Question: I have a 5th wheel trailer loaded weight of 14,500. The brakes need replacing. They are currently Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes, part numbers 023-464 and 023-465. The actual brakes look like part numbers 023-180 and 023-181 which are not classed as Nev-R-Adjust brakes. There is a $40 difference between sets. Will either set work as well on my trailer?

Reply: 

Both brakes will work for your trailer. It comes down to whether you would like to stick with the Nev-R-Adjust Electric brakes or go for regular electric brakes. Nev-R-Adjust electric brakes automatically adjust themselves to proper alignment, regular electric brakes do not do this. 

For more information on selecting trailer brakes, see our blog post HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC BRAKE

My exhaust is rattling on my trailer hitch - how do I fix this?

If you have confirmed that this is the correct trailer hitch for your vehicle and followed all installation steps (such as lowering the exhaust if necessary) then there are a few solutions to this problem:

1. Bend the exhaust hanger at various points to raise or lower the exhaust. This will move it away from the hitch.
2. Unbolt and reposition the bolt on hanger.
3. Replace the rubber isolator as the weight of the exhaust may stretch this connector, causing the exhaust to hang lower.
4. Take your vehicle to a professional installer to inspect that the trailer hitch installation was done correctly.

If you are still experiencing rattling after trying all 4 of these options, we suggest contacting the manfucturer with your vehicle's VIN number and trailer hitch part number for further assistance.

 What is a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter?

A Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter lets you tow your 5th Wheel trailer with your Gooseneck Hitch by simply mounting around your trailer's king pin and connecting to the gooseneck ball in the pickup truck. These adapters have to be the correct height to tow the trailer. Measure from the top of the gooseneck ball to the bottom of the king pin plate.  Some manufacturers recommend that their adapters not be used with king pin boxes over a certain length.

What are Hand Winches?

A Hand Winch is a mechanical devise that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) large or heavy items. Available in all cranking types, these winches are designed for use with cables or straps and have capacities up to 4,200 lbs.

There are two types of Hand Winches in its category:
 

Single Speed:

• Only uses one gear
• Most basic design
• Used for small boats and short pulling distances
• Capacities: 400 to 1,200 lbs.

Two Speed:

• Uses two gears. low speed and high speed
• Easy cranking
• Used for heavy pulling and lifting
• Capacities: 1,600 to 3,700 lbs. 
   

How to choose a hand winch

Hand winch capacities are rated with one layer of rope wrapped around the drum. You will need to calculate the line pull needed by multiplying your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) by 1.5 - this will give you an approximation for how big your winch should be. Typically the first layer of rope around the drum is...

 How do I select the correct hub?

The number of hub choices can be intimidating but becoming familiar with the selection process helps eliminate all the confusion. These steps apply mostly to the instances when you are selecting a brand new hub for a new axle. There is a slightly different approach if you are replacing the hub on an existing trailer axle.

Step 1: Determine the required capacity

There are industry standard weight capacities for idler and brake hubs. The standard capacities are:

• 2,000 lbs. 
• 3,500 lbs.
• 5,200 lbs.
• 6-7,000 lbs.

Step 2: Brakes or No Brakes?

Are you using brakes on the trailer setup? In many Provinces and States, the law requires brakes for trailers over 3,500 lbs. capacity. In the 2,000 lbs. range, there are only idler hubs available. From 3,500 lbs. and up there are both idler and brake hubs available. From 5,200 lbs. and up there are only brake hubs available. 

Step 3: Bolt Pattern and Size

The bolt pattern determines what type of tire and wheel can be used. The available bolt patterns are directly related to the capacity of the...