Dexter K71-651-00 Complete Electric Brake Kit
The Dexter K71-651-00 Complete Electric Brake Kit is positioned as a best-in-class choice for quick-install retrofit mounting kits thanks to its OEM-quality components and robust build that minimize repeat service costs. Its engineered fit and durable materials make installation faster and more reliable than many budget conversion kits, and while it carries a premium price, that upfront cost often yields lower lifecycle maintenance compared with lower-cost alternatives on this list.
Complete bolt-up
OEM-style fit
Complete bolt-up
OEM-style fit
Review Summary
"Well-built OEM-style kit with reliable components and clear fitment; installers report long-term durability and smooth braking, though a few users noted the need for minor adjustments during setup."
Smooth stopping (buttery)
Complete kit with backing plates, shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware for quick retrofit installs.
Smooth stopping (buttery)
Complete kit with backing plates, shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware for quick retrofit installs.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Dexter K71-651-00 Complete Electric Brake Kit is positioned as a best-in-class choice for quick-install retrofit mounting kits thanks to its OEM-quality components and robust build that minimize repeat service costs. Its engineered fit and durable materials make installation faster and more reliable than many budget conversion kits, and while it carries a premium price, that upfront cost often yields lower lifecycle maintenance compared with lower-cost alternatives on this list.
Complete bolt-up
OEM-style fit
Smooth stopping (buttery)
Complete kit with backing plates, shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware for quick retrofit installs.
Designed to match Dexter axle mounting patterns for straightforward bolt-on installation.
Complete bolt-up
OEM-style fit
Smooth stopping (buttery)
Complete kit with backing plates, shoes, wheel cylinders and hardware for quick retrofit installs.
Designed to match Dexter axle mounting patterns for straightforward bolt-on installation.
$250-450 USD
Lippert Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit
The Lippert Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit stands out for its automatic self-adjusting mechanism that reduces manual brake adjustments after retrofit installs, saving labor over time for frequent-use trailers. Technically focused on reducing maintenance frequency, it competes with other kits by offering convenience and uptime benefits that can offset a modest price premium versus basic conversion kits.
Auto-self-adjust
Forward-mount ease
Auto-self-adjust
Forward-mount ease
Review Summary
"Convenient self-adjusting design reduces maintenance and fits RV applications well; some buyers experienced inconsistent instructions and occasional parts quality issues."
Low-maintenance wink
Forward-mounted design with self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual adjustments during retrofit.
Low-maintenance wink
Forward-mounted design with self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual adjustments during retrofit.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Lippert Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Kit stands out for its automatic self-adjusting mechanism that reduces manual brake adjustments after retrofit installs, saving labor over time for frequent-use trailers. Technically focused on reducing maintenance frequency, it competes with other kits by offering convenience and uptime benefits that can offset a modest price premium versus basic conversion kits.
Auto-self-adjust
Forward-mount ease
Low-maintenance wink
Forward-mounted design with self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual adjustments during retrofit.
Includes pre-installed components and hardware for faster installation on common trailer axles.
Auto-self-adjust
Forward-mount ease
Low-maintenance wink
Forward-mounted design with self-adjusting mechanism reduces manual adjustments during retrofit.
Includes pre-installed components and hardware for faster installation on common trailer axles.
$220-380 USD
TruRyde 12-1/4" x 5" Electric Brake Conversion Kit
The TruRyde 12-1/4" x 5" Electric Brake Conversion Kit is a value-oriented retrofit solution tailored to the common 12-1/4" x 5" drum size, making it a practical pick for DIY installers who want a straightforward, lower-cost conversion. While it may lack some of the premium materials or self-adjusting features of market leaders, its clear sizing and competitive pricing deliver strong cost-efficiency for quick installs compared with higher-end kits.
Conversion ready
Rugged hardware
Conversion ready
Rugged hardware
Review Summary
"Affordable conversion kit that delivers basic functionality and decent performance for budget builds; however, users report fitment variability and occasional need to replace softer hardware over time."
DIY grin guaranteed
Specifically sized 12-1/4\" x 5\" components for direct conversion to electric drum brakes.
DIY grin guaranteed
Specifically sized 12-1/4\" x 5\" components for direct conversion to electric drum brakes.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The TruRyde 12-1/4" x 5" Electric Brake Conversion Kit is a value-oriented retrofit solution tailored to the common 12-1/4" x 5" drum size, making it a practical pick for DIY installers who want a straightforward, lower-cost conversion. While it may lack some of the premium materials or self-adjusting features of market leaders, its clear sizing and competitive pricing deliver strong cost-efficiency for quick installs compared with higher-end kits.
Conversion ready
Rugged hardware
DIY grin guaranteed
Specifically sized 12-1/4\" x 5\" components for direct conversion to electric drum brakes.
Comprehensive hardware and clear instructions optimized for quick retrofit installs.
Conversion ready
Rugged hardware
DIY grin guaranteed
Specifically sized 12-1/4\" x 5\" components for direct conversion to electric drum brakes.
Comprehensive hardware and clear instructions optimized for quick retrofit installs.
$180-320 USD
Redline 12" Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Kit
The Redline 12" Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Kit blends the convenience of a self-adjusting system with a budget-friendly price, targeting owners who want reduced maintenance without the higher cost of top-tier OEM kits. It provides a compelling middle ground—faster installs and fewer adjustments than basic conversion kits like TruRyde, yet typically at a lower purchase price than premium Dexter or Lippert offerings.
Self-adjust tech
High-temp lining
Self-adjust tech
High-temp lining
Review Summary
"Good value self-adjusting brakes with reliable automatic adjustments and solid stopping power; a minority of purchasers mentioned noisy operation or bolt/hardware alignment concerns."
Stops on a dime (show-off)
Self-adjusting system keeps shoes at optimal clearance, minimizing maintenance after retrofit.
Stops on a dime (show-off)
Self-adjusting system keeps shoes at optimal clearance, minimizing maintenance after retrofit.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Redline 12" Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Kit blends the convenience of a self-adjusting system with a budget-friendly price, targeting owners who want reduced maintenance without the higher cost of top-tier OEM kits. It provides a compelling middle ground—faster installs and fewer adjustments than basic conversion kits like TruRyde, yet typically at a lower purchase price than premium Dexter or Lippert offerings.
Self-adjust tech
High-temp lining
Stops on a dime (show-off)
Self-adjusting system keeps shoes at optimal clearance, minimizing maintenance after retrofit.
Compact 12\" assembly designed for rapid bolt-on replacement on common trailer axles.
Self-adjust tech
High-temp lining
Stops on a dime (show-off)
Self-adjusting system keeps shoes at optimal clearance, minimizing maintenance after retrofit.
Compact 12\" assembly designed for rapid bolt-on replacement on common trailer axles.
$160-300 USD
etrailer AKEBRK-7 Complete Brake Assembly Kit
The etrailer AKEBRK-7 Complete Brake Assembly Kit is a comprehensive, bundle-style retrofit option that includes hubs, drums, bearings and hardware to shorten install time and cut the hassle of sourcing parts separately. Its financial advantage comes from the all-in-one pricing and etrailer's support network, making it an efficient, cost-transparent choice for quick installs compared with assembling components from multiple suppliers.
Complete assembly
Corrosion-resistant
Complete assembly
Corrosion-resistant
Review Summary
"Comprehensive kit praised for easy retrofit installs and complete hardware set, offering good value and dependable braking; a few reviews cite longer lead times and the need to swap seals/bearings depending on hub condition."
Plug-and-play joy
All-in-one assembly includes backing plates, shoes, magnets, cylinders and mounting hardware for fast installs.
Plug-and-play joy
All-in-one assembly includes backing plates, shoes, magnets, cylinders and mounting hardware for fast installs.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The etrailer AKEBRK-7 Complete Brake Assembly Kit is a comprehensive, bundle-style retrofit option that includes hubs, drums, bearings and hardware to shorten install time and cut the hassle of sourcing parts separately. Its financial advantage comes from the all-in-one pricing and etrailer's support network, making it an efficient, cost-transparent choice for quick installs compared with assembling components from multiple suppliers.
Complete assembly
Corrosion-resistant
Plug-and-play joy
All-in-one assembly includes backing plates, shoes, magnets, cylinders and mounting hardware for fast installs.
Engineered for easy retrofit compatibility with popular axle bolt patterns and electrical setups.
Complete assembly
Corrosion-resistant
Plug-and-play joy
All-in-one assembly includes backing plates, shoes, magnets, cylinders and mounting hardware for fast installs.
Engineered for easy retrofit compatibility with popular axle bolt patterns and electrical setups.
$280-480 USD