brake failure

[KimNTerry]

Fortunately I caught this before going on our trip this weekend.

Lots of troubleshooting, but basically the magnets are shot and only testing at 1 ohm resistance.

Magnets are almost as expensive as complete backer assemblies. (on short notice anyways) over $100 each just silly

I have 4400 pound axles from LCI and everything I have read leads me to believe that these axles come with 10 x 2 1/4 brakes.

The RV dealers and service DO NOT handle break issues in our area but rather farm those issues out to different brake shops. The trailer brake shop I am working with requested that I pull a backing plate and hub and bring it in to confirm size and pattern as different axle manufacturers have different backer plate bolt patterns.

So, I jack up the trailer, pull a wheel, and what I never noticed before is that the HUB is 12 inches. Pull the hub and low and behold a 5 bolt backer plate rather than the 4 bolt that both Dexter and LCI show for 4400 pound axles. Axle tag clearly states 4400 lbs GAWR

I'm going to reach out to LCI tomorrow and see what they say, I'm also taking my backer plate to the brake shop and see what's what. I should have new self adjusting backer plates tomorrow either way.

Blessing in Disguise?
De-Rated 5200 pound axles?
Axle MFG Date is April 2015
3 inch tube

Opinions?

[JRTJH]

The axles on my 2014 Cougar 27RKS are the same as yours. They are 5200 pound, 3.5" axle tubes derated to 4400 pounds. LCI installs 5 hole 12x2" brake assemblies. The only difference between them (4400 pounds) and the 5200 pound axle is the tag.

BTW, the hub face is 86.5" and the spring hangers are 68.5".... It should all be "on the axle tag"

IMO, axles tag/ratings are far more complicated than they should be... I think we can thank the "gubmint" for creating an "crazy thick rule book" that all the manufacturers have learned to circumvent by using "exceptions" and "excuses"...

I have two 6000 pound Dexter axles on order for mine. When they arrive, it'll finally be "Lippert free" from the spring hangers down.....

[KimNTerry]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

The axles on my 2014 Cougar 27RKS are the same as yours. They are 5200 pound, 3.5" axle tubes derated to 4400 pounds. LCI installs 5 hole 12x2" brake assemblies. The only difference between them (4400 pounds) and the 5200 pound axle is the tag.

.

And here I thought that de-rate was an urban legend.

This is good news and should make an eventual migration to Disc Brakes a bit easier. No funds at present for such an upgrade.

[GaryUT]

The hubs for 5200 pound axles have larger bearings than the 4400 pound axles, but the backer plates will be the same.

Gary

[KimNTerry]

Originally Posted by GaryUT

The hubs for 5200 pound axles have larger bearings than the 4400 pound axles, but the backer plates will be the same.

Gary

Actually NO.

Do NOT rely on just the GAWR for determining parts for axle and brakes. I played a game with the Customer service rep from Lippert, said I had 4400 pound axles, he said "brake size is usually 10x2.25 with a 4 bolt backing plate" mentioned I had the axle sticker and he asked the V# to look up and confirm.

V000267943 starts life as a 5200 pound axle housing and uses 12 x 2 brakes with the 5 bolt pattern backing plate the same part used on 5200, 6000 and even 7000 pound axles. The ratings on these axles are much like GVWR ratings on all vehicles. It Does NOT matter what the capability may actually be. They are documented as being rated at 4400 pounds so they are 4400 pound axles even though they share components with higher rated axles.

Take pictures of your axle and file away. If in doubt regarding particulars contact the appropriate customer service.

Lippert Customer service has been top notch every time I have dealt with them.