Brakes on front or rear axle? - The Hull Truth

hthoang · 03-31-2009, 07:26 AM

When installing one set of brakes on a tandem axle trailer, what's better? My trailer currently has drum brakes on the front axle but I'm in the process of swapping those out for disc brakes. I've heard some say that, for trailers, it's better to install on the rear axle.

BW23 · 03-31-2009, 09:24 AM

My tandem Float On has them only on the front.

Speckulator · 03-31-2009, 11:28 AM

Front!!!or Both!!!!!

George

warloch77 · 03-31-2009, 02:04 PM

Front. Slowing down puts the momentum and weight forward, the brake on the front axle will be more effective. Same reason cars and trucks have their brakes biased 60%/40% front/rear.

DreamWeaver21 · 03-31-2009, 02:17 PM

Another vote for front. More effective on the front.

sjef · 03-31-2009, 07:24 PM

Front axle is best but some states now require brakes on all axles, depending on weight.

Bigger Hammer · 03-31-2009, 07:36 PM

It may depend on the type of springs on your trailer. According to Champion Trailers if you've got leaf springs they should go on the back axle.
http://www.championtrailers.com/DISC...ON_ARTICLE.HTM

Bill

MDT · 03-31-2009, 10:27 PM

Check your state laws. In Washington, dual axles trailers require brakes on all wheels for trailers over certian weight. In Oregon, this is not so and the rig I purchased in Oregon came with a quick surprise when I tried to register it in WA. MDT

Long_Board · 04-01-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigger Hammer

It may depend on the type of springs on your trailer. According to Champion Trailers if you've got leaf springs they should go on the back axle.
http://www.championtrailers.com/DISC...ON_ARTICLE.HTM

Bill

Agreed, my dual axle setup with leaf springs has brakes just on the rear. Apparently the function of these connected springs forces the rear axle down under braking.