Forum Discussion
Randu
Jul 23, 2015Explorer
I have had Dexter and currently using Kodiak.
Big differences between the 2 at the 8000# axle level.
Dexter has 4 pistons per caliper, (2 small pistons on each caliper 1/2). Pads run in the ballpark of $150 per axle (2010 price when last purchased)
Had issues with pistons sticking and caliper 1/2 to rebuild was $250.00 per 1/2 or just under 500 for complete caliper. I hated working on Dexter. Dexter was factory installed on 2004 Newmar Kountry Star I used to own.
Kodiak uses a smaller caliper with 1 large piston on inner 1/2. Outer 1/2 floats and is actually based off a standard GM caliper from the early 90's. Pads can be purchased on line or at the local auto parts store with pricing from $30-40 per axle. Much simpler to work on and a new caliper complete with pads is in the $70-90 range depending on where purchased. Kodiak is factory installed on my DRV Mobile Suites.
Performance is comparable but pads do wear out faster on Kodiak than Dexter. I got 4 years out of Dexter pads compared to 2 years with the Kodiak. Wear all depends on driving miles and brake settings so could be many different wear rates.
My vote hands down is the Kodiak.
Randu
Big differences between the 2 at the 8000# axle level.
Dexter has 4 pistons per caliper, (2 small pistons on each caliper 1/2). Pads run in the ballpark of $150 per axle (2010 price when last purchased)
Had issues with pistons sticking and caliper 1/2 to rebuild was $250.00 per 1/2 or just under 500 for complete caliper. I hated working on Dexter. Dexter was factory installed on 2004 Newmar Kountry Star I used to own.
Kodiak uses a smaller caliper with 1 large piston on inner 1/2. Outer 1/2 floats and is actually based off a standard GM caliper from the early 90's. Pads can be purchased on line or at the local auto parts store with pricing from $30-40 per axle. Much simpler to work on and a new caliper complete with pads is in the $70-90 range depending on where purchased. Kodiak is factory installed on my DRV Mobile Suites.
Performance is comparable but pads do wear out faster on Kodiak than Dexter. I got 4 years out of Dexter pads compared to 2 years with the Kodiak. Wear all depends on driving miles and brake settings so could be many different wear rates.
My vote hands down is the Kodiak.
Randu
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