Trailer brakes

37chief · Jun 8, 2019

I need to buy a couple new axles, since I can't find Hatco brake parts. Is it a good idea to have brakes on both axles? Estimate total weight including trailer to be around 7,000 lbs. Stan

Kitt · Jun 8, 2019

Doesn't cost much more to have brakes on both axles. Money well spent. I have brakes on both axles of my 7000# trailer. Glad I do.

Steve@Advance · Jun 8, 2019

Yes, that's the standard, brakes on all axles.

Required if the trailer is inspected, at least here it is.

jon f mn · Jun 9, 2019

Post a pic of your brakes, most are available. But if not mounting rings and backing plates with brakes are as long as the drum is standard size. So post that as well, you mat not need new axles. Yes put brakes on all axles. In some states it is legal to have brakes on one axle on trailers 7k and less and most states allow it for trailers built elsewhere. MN it's like that, all trailers built here need brakes on all axles, but trailers with brakes on one axle built elsewhere are ok as long as the rating is 7k or less.

ASEguy · Jun 9, 2019

There is a good article link on trailer brakes on the tractor transporting forum.

Grandpa's Fords · Jun 9, 2019

I had Hatco brakes on my 7k trailer. Old enough the pads came loose. Not wore out and the drums were still quite good. I took a chance on some el cheapos on ebay been on for a year and work better than the originals ever did. I know you can get complete axles and drum kits too. This is what I bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4pk-10-x-2-1-4-Electric-Trailer-Brake-Assembly-Pair-for-3500-lbs-Axle-21003/301869628355?hash=item4648d4fbc3:g:tpAAAOSwjqVZDKnd
They were an easy install.
I recommend brakes on both axles. I use it to haul my 3200# tractor about 30 miles a week throughout the summer.

Russ from MN · Jun 9, 2019

I would think California would require it, especially with all the hills/mountains. I built a trailer once with surge brakes on only one axle, a deer ran out and they locked up and flattened the tires.

Leroy · Jun 9, 2019

Not the way it is here in Ohio. You do not go by trailer total rating but it is by empty weight. I am not sure but think it is about 2,500# before you need. Then it is only one axle required to have brakes. Now as I understand it Indiana requires on both axles. Trailer sold in Ohio like mine requirs on only one axle but you go to Indiana to buy that same trailer it has to have on both axles.

37chief · Jun 9, 2019

My problem is the magnet is no longer available, it is around 8 in is dia. The axle probably goes back to the 50-60's. Stan

MARK ROBKE · Jun 9, 2019

My own trailer has only one axle brakes,and I mostly used it to haul quad-runners,and light loads. But I have used it with some heavy loads. And for those times, I wish it had brakes on both axles. I was hauling my tractor,taking my time, and a cement truck pulled out in front of me on a curve. I was able to stop,but two axle brakes would have been much better than one !! I have been wanting to add the second axle brake set for some time:if I was working on ,I would not hesitate to put both axles brakes on it. Mark.

Trailer brakes

37chief

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Kitt

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Steve@Advance

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jon f mn

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ASEguy

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Grandpa's Fords

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Russ from MN

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Leroy

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37chief

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MARK ROBKE

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