Brake Magnet Wire Color

As I recall when once looking for replacement mags here are different magnets. Round ones and oblong ones. White for round and black for oblong. But that was longer ago than yesterday.

I just did a google search for rv brake magnet images, Lots of different colors.

OP here, thanks for all the responses with information and experiences they are much appreciated.

As lenr suggests I am attempting to increase braking action on my 5th wheel. I've had the unit since new (5yrs.) and the brakes have never been satisfactory to me. At that time I spoke to Dexter and they said there must be something wrong and I should take the unit back to the dealer. The selling dealer has checked them twice and say they are working 'as designed'!!!. The 160 km round trip gets pretty tiring when there are no fruitful results.

My recent conversation with Dexter was for information only, and was told yes I can put 7K shoes on the 5.2K axle and yes it would improve the performance as the 7K shoe linings are of a more aggressive compound than on the 5.2K linings.

As for the magnets, not one of the three persons I spoke to at Dexter was able give me any concrete information on magnet performance. Yes one did say the black wire one would be stronger but I've become skeptical when dealing in the RV industry, I want spec / data, he said he doesn't have any information on that. The two magnets (white leads and black leads) which appear to be used on the 5.2K to 7K axles and fit my fiver have the same resistance and draw the same current would lead you to the conclusion they are the same, but they can still vary in attraction based on the composition of the metal used in the core.

So, my next step: 1) I'm going replace the 5.2K brake assembly with 7K ones that has black wires. If this doesn't improve the braking noticeably it will be step : 2) rewire the unit using # 10 wire.

Thanks again for your assistance.

I had two 5200s on my 5er about same size and weight. No problems with braking for the trailer at all. In fact, for a time I didn't even know the trailer brakes were bad---the truck was doing it all and I couldn't tell. ( I admit I failed to do the brake test using the slider on the controller with my foot off the truck brake)

So IMO if you are having trouble with 5200s and plan to spend a bunch going to new axles and all that, don't! I would be looking at the truck.

Is the truck heavy enough and how are its brakes? My 2003 Chev 2500HD was able to keep things seemingly ok going down steep hills and there were no trailer brakes at all!

Also note that the trailer is supposed to get braked first then the truck so the trailer does not keep coming after the truck stops--didn't happen with the 5er anyway---and the trailer is not supposed to "lock up" and skid when you do apply the brakes.

I suspect you have a non-problem with the 5200s, but maybe do with the truck and its brakes.

BFL13, thanks for your input. It appears my response was not all that clear.

My plan is to replace the brake assemblies only and not the axles. I am replacing the current brake assemblies (backing plate, shoes, and magnets) which are made for the 5.2 K axles and currently on the unit and installing brake assemblies that are made for the 7K axles on the existing 5.2K axles installed on the unit. Physically the brake assemblies are interchangeable but the lining compound on the 7K shoes is more aggressive.

moe f wrote:
BFL13, thanks for your input. It appears my response was not all that clear.

My plan is to replace the brake assemblies only and not the axles. I am replacing the current brake assemblies (backing plate, shoes, and magnets) which are made for the 5.2 K axles and currently on the unit and installing brake assemblies that are made for the 7K axles on the existing 5.2K axles installed on the unit. Physically the brake assemblies are interchangeable but the lining compound on the 7K shoes is more aggressive.

But why do you think the existing brakes are inadequate? The 5200s were just fine with my similar trailer. You asked about others' experiences.

What do you want more than that and why? I would suspect the truck if you can't stop properly now. You might also have a brake controller "issue" where there is not enough voltage getting back to the trailer brakes. You can test for that with a voltmeter. Last thing I would consider is the size etc of the OEM 5200 brakes as such.

You want stronger braking power, get bigger shoes and drums. The magnet is irrelevant.

You really want better brakes? Switch to disc brakes.