Best Way To Secure Hydraulic Brake Lines To A Trailer Axle

Updated 05/22/2026 | Published 05/18/2026

Question:

I am installing a new Kodiak Hydraulic brake line kit on my tandem axle trailer. I need to run the hydraulic hose connections laterally between the wheels along the axles. What is the recommended method for securing the hydraulic lines to the axles?

asked by: Chris O

Expert Reply:

Hey Chris, thanks for reaching out, and good question. For that, the best practice is usually rubber-coated metal clamps, also known as Adel clamps, secured to the axle with self-tapping screws or weld-on tabs. That keeps the brake lines from vibrating, rubbing through, or getting beat up by road shock. You want the lines snug enough that they can’t flop around but not clamped so tight they pinch the hose.

A lot of folks also run the hose slightly behind or on top of the axle tube for protection and leave a little slack near the calipers for suspension travel. I’d stay away from just zip-tying the lines directly to the axle because over time the vibration and dirt can wear through the hose jacket. Adel clamps will be the best way to keep the install looking clean and professional and to keep the lines protected.

expert reply by: Jesse M

John P.

5/21/2026

I tied everything down with heavy duty zip-ties and avoided going from axle to axle directly. I routed the lines back to the trailer frame then back to the second axle. For the first axle, I used a four way splitter (one for the incoming line, one for each wheel on that axle, and one for the brake line for the second axle). For the second axle, I used a three way splitter. Be sure to use equal length lines from your splitter to the calipers.

Jesse M.

5/21/2026

@JohnP Nice! That sounds like a clean way to do it. Thanks for sharing!

Dave L.

5/21/2026

I did the same as John P. and avoided running the line across on the axle - too many chances to snag or have road debris damage it. Keep the lines protected up on the trailer frame except for where they drop down to each caliper.

Jesse M.

5/21/2026

@DaveL Sounds like that's definitely the way to go. Thanks for the tip!

John P.

5/21/2026

@JesseM Most definitely run lines over the top of the axles and if possible, inside the frame. Keep the space between the axles clear as Dave L. said. Especially if this is a boat trailer. When you’re loading and unloading the boat, the axles will be under water and you may not see the line and you’ll trip over it or break it.

Jesse M.

5/21/2026

@JohnP Oh yea that definitely makes sense. Good call!

William G.

5/21/2026

The brake line kit was grade high quality easy to use from the front of the back a little trickier trying to hook up the axles with the hoses supplied some were too long some were too short but wasn't an issue with a little bit of Ingenuity I would highly recommend it