Is Every Axle on My Trailer Required to Be a Braking Axle?

Question:

I have a home made enclosed car trailer that was a two axle and 2000kg gvm. I have added an extra axle on the rear. They are all 50mm square tube axles. and have electric brakes on the front 2 axles 10x 2 1/4 drums, and the third axle has no brakes. I have brake away. I want to increase the gvm to 4200kg. I have the correct bearing sizes, to have 1400kg per axle. I am changing the coupling to take a 70mm ball. The question is, do I need to have brakes on the third axle that I have fitted. At the moment it is a floater axle. I have the correct light truck tyres on all 6 wheels. Thanks

asked by: Charles

Expert Reply:

You will need to contact the Department of Transportation for where ever you plan to operate the trailer for their specific laws on braking axles. Some will require every axle be a braking axle over different weight ratings. If you require brakes the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA is what I recommend. If you let me know your spindle size and wheel stud pattern I can identify the correct braking hub for your application.

I did notice you said that you have light truck tires on your trailer. I would highly recommend using trailer tires as they are better suited for an enclosed trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M