Brakes needed on 2nd axle?

[RTII]

Hi all,

I'm looking for opinions and thoughts on whether I should add brakes to the second axle of a utility trailer I'm thinking of ordering. I understand that it would definitely be better but is it really needed? The trailer will be a tandem axle (5200lb axles) pulled by a late model Ford F150 with a 10,000 lb rated towing capacity. I would be using it in central Texas where there is some minor hilly areas but certainly nothing mountanous. By the way the second set of brakes would add about $300 to a $2300 trailer as it is set up now - sound about right on the price?

 

[RobertN]

It would be easier to get them from the beginning. I would have expected a trailer like that to just have them; can't imagine a 10klb trailer without.

I have a 7000lb trailer with single axles. It has done well, even in a panic stop. I would though, like to add the second set of brakes.

 

[Diamondpilot]

On a 5.2K axled trailer I would say yes 100% of the time. I do not feel its really necessary on a 3.5K tandem, just one axle is good enough for them.

Price is right. I just put a set on a 7K trailer, 2 3.5K axles, and it was $220 for parts alone.

Chris

 

[Just Bill]

Hello
With-out a doubt I would want brakes on both axles.
I'ts cheap insurance and a lot of piece of mind.
Not only will the trailer stop its self and its load it will also stop your truck too.

 

[RickB]

I can't believe it would even be legal to have a 10K trailer with brakes on one axle. In NY, 7K trailers are required to have brakes on both axles; and regardless of the legalities, you should order yours with brakes all the way around.

 

[RTII]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'll go ahead with the second set of brakes. I haven't looked into the legal requirements but as the trailer is offered with only one set of brakes I assumed here in Texas it would be legal. Alot of used ones on the market here with only one set of brakes as well. I guess I was looking at savings on the cost of the brakes as well as the extra maintenance but thinking longer on it, at least with the second set there will be redundancy if one set of brakes develops a problem during a trip. As stated - cheap insurance.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am a trailer dealer and in Texas all that is required is brakes and a brake-away over 4,500# according to my book. It does not state "ALL AXLES" so one axle would be legal but get them on both for that type of load.

You will spend a little more now but save a lot down the road on upkeep of both the trailers brakes but also your trucks.

Chris

 

[BobRip]

:laughing: Either get the brakes on both axles of the trailer, or take off your brakes on one axle of the truck. Just kidding of course. Get the brakes on both axles.

 

[deputy11]

You won't have extra maintenance on a 2 axle brake trailer. Shoes wear out twice as fast if you only have brakes on a single axle.:thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

Also, if you go to resell it down the road (if you need to get a bigger trailer for some reason), two braked axles will be a selling point.

Aaron Z