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rfloyd99's avatar
rfloyd99
Explorer
Jun 15, 2019

Replace just one Backing Plate on TT?

I have a 27' TT that I bought new 29 months ago. it is not overloaded, BTW. I have put almost 20,000 miles on it, about 25-30% hilly/mountainous roads. The axles were replaced under warranty a few months ago, and I asked the tech to look at the brakes. He said brakes looked good, except he suggested I replace the backing plate on the right rear. He seemed to know his stuff, and did not indicate it was urgent. The trailer brakes seemed to work as they should on a recent 350 mile trip.

I don't know much about trailer brakes, I had to look up what "backing plate" meant! My question is, if I only replace one (of four) will I have adjustment issues? I assume they are adjustable, and is that difficult? I really can't afford replacing all four right now, but don't want to do something stupid.

Also, we are leaving soon on a 7,000 mile trip, so good brakes would be nice to have.

Any thoughts?

6 Replies

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  • rfloyd99's avatar
    rfloyd99
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2019
    OP again. DFord, I didn't double post! The post you recently answered was from Big Steve, and he asked a different question (about replacing shoes and turning drums)

    The question I asked was about whether it was okay to replace one brake set only. Thanks for your answer about doing both ends of the axle.
  • rfloyd99's avatar
    rfloyd99
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2019
    OP here. I'm pretty sure he meant the entire assembly, not just the plate. Most advice I've seen (youtube, etc) says that when trailer brakes need to be replaced that it is cost/labor effective to replace the assembly, not just the shoes.

    The tech works for the dealer I bought from, and was doing warranty work on the axles. He suggested I do the work myself on the brakes, which I intend to do.
    The issue seemed to be that one had more wear than the other three. He didn't elaborate, and I was unable to spend more time exploring the subject with him.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2019
    Did your backing plate somehow get damaged? If not then why does it need replacing? Backing plates are pretty stout slabs of metal. Maybe your mechanic is trying to scam you. Don't be so dependent on mechanics, learn to DIY. Brakes are not difficult to learn.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2019
    Two types of brakes. Self adjusting and non self adjusting. Make sure you get the correct plate. If it's manual adjusting (and it is adjusted correctly) or self adjusting I see no problem with just replacing one, although if it were me I would replace the plate on the left rear as well.

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