What Happens if Trailer Brake Assemblies are Installed Backwards

Updated 09/10/2020 | Published 09/09/2020

Question:

I have recently bought a used hand-built tandem axle boat trailer with dexter electric brakes. When servicing the wheel bearings, I noticed that the electric brakes are installed on the opposite side from which they are labeled left on the right and right on the left, is there any possible reason for these to purposely installed that way, or just a mistake from the installer?

asked by: Ty M

Expert Reply:

If trailer brakes are installed on the wrong side of the axle they will have only a fraction of the stopping power they normally would have. I would recommend reversing your setup so that your trailer has more stopping power. I can't think of a reason the installer would have put them on backwards aside from a mistake.

expert reply by: Jameson C