Brake Failure on The Interstate

[Haggis]

The disc brake caliper mounting bolts fell out or snapped and came away from the backing plate. This in turn broke the hydraulic brake line........result no brakes on the trailer. I was fortunate to be close to an exit on the Interstate with no vehicles in the exit lane. I don't like to think what would have happened if I had been desending a hill and that exit had not there. There was lots of traffic beside me.

Needless to say the wife and I are really shook up.

I would advise you to check your brake system to make sure there are studs holding your calipers to the backing plate "NOT BOLTS'!!!!!!!!

The driving training courses I have taken in the past have taught me to always be looking for a way out while driving. I feel this has got me out of some dangerous driving situations, including this one.

[billr]

Wow, glad you guys are OK! That could have got real ugly real fast! Thats always a concern on what to do in the case of no trailer brakes.

If you get any pics of the bolts/calipers please post. There was a Service Letter from DT on the bolts coming out on the Dexter calipers a while back, but that was on the 05/06 models, I think you have Kodiak brakes on your 07??

Cheers,
Bill

[RonS]

What service bulliten, and what was to be changed/fixed??????????????

[billr]

Check the post link here for the problem that resulted in the service letter from Dexter. Call them or DT to see if it affects your unit. They might need the info from axles. My dealer did the insp and mod spring 06.

Bill

http://www.5thwheelforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=171&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=caliper&start=0

[Texas 250]

I had this happen to my unit summer 07, had about 1000 miles on it, first trip we took in it. If you will lookup my post you will see all the pics you want. Double Tree said wrong grade bolts were put in backing plates, We were very lucky my family was not injured pulling our unit down I-35 about 70mph. Had to put new rear axle,wheel,brake line. I was not a happy camper about the situation. Call D/T and make them make it right, we might have to keep an eye on this problem.

Good Luck
Jeff

2001/250/lariat/swb/4wd
2007/RS3/loaded

[RonS]

So why has DT not notified all their customers of this potential safety issue?? Guess they are just waiting for law suit, then blame dexter. Some thing must be done so that ALL DT owerners become informed. Has anyone contacted DT and asked what they should do to get corrected??

[Motor31]

I just want to confirm something. Is this situation related only to the disk brake equipment from Dexter axles?

The only bulletin I have received from DT was about the plumbing modification for the kitchen sink drain hose (38' rigs). I do not have any idea how many bulletins there are regarding our trailer or if we have been allowed to swing in the wind on them.

[sigo'suite]

According to my dealer, yes it applies only to disc brakes; and those affected should have gotten notification just like the dealer does.

Before you shoot the messenger, I am just repeating what I was told. :lol:

[Texas 250]

This axle was not a Dexter product in my unit, it was a Lipert axle. I talked to Lipert myself about this issue on my coach.

2001/250/Lariat/swb/4dr
2007/RS3/loaded