Should a Tandem Axle Trailer with One Surge Brake Axle have Electric Brakes Added to Other Axle

Updated 01/05/2016 | Published 01/04/2016

Question:

I currently tow a flat bed trailer with an empty weight of 1500 lbs and two 3500 lb axles. The trailer has surge brakes on the front axle, and I have been contemplating adding electric brakes to the rear axle along with a controller and the necessary wiring. Can I use an electric brake system and a hydraulic surge system safely together? What are come considerations I need to keep in mind?

asked by: Jed G

Helpful Expert Reply:

I wouldn't recommend running a different style of trailer brakes on the second axle of your trailer. It would be very difficult to get the braking action of both axles to sync up and work well together since they will be on totally different systems.

You would want to either add hydraulic assemblies to the second axle or electric to both axles.

I attached a couple help articles that would walk you through the install of either setup.

expert reply by: Jameson C