Trailer axle/brake question

[old_man]

I am replacing the axles on a trailer I just got to haul my rig. I am using 7000# axles. My question has to do with brakes. The old trailer only had brakes on one of the tandem axles. Are there advantages/disadvantages to having brakes on both axles other than cost?

 

[kubtastic]

if you lock up a set inadvertantly while braking too hard, you still have some rolling wheels. That's all I can think of.

 

[88rockxj]

how big/type of a trailer? how much weight is it going to see? whats towing the trailer? brakes on both is better in almost every way from what i have gathered in the tow rig forum on pirate.

 

[old_man]

It is a 16' tandem axle. It will be hauling my rig. Probably 4500#

 

[88rockxj]

what type of vehicle is going to be towing the trailer? 1/2 ,3/4, 1 ton?the more information you provide about your setup it will help others help you. i would suggest asking on pirate then reporting back here so in the future the information is here for us to find with the search.

 

[old_man]

I will be towing it with the same vehicle I have been towing with for 9 years. It is a 96 Ford Explorer with AWD 5.0L and the factory tow package (with enhancements).

Before anybody asks, I carried a CDL for 20 years and have been towing heavy loads for 35+ years.

 

[88rockxj]

i would definately go with brakes on both axles with an explorer, and i agree with you on the rig you dont need a big truck to pull a single car trailer with only one slightly heavy jeep on it but youd be better off with brakes on both axles to help your stoping.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Colorado state law:

TRAILER BRAKES:
Part §393.42 requires brakes on all wheels of all towed vehicles weighing more than 3,000 pounds.This part also requires those towed vehicles that are required to have brakes to have a breakaway brake system to apply the service brakes of the towed vehicle in the event of the towed vehicle becoming detached from the towing vehicle.

Colorado Revised Statute §42-4-223 has the same requirement.

......But, someone I know bought his trailer in Nebraska where they don't require all that...... and he still hasn't made the "corrections"...... :shhh:

 

[JeepFreak21]

I worked at an RV dealership for 3 years and we dealt with a lot of trailer brakes. I never saw one with brakes only on one axle.
Billy

 

[Cox89XJ]

I have a 16ft flat bed trailer that I use around the house and to pull my rig. I have electric brakes on one axle. It came from the factory that way. Brakes on both axles are better, but one axle is a whole lot better than none.