Does Triple Axle Trailer Require Brakes on All Three Axles

Question:

Hi there, I recently bought a used triple axle boat trailer. Not knowing my local regulations, I realized too late that it is not acceptable to only have brakes on one of the axles. The trailer has a set of 225 Kodiak calipers on the forward most axle and a hydraulic surge style coupler. Would you be able to assist me in putting together a kit to add two more additional brakes on the remaining axles? The trailer is sued in saltwater environments, and I am on a budget when possible. Many thanks, Sam

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

Hey Sam, so in some states it is required that you have brakes on all axles of a triple axle trailer but in some states that is not true. It sounds like you already checked in your area but figured I would still mention it.

I do need two key pieces of info to determine what you would need though. We need the axle capacity as well as the wheel bolt pattern of the trailer wheels. I also attached a help article that will walk you through the process of adding brakes to a trailer as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Sam

5/24/2024

Thanks for the reply Jameson, The axles are 3.5k lbs each. The wheels have a 5 bolt pattern. I would think that 5 bolt pattern is standard for all 3.5k axles. Do you need me to actually measure it?

Jameson C.

5/27/2024

@Sam Thanks for the info! Okay so since you have idler hubs on two of the axles I would go with two of the Kodiak Slip On Disc kits part # K2R35D which is for a 3,500 lb axle and has the 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern you have/need. So then to add additional brake lines you'd also need two of the brake line kits part # 9579-01 and you'd be set.