Community Forums

Ramseyjack · 12-09-2022, 03:41 PM

I have tried the Dexter local rep and told not possible. I have pasted my question below.

Thinking someone has a workaround.

I have a 2009 Carriage Carri-Lite 36Max1 with 2ea 7K Dexter Never Lube axles. I would like to add disk brakes. Can this be done?
Axle info below:
Dexter Axle
SN 0 3578005
SN 0 3578006

Model SLR
P-11
072 14 2

D72.5-NL NEV-R-LUBE
D72C Dex# 4741
Order # 117262-1
02 13 08 S1 L1
P11 – Elkhart
HF=86.50 SC=68.50
9 of 12
Due 2/14/08
Carriage Inc
Millersburg IN
PO 73202

MorRyde LRE

bigb56 · 12-09-2022, 04:29 PM

It's been done on Airstream trailers with nevrlube axles, do some searching on Airforums. Here's one post https://www.airforums.com/forums/f43...es-219487.html

CecilD · 12-09-2022, 06:37 PM

Following with interest. I guess the main question is - does Dexter or the aftermarket make a disk style hub with 50mm Nev-R-lube bearings pressed in? You will need to toss the old drums and bearings. Standard bearings will not work with the cylindrical spindle Nev-R-lubes require. Might be less expensive to look at entirely new axles sans the high end bearings.

**hamm2018** · 12-10-2022, 08:31 AM

Back in June 2019 we had the disc brake conversion done on our Road Warrior at the Heartland National Rally in Goshen, Ind... Our cost was around $4200/labor included, but we are a triaxle setup.
We had Performance Trailer Braking do the job, since they were at the rally and gave a discount price. I would call them and ask any questions; they will sell the conversion kits or do the install.
Another added bonus to this setup of disc brakes was when we had the MorRyde IS suspension system installed, these disc brakes, transferred over to the new suspension system.

xc-mark · 12-10-2022, 11:12 AM

Never lube bearings are a bad idea in my book. They do fail but not often , you will not be able to get parts if and when it does happen. The 8K Kodiac disk on our redwood has roughly 15,000 miles and 4 years since its last bearing repack. The grease was still blue and clean when I repack them this fall , Assuming you have a dealer do a repack its around $250 for a two axle trailer or half of that if you so it yourself with new seals ( I would assume the dealer would not replace them at that price since the seal is $17 each min) . I could have gone a 5th season on our bearings for sure if I wanted to. Most axles 7K~9K share the same #42 stub that the bearings ride on and there are very few failers that are not self-caused by installation error.

GBB · 12-10-2022, 11:26 AM

I think you can get the conversion kit from Etrailer.

SailorSam · 12-10-2022, 04:58 PM

I suggest checking with Performance Trailer Braking. I had them do my trailer and am happy with the work, now have 25k miles with the disk brake setup.
On my trailer which has never-lube axles, they pulled the OEM drum brake/wheel assembly off and slid on a disk rotor with new bearings onto the axle spindle then added the caliper assembly.

They list a kit that should do what you need:
Double Axle 6k or 7k lbs Kodiak 8-Lug 13" Premier Disc Brake Conversion Kit $3,075

https://performancetrailerbraking.com/disc-brakes

You can buy the kit and DIY or have them do the work.

Edd505 · 12-11-2022, 11:55 AM

Yes it can be done, I got my kit from https://performancetrailerbraking.com/
The kit comes with everything but brake fluid and grease, all lines, clips to hold, wiring, pump, a brake assemblies. It took me two days but having done one I think I could do one in a day. You will need a goodtubing bender, the lines came a little long so I bent to take up the length. I also put a sleet strap across the frame rails to add anchor points. I was able to upgrade the axles to 8K for and add fee of about $70. The upgrade is a larger outer bearing and 9/16 studs vs 1/2, included was the 9/16 lug nuts.
Hardest part was where to mount the pump and running the wiring through the pin box. You will not need new wheels your OEM will fit. I asked a lot of questions before ordering and had one question during the install. I got all my questions answered and the one during the install was answered by the first person the answered, no wait I'll transfer you.

MtCamper · 12-11-2022, 03:23 PM

100% call Michael at Performance. They probably have an installer in your area if you are not wanting to DIY. Michael can also give you his recommendation as to keep or replace your Never Lube axles.

Ramseyjack · 12-11-2022, 07:29 PM

Thanks to all of you,
I did put in a call last week to Performance Trailer braking and and email, followed up with a real detailed email with pics, about an hour ago. Should have a response this week.
Also info coming from Etrailer and Kodiak trailer brakes.

The Carriage has 2 1/2 in brakes, so I may have to actually measure face to face from the back of the wheels to make sure the offset is right.

Thanks again,

Jack

TB673 · 12-11-2022, 08:18 PM

I bought my Hitchhiker used (in 2016) and it has Dexter 7K Neverlube axles with Dexter Disk Brakes.
I had the Neverlube bearings changed after I bought, because I didn't know how many miles were on the previous set.
I haven't needed pads so far (I've put on 30k mi), but from what I've read, the Kodiak Pads are cheaper and more readily available at most auto parts stores, than are the Dexter pads.
Dexter or Kodiak, you will like the difference in braking.

Tim

**hamm2018** · 12-12-2022, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB673

I bought my Hitchhiker used (in 2016) and it has Dexter 7K Neverlube axles with Dexter Disk Brakes.
I had the Neverlube bearings changed after I bought, because I didn't know how many miles were on the previous set.
I haven't needed pads so far (I've put on 30k mi), but from what I've read, the Kodiak Pads are cheaper and more readily available at most auto parts stores, than are the Dexter pads.
Dexter or Kodiak, you will like the difference in braking.

Tim

Yep, bought my pads at NAPA for my disc in Goshen this past August. It is a set from GMC pickups, that works on mine.

Edd505 · 12-12-2022, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramseyjack

Thanks to all of you,
I did put in a call last week to Performance Trailer braking and and email, followed up with a real detailed email with pics, about an hour ago. Should have a response this week.
Also info coming from Etrailer and Kodiak trailer brakes.

The Carriage has 2 1/2 in brakes, so I may have to actually measure face to face from the back of the wheels to make sure the offset is right.

Thanks again,

Jack

I'm confused with the 2.5 brakes comment, the OEM brakes are gone, you get new backing plate to mount the caliper and a disc for the axle.
(first two pics)