Dexter K71-695-00 Complete Brake Spring Kit
The Dexter K71-695-00 Complete Brake Spring Kit is positioned as the OEM-grade, best-in-class choice for horse trailer owners who need proven durability and precise fitment; Dexter's long-standing presence in trailer axle and brake manufacturing delivers parts engineered to the original equipment tolerances. Compared with the other kits on this list, it commands a premium for its widespread dealer support and robust materials, which can reduce long-term repair frequency and ownership cost for heavy-use equine hauling applications.
Perfect OEM fit
High-tensile springs
Perfect OEM fit
High-tensile springs
Review Summary
"Most users say the Dexter K71-695-00 is a well-made, complete brake spring kit that fits as advertised and provides long-lasting, reliable performance; a few reported minor fitment tweaks or missing small parts on older packages."
Hugs the axle
Direct-fit Dexter OEM-style components designed for many common trailer axles.
Hugs the axle
Direct-fit Dexter OEM-style components designed for many common trailer axles.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Dexter K71-695-00 Complete Brake Spring Kit is positioned as the OEM-grade, best-in-class choice for horse trailer owners who need proven durability and precise fitment; Dexter's long-standing presence in trailer axle and brake manufacturing delivers parts engineered to the original equipment tolerances. Compared with the other kits on this list, it commands a premium for its widespread dealer support and robust materials, which can reduce long-term repair frequency and ownership cost for heavy-use equine hauling applications.
Perfect OEM fit
High-tensile springs
Hugs the axle
Direct-fit Dexter OEM-style components designed for many common trailer axles.
Complete kit includes springs, retainers, clips, and mounting hardware for a full rebuild.
Perfect OEM fit
High-tensile springs
Hugs the axle
Direct-fit Dexter OEM-style components designed for many common trailer axles.
Complete kit includes springs, retainers, clips, and mounting hardware for a full rebuild.
$80-140 CAD
Lippert Components 296650 Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit
The Lippert Components 296650 Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit stands out for its self-adjusting mechanism that minimizes routine brake adjustments—an important technical advantage for horse trailer owners who need dependable, low-maintenance braking. Financially, it can lower lifecycle maintenance costs compared with standard spring kits (like Carlisle or TruRyde) by reducing shop visits; compared to Dexter and AL-KO, Lippert emphasizes convenience and reduced owner intervention rather than OEM-level parts parity.
Self-adjusting action
Long-life components
Self-adjusting action
Long-life components
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Lippert 296650 self-adjusting assembly for reducing manual adjustments and for OEM-level compatibility, though some report more complicated installation and occasional early adjustment issues."
Zero-fuss maintenance
Forward self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual brake adjustments and maintenance.
Zero-fuss maintenance
Forward self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual brake adjustments and maintenance.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Lippert Components 296650 Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit stands out for its self-adjusting mechanism that minimizes routine brake adjustments—an important technical advantage for horse trailer owners who need dependable, low-maintenance braking. Financially, it can lower lifecycle maintenance costs compared with standard spring kits (like Carlisle or TruRyde) by reducing shop visits; compared to Dexter and AL-KO, Lippert emphasizes convenience and reduced owner intervention rather than OEM-level parts parity.
Self-adjusting action
Long-life components
Zero-fuss maintenance
Forward self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual brake adjustments and maintenance.
Built for robust, long-term use with reinforced components and precision tolerances.
Self-adjusting action
Long-life components
Zero-fuss maintenance
Forward self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual brake adjustments and maintenance.
Built for robust, long-term use with reinforced components and precision tolerances.
$350-550 CAD
TruRyde BK-250 Complete Brake Hardware Kit
The TruRyde BK-250 Complete Brake Hardware Kit is marketed as a value-focused aftermarket solution offering comprehensive mounting and spring components in one package, making it appealing for budget-conscious horse trailer repairs and retrofit jobs. Technically straightforward and easy to install, it provides better immediate cost savings than premium options while still delivering the full complement of parts needed for a drum brake overhaul, though it may not match Dexter or AL-KO for OEM spec or long-term corrosion protection.
Complete hardware set
Corrosion-resistant finish
Complete hardware set
Corrosion-resistant finish
Review Summary
"The TruRyde BK-250 is frequently praised for its value, complete contents and straightforward replacement process; a minority noted fitment variances and the need to reuse some original fasteners."
Bolt-and-go swap
Comprehensive hardware kit supplying springs, pins, hold-downs, and adjusters for a full install.
Bolt-and-go swap
Comprehensive hardware kit supplying springs, pins, hold-downs, and adjusters for a full install.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The TruRyde BK-250 Complete Brake Hardware Kit is marketed as a value-focused aftermarket solution offering comprehensive mounting and spring components in one package, making it appealing for budget-conscious horse trailer repairs and retrofit jobs. Technically straightforward and easy to install, it provides better immediate cost savings than premium options while still delivering the full complement of parts needed for a drum brake overhaul, though it may not match Dexter or AL-KO for OEM spec or long-term corrosion protection.
Complete hardware set
Corrosion-resistant finish
Bolt-and-go swap
Comprehensive hardware kit supplying springs, pins, hold-downs, and adjusters for a full install.
Economical option that focuses on compatibility with a range of drum brake sizes.
Complete hardware set
Corrosion-resistant finish
Bolt-and-go swap
Comprehensive hardware kit supplying springs, pins, hold-downs, and adjusters for a full install.
Economical option that focuses on compatibility with a range of drum brake sizes.
$70-140 CAD
AL-KO 811048 Brake Spring and Hardware Kit
The AL-KO 811048 Brake Spring and Hardware Kit represents a premium European-engineered option with materials and coatings geared toward enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity—advantages for trailers exposed to wet or coastal conditions common in equine transport. Compared to U.S. alternatives like Dexer or Lippert, AL-KO tends to emphasize higher-spec components and finish quality, which can translate to lower replacement frequency but sometimes a higher upfront cost and the need to verify fitment on North American axle patterns.
Heavy-duty springs
Precision fitment
Heavy-duty springs
Precision fitment
Review Summary
"AL-KO 811048 is regarded as robust, precise hardware that matches AL-KO drum brakes well and lasts under heavy use; a few buyers said it’s specific to AL-KO systems so cross-compatibility can be limited."
German-engineered flair
OEM-grade AL-KO springs and hardware sized for direct replacement on AL-KO axles.
German-engineered flair
OEM-grade AL-KO springs and hardware sized for direct replacement on AL-KO axles.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The AL-KO 811048 Brake Spring and Hardware Kit represents a premium European-engineered option with materials and coatings geared toward enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity—advantages for trailers exposed to wet or coastal conditions common in equine transport. Compared to U.S. alternatives like Dexer or Lippert, AL-KO tends to emphasize higher-spec components and finish quality, which can translate to lower replacement frequency but sometimes a higher upfront cost and the need to verify fitment on North American axle patterns.
Heavy-duty springs
Precision fitment
German-engineered flair
OEM-grade AL-KO springs and hardware sized for direct replacement on AL-KO axles.
Heat-treated springs and precision components for consistent brake function under load.
Heavy-duty springs
Precision fitment
German-engineered flair
OEM-grade AL-KO springs and hardware sized for direct replacement on AL-KO axles.
Heat-treated springs and precision components for consistent brake function under load.
$120-220 CAD
Carlisle Brake Assembly Spring Kit 12-1/4
The Carlisle Brake Assembly Spring Kit 12-1/4 is an economical, widely compatible solution tailored to the common 12-1/4" drum size found on many older horse trailers, offering straightforward parts replacement at a low purchase price. Financially attractive for owners restoring or maintaining older rigs, Carlisle’s kit delivers fast, affordable serviceability though it lacks some of the advanced self-adjusting or premium corrosion-resistant features found in Lippert or AL-KO offerings.
12-1/4 fitment
Budget-friendly buy
12-1/4 fitment
Budget-friendly buy
Review Summary
"Customers generally find the Carlisle 12-1/4 brake spring kit dependable and complete for standard drum brake rebuilds, although some mentioned the springs require break-in and occasional adjustment after installation."
Easy replacement
Specifically matched for 12-1/4 inch drum brake assemblies for straightforward installation.
Easy replacement
Specifically matched for 12-1/4 inch drum brake assemblies for straightforward installation.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Carlisle Brake Assembly Spring Kit 12-1/4 is an economical, widely compatible solution tailored to the common 12-1/4" drum size found on many older horse trailers, offering straightforward parts replacement at a low purchase price. Financially attractive for owners restoring or maintaining older rigs, Carlisle’s kit delivers fast, affordable serviceability though it lacks some of the advanced self-adjusting or premium corrosion-resistant features found in Lippert or AL-KO offerings.
12-1/4 fitment
Budget-friendly buy
Easy replacement
Specifically matched for 12-1/4 inch drum brake assemblies for straightforward installation.
Includes all required mounting springs and brackets to restore proper brake geometry.
12-1/4 fitment
Budget-friendly buy
Easy replacement
Specifically matched for 12-1/4 inch drum brake assemblies for straightforward installation.
Includes all required mounting springs and brackets to restore proper brake geometry.
$90-170 CAD