320MKS Backing Plates

[Remuda]

I have a 2024 Reflection 320MKS that we bought new 1.5 years ago. I took it in for end-of-year service and asked for the wheel bearings be repacked. They called me to say all 4 wheel backing plates need to be replaced because they found the brake shoes on all 4 wheels to be pitted and cracked. They quoted parts & labor at $2,100.

I am not a mechanically inclined person so I'm at a loss here. Does this sound reasonable for a fifth wheel that we have maybe 20,000 miles on to need new backing plates? Is this a maintenance item that I will have to deal with every 2 years on this trailer? I would think those type parts would last much, much longer than 1.5 years.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[uchu]

Did you take to the dealer you bought it from? If yes (or even if no), I would take it to another shop, to be sure.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Replacing "backing plates" means replacing the entire brake assembly, not unreasonable but they are rather in-expensive and very easy to replace.

A pair of Dexter 12 inch brake assemblies (no drums) is $179 at Southwest Wheels trailer parts site. TruRyde brand is even cheaper and probably just as good. Parts and shipping, $500 on the high side, labor to replace them, lets say I'm slow, possibly 4 hours, @ $150 hr (WAG) and you are looking at no more than $1500.

Did you go to an RV dealer, or a trailer repair shop? Never go to the RV dealer for something like this. I think you were quoted high but possibly bearable. I do my own work so for me it would be a no brainer to do this, but I understand not everyone has the mechanical aptitude, tools, or place to work, and I guess that is what you are paying for.

As for why they failed, face it, you are talking a heavy trailer and four simple drum brakes, they are doing a lot of work, and may have been mis adjusted also. Are you pulling in the mountains? or flat land? With a diesel (exhaust brake) or Gas (engine braking but not as effective as the exhaust brake of a diesel)?

Edit: I just looked, your trailer is a 14,000 lb trailer and I think 12 inch brakes are as large as they go. You might consider spending the money on a disc brake conversion. On smaller, lighter trailers I would not even suggest this, but with this much weight, your tow vehicle needs some help.

I'm guessing (optimistically) that you have 7000 lb axles. This kit is for 7000 lb axles with 8 lug wheels. Its $2100+ and requires installation of hydraulic lines too but something like this would be worth it if you are operating heavy and running up the miles.

Charles

 

[gwinger]

I had all four on my 2018 replaced by my dealer for the same reason.
They were OEM, I think Dexter, $950 total. Mine were 10 inch but I can't see double the price for 12 inch. Labor is the same.

 

[Remuda]

Thanks everyone for your insights! 20219 F250 diesel pulling up the Rockies and back. The exhaust brakes really do help coming down those steep grades. Definitely need the trailer brakes to help though.

 

[bigbAZ]

If you have a local utility trailer sales and service outfit they generally keep the parts in stock and are more reasonable than an RV place, plus the trailer guys can usually do this with their eyes closed as opposed to RV guys who may do 100's of different things on RVs.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Agree that $2100 is high, but Rv shops are likely to bill shop labor at more than $150 (closer to $200) and will use labor flat rate book hours, not what a competent mechanic actually does. And they surely don't charge internet parts prices. Parts mark-up can run anywhere from 25%-100%!

I think any brake shop that will work on trailers would likely be closer to Charles' $1500 estimate. If you can shop around a bit, you can save some $$.

 

[gwinger]

Agree that $2100 is high, but Rv shops are likely to bill shop labor at more than $150 (closer to $200) and will use labor flat rate book hours, not what a competent mechanic actually does. And they surely don't charge internet parts prices. Parts mark-up can run anywhere from 25%-100%!

I think any brake shop that will work on trailers would likely be closer to Charles' $1500 estimate. If you can shop around a bit, you can save some $$.

I guess my dealer is not the norm.
I was given an estimate of just over $1100 for all four backing plates.
When I picked it up it was $950 plus tax.
The original quote was at the flat rate cost.
My price was at an actual time based cost. It's possible they did that because I bought my trailer there.