Should Trailer Brakes Go On Front Axle or Rear Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer

Published 10/15/2019

Question:

From your website: Jameson C says axle with most weight, usually the front. Ian says on the back axle. So which do you recommend and why?

asked by: Brent

Helpful Expert Reply:

Jameson is correct - on a tandem axle trailer you want brakes such as the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # 23-468-469 on the axle that bears the most weight, and in the large majority of cases (with loaded boat trailers often being the exception) that is going to be the forward-most axle.

The reason for this is pretty simple - when slowing down the force of the trailer weight shifts forward due to inertia, causing that axle to bear more weight. Additionally, tandem axle trailers are often configured so that the front axle has more weight on it overall than the rear axle, and you want that braking power on the axle with the most weight.

I have added a link to our selection of trailer brakes for you, as well as some links to help articles on what you need in order to add different types of brakes - electric, drum, and disc.

expert reply by: Kyle S