Should I Put Brakes on the Front or Back Axle of my Tandem Axle Trailer
Question:
I have a 16ft tandem 3500Lb axles I am adding brakes to one axle, do I add to the front or rear axle. Thank You
asked by: Jim B
Expert Reply:
Typically trailers will carry more of their weight on the front of the trailer, so you would want to put the brakes on the front axle as it will most likely carry more weight while braking. Also, when braking, weight will shift forward from the inertia of the stop, so that would put more weight on the front axle. Click the picture to the right to see a picture that displays how tandem axle trailers typically distribute their cargo weight on their two axles.
If you have a trailer that carries most of its weight on the back of the trailer, it might be a better idea to put the brakes on the back axle.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Caliber Bunk Wrap Kit for 2x4 Boat Trailer Guides - 24' Long - Black
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Can Brakes be Added to 2,000 lb Axle without Brake Flanges
- Q&A: When Do Brakes Need to be Added to Both Axles of Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Video: Review of the Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit
- Search Results: 5/16 pin
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Caliber Bunk Wrap Kit for 2x6 Boat Trailer Guides - 24' Long - Black
- Shop: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator - Tandem Axle w/ Disc - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Q&A: Availability Of 3,500 lb Axle 84" Hub Face 79.25" Spring Center
- Video: Review of the Demco Hydraulic Brake Line Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers
- Search Results: trailer brake wire
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Video: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator Spec Review
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit Review
- Search Results: dexter a~60
- Search Results: trailer wire
- Q&A: Can Brakes be Installed on Only One of the Axles of a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Liberty Proportional With Harness - RED72CR
- Q&A: How Do I Know If I Have Free-Backing Brakes?
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: Adding Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Video: Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit: The Breakdown
- Q&A: Most Common Trailer Brake Line Fitting Size
- Video: Review of Hydrastar Brake Actuator - Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator - HS481-8067
Darryl Z.
5/18/2020
Thank you. This was very helpful information