Should Trailer Brakes be Put On the Front or Rear Axle of a Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

Why is it recommended to add the electric brakes to the rear axle and not the front? Seems when the brakes are applied, the weight is shifted to the front axle.

asked by: Marlon S

Expert Reply:

You would put the brakes on the forward axle of a tandem axle trailer and not the rear axle if you had to choose one axle. If you are referring to the video, that particular trailer did not have brake mounting flanges on the forward axle or it could be the one we worked on that only needed new parts on the rear axle.

Either way traditionally you would put the brakes on the forward axle.

expert reply by: Michael H