How to Increase Braking Power on a Trailer with 7,000 Lb Axles

Updated 04/23/2018 | Published 04/19/2018

Question:

When pulling my 5th wheel trailer, especially when coming down a large mountain Utah and Colorado was my last trip, my trailer brakes just feel inadequate! The trailer gross weight rating is 16000 and fully loaded with fuel, water, and my RZR, it weighed in at 16,300. I know, I need to lose some weight! Anyway, the trailer is a two axle trailer with two 7000 lbs axles. I always adjust them manually once a year when I pack the bearings. I dont feel that the stock brakes are enough to slow the trailer. I have tried to just use the trailer brakes to see how strong they stop, and I feel the are very weak. Is there an upgrade for my situation? I never like that a manufacturer uses a two axle trailer for this much weight. I get the math and yes I have the right amount on my truck. I just think a three axle would be so much safer for the weight and for the braking!

asked by: David

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you are exceeding the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the braking power is surely to be compromised. I would first recommend increasing the gain on your vehicle's brake controller. This will help to increase the braking power on your trailer. If increasing the gain does not provide adequate stopping power then you will want to consider switching to disc brakes as disc brakes have more stopping power than drum brakes.

In order to recommend the correct disc brake kit for you I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers on your trailer in addition to the wheel's bolt pattern. For example, the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit part # K2HR712 uses a 25580 inner/14125A outer bearing and works with wheels that have a 8 on 6-1/2" bolt pattern.

I have also attached a help article on adding disc brakes to a trailer to give you a better idea of what all is involved.

expert reply by: Conner L