Should I Put Brakes on the Front or Back Axle of my Tandem Axle Trailer
Updated 05/18/2020 | Published 10/25/2010 >
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
- Search Results: brake line kit
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Search Results: brake kit
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: 3x4 trailer tongue
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line
- Video: Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit Review
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic Brake Line - Rubber - 3/16" Brass Male Inverted Flares - 23-1/3' Long
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic Brake Line - Rubber - 3/16" Brass Male Inverted Flares - 20' Long
- Search Results: trailer axles
- Shop: Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - Slip On Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit
- Video: Review of Hydrastar Trailer Brakes - Slip On Disc Brake Kit - HYD34VR
- Q&A: Can Brakes be Added to 2,000 lb Axle without Brake Flanges
- Q&A: Can Brakes be Installed on Only One of the Axles of a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T4829900 Review
- Video: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator Review
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout
- Video: Feature Review Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator
- Q&A: When Do Brakes Need to be Added to Both Axles of Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended 2,000 Lb Trailer Axle with Brakes for Small Trailer
- Q&A: Adding Electric Brakes To 2,200lb Dexter Torsion Axles
Darryl Z.
5/18/2020
Thank you. This was very helpful information