Which Axle to Brake first, Front or Back?

[Iplayfarmer]

I want to add brakes to a tandem axle trailer that currently has no brakes at all. I know that both axles is the best way to do it, but I also know that one axle is better than no brakes at all. I'll likely add brakes to both axles eventually, but for now I'm doing just one.

The question is whether one axle is better than the other to start with.

Any thoughts?

 

[kevinj]

I want to add brakes to a tandem axle trailer that currently has no brakes at all. I know that both axles is the best way to do it, but I also know that one axle is better than no brakes at all. I'll likely add brakes to both axles eventually, but for now I'm doing just one.

The question is whether one axle is better than the other to start with.

Any thoughts?

Seems like the factory units I have seen had the brakes on the rear axle.

 

[RickB]

Spring suspension tandem axles typically have equalizers that equalize loading. I'd think it doesn't matter which axle of this design has brakes. Tandem Tor-Flex axles have no equalizers and no way to predict axle loading on uneven surfaces. I'd be pretty adamant about having brakes on all axles on a Tor-Flex equipped trailer. Actually, I think you should just do both axles now. It's a requirement in many states for good reason.

 

[aczlan]

The short story is that, brakes on the front axle of a tandem axle trailer that uses equalized leaf springs will lessen the weight (and as such, the braking power) on the front axle, while brakes on the rear axle of that trailer will tend to increase the weight (and as such, the braking power) on the rear axle. For the long story, I will quote myself from another thread on which axle should have brakes (I apologize for quoting myself, but I like what I said over there)

As I understand it (and someone correct me if I missed something) if a trailer has dual axles with leaf springs and an equalizer between them, the weight on both axles will the the same when the trailer is loaded and stopped, if there is more weight on the front the front axle will be pushed down more than the back, this will cause the front spring to push up on the front of the equalizer which will push down on the back of the equalizer, causing the back spring (and by extension the back axle) to take an equal share of the weight, this continues until you run out of travel on the equalizer at which point the load becomes unbalanced.

Attached is a diagram of a dual axle trailer at rest, with front brakes applied and with rear brakes applied, it shows the forces applied to the equalizer and the result of said forces..

Aaron Z

 

[schmism]

mine are on the front axle. in the process of adding to the rear.

but reality is parts are like $300 an axle. why wouldn't you do both?

 

[Diamondpilot]

While I have seen and sold, even own, trailers with brakes on either the front or rear axle, the rear is preferred. My 7,000# boat has them only on the rear while my 7,000# car hauler has them only on the front.

If I was putting them on I would go for the rear.

As for being required on all axles I hear this all the time but seen no proof to back that up. That being said on a 7K trailer brakes on one axle is fine. On anything bigger, like a 10K up, I have never seen them on just one and would required them for any trailer I sold or owned.

Chris

 

[kebo]

My 16ft Diamond C Road Clipper utility trailer has the brakes on the rear axle.

 

[FlaDon]

While I have seen and sold, even own, trailers with brakes on either the front or rear axle, the rear is preferred. My 7,000# boat has them only on the rear while my 7,000# car hauler has them only on the front.

If I was putting them on I would go for the rear.

As for being required on all axles I hear this all the time but seen no proof to back that up. That being said on a 7K trailer brakes on one axle is fine. On anything bigger, like a 10K up, I have never seen them on just one and would required them for any trailer I sold or owned.

Chris

AAA compilation.

 

[ModMech]

Funny you should ask.......

It depends a LOT on the "attitude" of the trailer while in tow, I'll explain.

If you are pulling a trailer that is "nose up", you definately want brakes on the REAR axle because the front axle will be more lightly loaded.

If you are pulling a trailer that is "nose down", it's better to have the brakes on the front axle - within limits. As you brake, the nose of the towing vehicle will typically drop, raising the nose of the trailer, which will unload the front axle slightly.

So, the only answer that is really an answer, is "It depends" LoL!

 

[Diamondpilot]

AAA compilation.

Great site Don. Thanks.

I see only 6 states require them on all wheels and also the District of Columbia and on some of them its only over/after a certain weight.

Looking at the list none of the 10 or so states I commonly travel require them on all wheels.

Chris