What is Difference Between 3,000 and 3,500 lb Trailer Brake Assembly

Question:

What’s the difference between a 3000lb brake kit and a 3500lb brake kit? I am looking to add electric brakes to my enclosed trailer which has a 3000lb axle. I ordered the 3500lb brake kit because they are self adjusting. Is the bolt pattern the same for the mounting bracket? Is there any reason I can’t use the 3500lb kit on my 3000lb axle?

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

The big difference between 3,000 lb axle trailer brake assemblies and 3,500 lb trailer axle brake assemblies is the width of the brake pad. The 3,500 lb kits like the # 23-468-469 are 2-1/4 inches wide and the # K23-472-473-00 which fits the 3,000 lb axle kits has a width of 1-1/2 inches. This is why they are not interchangeable.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Justin

4/18/2024

Can 3,000lb axle breaks be upgraded to the 2.25” as long as the drum is changed as well? Or are there certain specs that would not allow for the new drum to fit the 3,000lb axle?

Jameson C.

4/18/2024

@Justin Unfortunately the 3,000 lb axle hubs and 3,500 lb axle hubs do not fit the same spindle so you can't make that swap. The 3,500 lb axle has a very slightly larger inner bearing surface diameter.

Terry

5/22/2024

@JamesonC My5th wheel has 3000 lbs dexter axles and has the same spindle and uses same bearings and races as a 3500 lb axel also uses the same brake assemblies and hubs explain that

Jameson C.

5/22/2024

@Terry I've heard that can be the case but it's pretty rare. At one point we believe they were the same between the two capacities but then found several people correct us and let us know they were different so it seems a little confusing. I would double check to make sure the bearing and seal surfaces are the same diameter. The seal surface diameter should be 1.719 inch and the bearings should be 1.063 inch and 1.378 inch.