Cost and Mileage for Brakes

[DT6]

We had great weather today so I was able to pull the wheel and inspect the brakes. As you can see from the pics, the shoes have at least 4cm of pad left, so no need to replace them.

I called Woodard RV in Salem and the owner happened to answer the call. I explained what was going on and asked that he contact the mechanic to find out why he was recommending brakes. After reviewing everything the owner was very apologetic (he was nice to begin with) and dug into the issue more to figure out why the quote was so high because he was shocked at the quote as well (he really sounded surprised).

He took a minute or so to look up part numbers and then told me that the backing plate set for the Escape 19 (2019 model) was over $400 (I think it was $430 or $460) when they are typically $70+ or so. He believes that to be the difference between the quote I received and what it would be for a typical travel trailer.

Since he has no control over price of spare parts, I figure he is telling the truth. Also, I looked over the grease rep

acking job they did, and it was very well done. Clean, no excess grease splattered eveywhere, and neatly put back together. The bearing repack was $290 for four wheels.

So my question to everyone is this typical for backing plates to be so expensive?? If they are, I wonder what makes them so special?

Thanks everyone!

[Iowa Dave]

Well $480 for 4 brakes never adjust and $300 for the ones you have to adjust yourself from
E trailer. I have to speak with the guys I get my stuff from on a completely unrelated matter and can ask them the current price of the Dexter stuff. But they are not open on Saturdays so it will be Monday to see if a regular trailer and truck parts dealer can do any better. It’s been two years since I bought the ones I used to take the thickness pictures I posted. If I could not change each set in 30 minutes (2 hours total) it would be because I stopped for a municipal worker break. Four bolts and two wires once the drum is pulled. It’s just not that big of a job. At least you didn’t need them and will be able to tell when you do many miles down the road
But I’m old school, out of contact with todays prices and self reliant enough that I’d do it myself
If each one took a full day.
Stand by
Iowa Dave

[DT6]

Just an added note - I spoke with our son today who is a mechanic and a parts specialist. Although he does not have much experience with trailers, he said that 4cm is not that much in terms of brake pad. He, like I, is fairly careful so I'm asking if anyone knows how much pad is on a new pair of shoes. Also, for clarification is the "back plate" the same thing as "brake shoes" or am I missing something? I apologize for not being familiar with more trailer specific terminology, and as always thanks in advance of all the great advice!

[gbaglo]

Four centimetres is 1.5748 inches.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by DT6

As you can see from the pics, the shoes have at least 4cm of pad left, so no need to replace them.
...
Attachment 61301

Attachment 61302

4 millimetres (mm), not centimetres (cm), but that's clear in the photo and the only reasonable possibility anyway.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Four centimetres is 1.5748 inches.

Your brakes started with 3/16 inch ( .1875 inches ) now 10,000 miles later you have .157 inches left. You can probably go down to 1/16 inch. So that’s .0625 inches . If your wear continues at the current rate, “you got a long ways to go” I’ll be 10-10 on the side
Iowa Dave

[Rossue]

DT6- the owner's apology reminds me of a bad partner I once had who would blame his own action's a bookeeper's mistake, or whatever. It is probably B.S.

The owner sets the culture in a workplace. In CA there is the Bureau of Automotive Repair. There has to be an equivalent in Oregon.

You need to report this business, just like someone walking their dog who gets bit by someone's off-leash dog needs to be reported to Animal Control.

[DT6]

That is what I get when I look at the picture when typing instead of focusing on the units!

[DT6]

My thanks to Iowa Dave and all of the others who posted replies here. It is very reassuring to hear everyone's comments and knowing we are in good shape. The only thing better would be getting an early delivery of our 21C!

[Iowa Dave]

And my final word on Dexter K23- 26 (left) and K23-27 (right) Genuine Dexter Brake kit at my local dealer, over the counter, cash price is $57.32 per set. These are the stock brakes that came on our 2013 Escape 21, YMMV.
Therefore, all four sets for our tandem axle trailer using this series of 4 brake sets that are NOT self adjusting is $245..33 including our 7% sales tax.
I might just buy a spare set for the inventory. But then again, I wouldn’t need them for 5 or 6 years and by then I’ll be 80 and probably into dirt bikes, scuba diving, parachuting or hang gliding.
Have a great week, make your camping reservations while you can and fill out your brackets.
Iowa Dave

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

But then again, I wouldn’t need them for 5 or 6 years and by then I’ll be 80 and probably into dirt bikes, scuba diving, parachuting or hang gliding.

And don't forget your board shorts! We received a Medicare Advantage offer in the mail with a gray-haired "young at heart" couple in their wetsuits with their short-boards, (Not the same as board shorts!), and I thought it was just so wrong in so many ways.

Now, with a quick Google search, I can see that they are apparently trying to kill us all off so they don't have to pay any claims!

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

And my final word on Dexter K23- 26 (left) and K23-27 (right) Genuine Dexter Brake kit at my local dealer, over the counter, cash price is $57.32 per set. These are the stock brakes that came on our 2013 Escape 21, YMMV.
Therefore, all four sets for our tandem axle trailer using this series of 4 brake sets that are NOT self adjusting is $245..33 including our 7% sales tax.
I might just buy a spare set for the inventory. But then again, I wouldn’t need them for 5 or 6 years and by then I’ll be 80 and probably into dirt bikes, scuba diving, parachuting or hang gliding.
Have a great week, make your camping reservations while you can and fill out your brackets.
Iowa Dave

Which is why I never buy just the brake shoes when I can get the whole backing plate with new magnet, springs, and brake shoes for about $15 per wheel more.

So $229.28 for four brake sets only or $288 for four complete Dexter backing plates with all new components. Your pick.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Traile.../dp/B007Z0S9YM

[DGLP]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Which is why I never buy just the brake shoes when I can get the whole backing plate with new magnet, springs, and brake shoes for about $15 per wheel more.

So $229.28 for four brake sets only or $288 for four complete Dexter backing plates with all new components. Your pick.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Traile.../dp/B007Z0S9YM

Northern Tool and Equipment sell Dexter parts. If you're an Advantage member, you get free shipping. I receive coupons frequently (for example, $20 off a $100 purchase).
For a complete set:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4141_200514141

$374.99

Includes two brakes (left and right)
Water-resistant connections
Rubber molded plugs for fast, easy installation
Drum hubs are assembled with bearings, seal and pre-greased for easy installation
Wiring kit includes two 20-ft. dual wire strips with easy plug connectors and five cable ties

[DGLP]

For "Genuine Dexter" brake kits:
Amazon $179.00
https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-NEV-R-...7311689&sr=8-1

Northern Tool $184.99
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4149_200514149

[Rossue]

Wow- another inflation anecdote: in July 2020 I bought 2 L & R backing plates from Redneck trailer supply for $193. Also bought 4 Lippert Hub assemblies that included installed front & rear bearings for $191.

Now the Redneck backing plates are $300 and the Lippert Hubs are $320.

$620 vs. $384- or a 62% increase!

[DGLP]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Which is why I never buy just the brake shoes when I can get the whole backing plate with new magnet, springs, and brake shoes for about $15 per wheel more.

So $229.28 for four brake sets only or $288 for four complete Dexter backing plates with all new components. Your pick.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Traile.../dp/B007Z0S9YM

Check out the following link to "Visit the Dexter Store" for the $144.00 brake assembly (left and right)

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dexter...0?ref_=ast_bln

Dexter comfort shoes by Payless?!

[DGLP]

"This will fit Quality, Dexter and Alko axles for Brake units that are 3500 lbs."

Are they truly MADE IN USA as the label states and are they genuine Dexter? Have to wonder how carefully Amazon does its vetting of vendors.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by DGLP

"This will fit Quality, Dexter and Alko axles for Brake units that are 3500 lbs."

Are they truly MADE IN USA as the label states and are they genuine Dexter? Have to wonder how carefully Amazon does its vetting of vendors.

I prefer to buy the real deal, in the box, and so branded. “Will fit” does not get it for me in descriptions unless it’s a bell for bicycle handlebars.
Iowa Dave

[H46Driver]

Just changed my brakes a couple months ago - probably had 50,000 or more miles on them (I could look it up but too lazy). They were still in "OK" shape. Also I use Timkin bearings - both the bearings and grease still look good at around 20K miles but I change them anyway. That said, I drive at 60-62 mph and have rarely hit the brakes hard.

[Meandering Minstrel]

We have 10k on our 2019 Escape 21NE and just had the bearings packed too. The brakes were fine.
I spent a fair amount of time trying to get the braking on the trailer to match the brakes on our truck. If you have your brake controller set at the maximum, you'll wear out the trailer brakes much faster.
You can replace the brakes yourself and if they look very worn than you should check or replace your brake controller.