Are Brakes Necessary On Both Axles Of Towed Trailer
Question:
I have a race car 2700lbs and a 16foot tandem axle car trailer. The total trailer weight fully loaded is approx. 4500 to 5000lbs, maximum. I purchased 2 10inch Dexter electric trailer brakes and installed them on the front axle but before I run the wiring I began considering whether I should go with 4 brakes instead. I tow it with a 2002 Tundra which has a tow capacity of 7200lbs. Would 4 brakes be overkill? Thanks
asked by: Salah H
Expert Reply:
Although many people do install brakes on both trailer axles, it is really common to have brakes installed on the front axle only. If you decide to put brakes on both axles, it would reduce the stress on all of the components.
As long as you have a good brake controller like the P2 part # 90885, or the P3 part # 90195, and everything is adjusted properly on the trailer and the brake controller, you should have no problem towing your trailer with your 2002 Toyota Tundra.
If you decide you want to add the 2nd set of brakes, you can check out the attached helpful article that details everything needed for adding trailer brakes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for 2013 Wildwood 26TBSS Hub Drum with AL-KO 8700
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Q&A: How To Add a Fuel Tank To a Truck with 5th Wheel Hitch In Bed
- Q&A: Recommended 16' Mesh Tarp for Dump Trailer
- Q&A: How to Bleed Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Q20 and the Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitches.
- Q&A: Which Nev-R-Adjust Brake Assemblies for Load Trail 14K Dump Trailer
- Article: Best Camper Jacks
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)