Why do trailer brake shoes cost so much?
Another post that talked about his oddly cracked brake shoes got me thinking about maybe changing mine out this spring. After doing some checking I've discovered how expensive those darned things are!...
Forum Discussion
Chum lee wrote:Very true, but if you think about how many wheels/brakes are out there for that brake shoe. It's a common size for all Dexter 5200, 6000, and 7000 lb. axles. That has to cover a whole lot of trailers/wheels. But the other size of the coin, how often do you hear people talk about changing the brake shoes on their trailer? I would imagine most people own their trailer for quite a few years and have never changed brake shoes. Mine is 7 years old and this is the first I've considered it.
A lot has to do with volume. Widely available, one size fits many applications and/or mass produced products are usually cheaper than "specialty" items. As Mexicowanderer says, where you buy the items also has an influence on the ultimate price you pay.
Chum lee
