Can Brakes be Installed on Only One of the Axles of a Tandem Axle Trailer
Question:
I have a double axle 16 ft trailer with 3,500 lb axles. Is it OK to put brakes on only one axle. If so, do you put them on the front or back axle?
asked by: V C
Expert Reply:
Brakes can be installed on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer, however you should first check your state laws to see how many brakes are required for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your tandem axle trailer. Some states require a specific number of brakes based on the maximum weight capacity of a trailer.
If you are able to install brakes on only one axle, I recommend installing them on the front axle if you use a torsion axle or on the rear axle if you are using tubular axles with leaf springs.
The front axle will bear more weight than the rear axle (see photo) and in braking situations, the weight of the trailer will be moving forward to the front axle. Having the stopping power at the front axle would be more effective than on the rear axle with independent torsion axles.
The reason you want the brakes on the rear axle with leaf spring axles is because the flex in the suspension will actually push the rear axle into the ground when braking making the rear axle the more effective braking axle, even when it scrubs.
To install a brake assembly on your axle you will need brake mounting flanges welded to the spindle or axle if you do not already have them. If you do not currently have a brake mounting flange, they should be installed by a qualified professional that has experience with trailers. When ordering a brake assembly, you will want to choose a brake assembly that matches the bolt pattern of the brake mounting flange. I have attached three FAQ articles on parts needed to add brakes to a trailer.
Jon G.
9/10/2020
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 5
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- L68149 / L44649
- Standard Grade
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 5 on 5 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: When Do Brakes Need to be Added to Both Axles of Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement Master Cylinder for Titan 60ZX7000 Drum Brake Actuator
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Model 60 and Aero 7500 Brake Actuators - Drum
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to a Trailer
- Shop: Dexter Premier Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: Can Brakes be Added to 2,000 lb Axle without Brake Flanges
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Q&A: Can I Use a Slip On Disc Brake Rotor with the 7000-lbs Trailer Idler Hub Assembly
- Video: DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit Spec Review
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Brake Actuators
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Master Cylinder Repair Kit - DM24ZR
- Video: DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit Review
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Search Results: 10 x 1~1/2 inch drum trailer brakes
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet and Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: Are LED Trailer lights More Durable than Incandescent Light Bulbs
- Search Results: trailer brake wire
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Q&A: Should I Put Brakes on the Front or Back Axle of my Tandem Axle Trailer
- Video: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly Review
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Easy Grease Trailer Hub/Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: prodigy
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: complete electric brake kit
on Trailer Hubs and Drums
Mike M.
6/10/2020
After installing new breaks on one axel, how do I keep the new breaks from grabbing before the old breaks on the other axel. Thank you in advance!