Replacing axles - brakes on both or one?

[joeu235]

I'm replacing the axles on a lowboy utility trailer. Going from surge brakes which never worked to electric brakes. Biggest load is a skid steer, pulled by my F250. What are opinions on brakes on both axles vs just on axle?

 

[RandyT]

Number of brake axles can effect you licensed trailer weight in some states. In mine 3001-5000 lbs requires brakes on one axle. 5001+ requires brakes on all axles.

 

[joeu235]

Trailer is registered as a Farm Trailer in Texas. There are very minimal requirements.

 

[gary49]

Requirements or not, it's very comforting to have the load behind you stop readily when you need it to. My son added brakes on the second axle of his Hudson 10k# trailer and it made it much nicer to tow. I vote for brakes on both axles. You'll like the upgrade to electric brakes in any case.

 

[RickB]

A skid steer is usually heavy enough to warrant brakes on both axles.

Requirements or not, it's very comforting to have the load behind you stop readily when you need it to. My son added brakes on the second axle of his Hudson 10k# trailer and it made it much nicer to tow. I vote for brakes on both axles. You'll like the upgrade to electric brakes in any case.

I agree.

 

[fried1765]

Requirements or not, it's very comforting to have the load behind you stop readily when you need it to. My son added brakes on the second axle of his Hudson 10k# trailer and it made it much nicer to tow. I vote for brakes on both axles. You'll like the upgrade to electric brakes in any case.

^^^^^Yup!

 

[MossRoad]

Pair and a spare!

 

[nikerret]

A skid steer is usually heavy enough to warrant brakes on both axles.

Requirements or not, it's very comforting to have the load behind you stop readily when you need it to. My son added brakes on the second axle of his Hudson 10k# trailer and it made it much nicer to tow. I vote for brakes on both axles. You'll like the upgrade to electric brakes in any case.

I agree.

^^^^^Yup!

Another vote. If possible, do both axles. Who knows whose life you may save.

 

[TMGT]

I don't think anyone towing ever said "man my rig can stop too quick". Ever.

Go for brakes on both axles!

 

[Fallon]

I don't think anyone towing ever said "man my rig can stop too quick". Ever.

Go for brakes on both axles!

I'll 2nd that.

The 3 things you care about when towing (or just driving actually) in order of importance:
Stopping
Suspension & chassis
Power

Wimping out on the most important is just wrong.

 

[joeu235]

I've stopped too quick on occasion but wasn't because of trailer brakes

 

[Morning Wood]

If electric brakes is what you are going to then do brakes on all axles

 

[cabover4us]

I have smaller utility trailer 5'x 8' wood floor, can haul 1600 pounds. Bought it for supply runs for weekend home remodelling. Been a fantastic addition, good size and capacity instead of hauling larger trailer with pickup. Which leads me into my question, is it possible to add electric brakes to a smaller axle? I pull with a Subaru Forester, on third set of brakes. Brakes on the trailer would help with control and cost of brakes on the car every year.
My old 1992 Doolittle 16' trailer only had one axle braked, added brakes to the other extremely easy and worth every penny, much safer to use after that. My brother in law borrowed last year and both axles folded up like a cheap camera. This year was the year to install two new Dexter 3500 lb axles and bring it back to life.

 

[SSdoxie]

I have smaller utility trailer 5'x 8' wood floor, can haul 1600 pounds. Bought it for supply runs for weekend home remodelling. Been a fantastic addition, good size and capacity instead of hauling larger trailer with pickup. Which leads me into my question, is it possible to add electric brakes to a smaller axle? I pull with a Subaru Forester, on third set of brakes. Brakes on the trailer would help with control and cost of brakes on the car every year.
My old 1992 Doolittle 16' trailer only had one axle braked, added brakes to the other extremely easy and worth every penny, much safer to use after that. My brother in law borrowed last year and both axles folded up like a cheap camera. This year was the year to install two new Dexter 3500 lb axles and bring it back to life.

Look at the end of the axle just inboard from the wheel bearing, if it has a square plate with 4 holes to mount the brake backing plate you're good for adding brakes. Just matter of getting correct diameter for wheel size.

 

[Barnbuilder]

Can't have enough Brakes!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

My experience is that surge brake failures are often caused by crappy master cylinders. If someone made a master cylinder that didn't rust, it would be great.

I believe these might be a good possibility for surge/disk brakes. But I have no experience with them.

Tie Down 1" Trailer Disc Brake Kit | Overton's

In your case, electric will be a good way to go.

 

[sawtooth]

Yes I agree brakes should be on both axles with that weight.

 

[joeu235]

thanks for the replies, now I just have to find the time to do the work

 

[Redlands Okie]

Well how are the brakes working since their on both axles ?

 

[cabover4us]

Well how are the brakes working since their on both axles ?

Great! Will put you through windshield. Didnt realize just how depleted the old brakes were, and using trailer in that condition was dangerous and unsafe. Run controller around 2 to 3 on Doolittle trailer, and 4 to 4 1/2 on my dump trailer with 3 1/2 tons of stone dust.