Which Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer Should have Brakes If Only One Axle Will Have Them

Published 04/06/2017

Question:

I have A 2axe trailer rated at 14000 lbs . Im installing 12 inch brakes electric will never carry more than 10000 lbs. would I better installing on the front axel or the rear.

asked by: Keith M

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are going to install brake assemblies on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer you want to install them on the axle that will see the most weight relative to the other. Typically it's the front axle due to trailers being longer in front of the axles than behind them and inertia does push the weight forward. But for most boat trailers it's the rear axle since the engine is at the rear of a boat and it's the heaviest part of the boat.

expert reply by: Jameson C