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.