brakes.

[Brian Cloke]

Hello.
I am in the process of my yearly maintenance
chores on my fith wheel.This year I figured it
was time to do the brakes so proceeded to instal
new dexter kits all around.To my surprise I could not find any of the usual brake shops in
my area that could machine the drum armatures
where the magnets ride.I was at no less than 5
shops.Apparently normal brake lathes can not do
the armature surface.My drums are now in at a
specialist machine shop.No doubt this is going to be an expensive job. What experiences have
any others had with this situation.
Cheers.
Brian.

[Brian Cloke]

Hello.
I am in the process of my yearly maintenance
chores on my fith wheel.This year I figured it
was time to do the brakes so proceeded to instal
new dexter kits all around.To my surprise I could not find any of the usual brake shops in
my area that could machine the drum armatures
where the magnets ride.I was at no less than 5
shops.Apparently normal brake lathes can not do
the armature surface.My drums are now in at a
specialist machine shop.No doubt this is going to be an expensive job. What experiences have
any others had with this situation.
Cheers.
Brian.

[Frankenstien]

I Have yet to machine mine.... however none had ever had any serious wear. I am curious as to how much $$$ though... I would think at worst case it would be around the same as resurfacing a small fly wheel.

[basicallydc]

Does anyone out there have an opinion on the Husky 5th wheel hitch? I have a 2005 Ford F250 shortbed and am looking to get set up for a 5th wheel.

Would you know the size? 16K or 24K hitch?

[CyberVet65]

Basicallydc, Welcome to the site!
The Husky hitch is a well respected unit.
Just a word of caution. With a short bed truck you might want to consider a "slider" type hitch. Otherwise in a sharp turn the front of the 5th wheel has been know to make contact with the truck bed.
Chet

[Billy M]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">basicallydc </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
basicallydc

I have the husky slider. It works fine. I also would think with a F-250, the 16k as I have would be the one to have. I have had no problems.
Hope this helps.
Billy M

[Ray,IN]

Brian, I think any reputable machine shop will machine the magnet contact surface. The brake shops do not have a standard machine shop lathe, only the specialized turning lathes. All that's required is a large enough engine lathe, a true running 3 jaw chuck, a dial indicator, and a competent machinist.

[Brian Cloke]

Hello Ray.
My four brake drums have had the armature
surfaces machined. The shop did a nice job.
Cost 120 + tax. Thanks for your comments.
Cheers.
Brian