Can Brakes be Installed on Only One of the Axles of a Tandem Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a double axle 16 ft trailer with 3,500 lb axles. Is it OK to put brakes on only one axle. If so, do you put them on the front or back axle?

asked by: V C

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Expert Reply:

Brakes can be installed on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer, however you should first check your state laws to see how many brakes are required for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your tandem axle trailer. Some states require a specific number of brakes based on the maximum weight capacity of a trailer.

If you are able to install brakes on only one axle, I recommend installing them on the front axle if you use a torsion axle or on the rear axle if you are using tubular axles with leaf springs.

The front axle will bear more weight than the rear axle (see photo) and in braking situations, the weight of the trailer will be moving forward to the front axle. Having the stopping power at the front axle would be more effective than on the rear axle with independent torsion axles.

The reason you want the brakes on the rear axle with leaf spring axles is because the flex in the suspension will actually push the rear axle into the ground when braking making the rear axle the more effective braking axle, even when it scrubs.

To install a brake assembly on your axle you will need brake mounting flanges welded to the spindle or axle if you do not already have them. If you do not currently have a brake mounting flange, they should be installed by a qualified professional that has experience with trailers. When ordering a brake assembly, you will want to choose a brake assembly that matches the bolt pattern of the brake mounting flange. I have attached three FAQ articles on parts needed to add brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: John H

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Mike M.

6/10/2020

After installing new breaks on one axel, how do I keep the new breaks from grabbing before the old breaks on the other axel. Thank you in advance!

Chris R.

6/15/2020

Is this something that you're noticing after installing the new brake assemblies? As long as all the trailer wiring is still good there shouldn't be an issue - I would check to make sure all the assemblies are properly grounded to the frame and that there aren't any exposed or damaged sections of wire on the brake output circuit.

Robert O.

9/7/2020

What year Double Axle Trailer in Indiana need Electric Brakes?

Jon G.

9/10/2020

Usually electric brake requirements have to do with the weight of the trailer and not necessarily the year. If you have any questions about this I'd check with your local DMV or highway patrol.

Answer 1

Yes, the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit item #K2HR35DS. Those are 10" Hub/Rotor with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern that will fit 14"-15" wheels. The hubs are corrosion resistant with a dacromet plating. They are sold in pairs so you will need to…

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Answer 2

To replace the wiring in your old livestock trailer and install a 7-Way connector to use with your tow vehicles, I recommend using a 7-Way harness like the Hopkins 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector #H20046. When installing the connector and harness…

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Answer 3

Hey Sam. The 1/2" diameter x 2" long studs on the Kodiak Trailer Hub for 3,500-lb Axles item #KH84545S are the same size as the rest of our options for hubs. These idler hubs are specifically designed to work with brake rotors like the…

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Answer 4

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 5

All of our 12 x 2-inch 6K-rated electric trailer brakes are shown on the linked page. Most of these use the 5-bolt mounting pattern but a few Dexter products include holes for BOTH bolt patterns, both 5-bolt and the 4-bolt Hayes/AL-KO pattern, parts…

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Answer 6

I am assuming you're looking for a replacement braking assembly for your older Hayes AL-KO axle. If so, you're going to just need the Hayes/AL-KO Hydraulic Brake Kit - Duo Servo - 12-1/4" #K23-524-00-2 or just #K23-524-00 for one…

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Answer 7

We carry a Dexter 6K axle that comes very close to the measurements you specified. The #8327826-EB has an 86-1/2 inch hub face to hub face dimension, which means it would only be 3/4 of an inch longer on each side which should still work well for…

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Answer 8

For your 12x2 electric brake assemblies, I recommend the Dexter Electric Brake Kit for 4 Bolt or 5 Bolt Flange - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies #23-105-106-09. These assemblies will fit your 4 bolt flange and will work well on your trailer.…

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Answer 9

It sounds like you are on the right track to rewire your cattle trailer. You are correct about the wire colors on the 7-way connector that you purchased. The colors that you see on the 7-way connector are typical for RV style trailers rather than…

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Answer 10

Hello Robert, thanks for reahcing out. Those 185100-150 brakes you mentioner are an older part that has been discontinued. We sold our last ones early 2024 and we will not be getting more stock. We do still have the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes…

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Answer 11

Hey Jason, are you looking for a stainless steel brake line kit and bearing kit for your 2019 Coyote trailer?

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Answer 12

You were on the right track. To raise the tires off the ground for long term trailer storage, the best way is to use your front jack to raise the trailer then place the jack stands under the frame by each axle on all four sides. I have attached a…

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Can Brakes be Installed on Only One of the Axles of a Tandem Axle Trailer

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