5200 lb axles

lenr wrote:
Dexter uses the same size brake pads for 5200, 6000, & 7000 lb. axles. The pad material gets increasingly aggressive according to support. I just had the 7000 lb. pads put into our Lippert 5200 axles trying to get better braking. Jury is still out since they are not broken in yet.

Dexters says this in a email to me;

5k 6k 7k brakes

Dexter email;
Your online website says; "The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of your running gear is determined by the lowest rated component in the assembly. The capacity of the wheel, tire, axle, brake, springs/rubber and hub are all considered." However the 5.2k/6k and 7k axles show 12" x 2" brakes. What is the determining brake spec differences in those three axle ratings ? I've looked at Dexters online brake part specs and see different part numbers but that doesn't say the 6k axle brakes have more braking performance than the 5.2k axle brakes. Thanks....xxx

Mr. xxx,
While the 5.2, 6 & 7K brakes are all 12x2 in size but they do have different lining material, magnets and reinforcement of the metal backing plates. Thanks ......Jim Miller / Dexter Axle

Upgrading axles may mean more than just buying and replacing the axle assy. Depending on which upgrade new 8 lug wheels may also be required.

agesilaus wrote:
The dexter brakes seem to be the same for 5200, 6000 and 7000# axles. They were talking about it on another thread

Shoes may be the same but the magnets are probably different to account for the heavier ratings.

Dexter uses the same size brake pads for 5200, 6000, & 7000 lb. axles. The pad material gets increasingly aggressive according to support. I just had the 7000 lb. pads put into our Lippert 5200 axles trying to get better braking. Jury is still out since they are not broken in yet.

bbaker2001 wrote:
My 2001 cardinal has a tag showing 5200 for axles.
The GVWR is 12,300
10,400 does not even carry the weight.
since we are keeping the 5er, should we think of going to larger axles

GVWR means nothing. The loaded weight minus the pin weight is all that matters.

bbaker2001 wrote:
My 2001 cardinal has a tag showing 5200 for axles.
The GVWR is 12,300
10,400 does not even carry the weight.
since we are keeping the 5er, should we think of going to larger axles

I would run it as is. However if replacing any suspension, axles, tires or wheels due to needed maintenance or repair I would get equipment rated for the full GVWR.
JMHO

agesilaus wrote:
The dexter brakes seem to be the same for 5200, 6000 and 7000# axles. They were talking about it on another thread

Yes, I think this is true. I do think that the 7K have a better/more aggressive shoe pad.

Jerry

ScottG wrote:

bbaker2001 wrote:
Nice to think I might have good brakes

I have the same axles and probably a lighter RV (CCC=3900#) and the brakes are lousy. Have never been able to get them to lock.

Don't mean to hijack OPs thread, but Howard explained how the manuf figure adequate axles/tires on RVs. My GVWR 12,110, axles 5,200, tires 10,160.

Scott, the brakes on your trailer with 5,200 axles, having large drums and shoes should easily lock/ slide tires at upper controller setting. I would have to wonder if it's a controller issue, or more likely a too light brake wire on trailer. On mine Ford says to start with IBC at 6, but even at 5.5, I'll lock up on concrete. I set at 5 towing FW in sig.

Jerry

bbaker2001 wrote:
Nice to think I might have good brakes

I have the same axles and probably a lighter RV (CCC=3900#) and the brakes are lousy. Have never been able to get them to lock.

Nice to think I might have good brakes

The dexter brakes seem to be the same for 5200, 6000 and 7000# axles. They were talking about it on another thread