're coming up with some pretty tall prices ... if you are mechanically inclined at all, swapping out a set of new brake assys for what you have now is pretty easy. Here's parts for under $1000.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Bra...hoCMuIQAvD_BwE

5 bolts per wheel to change out the brake/backing plate assy and 2 wires that are not connection specific is all there is after you remove the brake drum. I've bought alot of stuff from ETrailer over in Wentzville, MO. Brake drums can be ground if they are not badly scored for much less than $100/ea quoted for new. Cleaning and repacking the wheel bearings is also a pretty easy (but dirty) job. 4 new wheel seals run around $20.00 also at ETrailer.

You'd have to measure what you need, but here's an idea of 6K axles/brakes and all. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axl...327826-EB.html

All that being said ... I installed my own Kodiac disc brakes about 4 years ago and like said ... the difference was amazing.

[D W]

Oh my gosh! $4K for a brake job? Way too much!