Adding Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer With No Brakes
Updated 07/25/2025 | Published 07/20/2025
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Question:
I need to replace the rear axle on my tandem axle pontoon boat trailer. Currently the trailer does not have brakes so I am also considering adding brakes to one of the axles. I believe they are 3500 lbs axles with leaf springs. The trailer’s coupler is welded on. My tow vehicle is a Ram 1500 truck. I’ve done quite a bit of reading lately regarding this. Since it is a boat trailer, I know electric brakes are not an option. But can you give me your opinions and possible options on doing this?
asked by: Matt L
Expert Reply:
Hi Matt!
I can definitely help with that. I will need some more info though. I know this tends to fall off axles on boat trailers, but is there a tag/sticker on one of the axles? It will have the capacity and serial number and gives us all the info needed to find a replacement. If not, it will be a bit more work, but not the end of the world. I will need to know your bearing numbers and the measurements from hub face to hub face and the center of one spring seat to the center of the other spring seat. I included a picture of what I will need.
With all that said, if you aren't wanting to replace your axle, you can also add the Brake Mounting Flange for 3,500 Pound 2-3/8" Round Axle # 4-35. This should be installed by a professional welder as it must be in the exact right place for the brakes to fit properly. I will still need to know your bearing numbers though, as it will tell me which hub/drum will fit properly.
As to electric brakes, they aren't the best for boat trailers, but they do technically work. They have to be kept clean if you decide to go electric and if you ever launch in salt water, I would steer you away from them. Hydraulic, or even hydraulic disc brakes, are a much better way to go. Pulling with a Ram 1500, you will likely be just fine going with less expensive drums, so that's what I would go with.
One other point, it is always better to add brakes to the front axle. It holds more weight then the rear axle, so the braking will be better if they are on the front axle. You will still get braking if you go with the rear axle though. Some braking is better than no braking!
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Boat Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Drum Brakes
- Dexter
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Matt
7/25/2025
Sorry but it seems I did not provide complete info in my original question. I've been told that I need to replace the axle and one hub. So I was just going to order an axle with hubs (and maybe brakes) already installed. So, to my understanding, the bearing numbers are irrelevant, right? My axle is a UFP with a serial number of A927519. Hub face measurement is 92". Spring center measurement is 76". More questions/comments: 1) I only launch in freshwater. So could you elaborate on your "...they aren't the best for boat trailers, but they do technically work" statement? 2) Another posted question on etrailer.com seems to say that I would want to put the brakes on the rear axle. (See Q&A 52624)