What about braked/unbraked trailers?

Dimo J

Legal requirements will depend upon the State.

Here in California a trailer manufactured and registered before 1940 does not require any brakes, regardless of weight. From 1940 through 1965 brakes are required only if 6000 pounds gvwr or above, and then only if operated at 20mph or above. 1966 on the requirement for brakes is at or above 3000 pounds gvwr.

Except that a trailer coach or camp trailer, of any year, with a gvwr of 1500 pounds or more, requires brakes capable of stopping within 40 feet from 20 mph; as must any vehicle-trailer combination under 10,000 pounds combined weight.

Vehicle combinations over 10,000 pounds gross are allowed 50 feet to stop from 20 mph, which you might keep in mind when slamming on your brakes with a semi behind you.

BOBBER

If you are pulling a trailer with much weight I would get my vehicle and my trailer rigged with trailer brakes. It will help you stop and is easier on the towing vehicle.

Ray P

That's what I always say. What about braked/unbraked trailers. I think up to 750kg you can have them unbraked, above that they have to have brakes.

Texas Underdog

Matching the towing vehicle to the trailer is the most important part.

http://www.rvuniversity.com/staticpages/index.php/Matching_Tow_Trailer_101

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/vehicle-towing/trailer/trailer-towing-safety.htm/printable

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I'm on it.

If you are hauling a lot of weight I would get one with brakes, if you are doing light hauling a no break axel will be fine.

UCANTCME

Braked trailers will work the best overall and cause less wear and tear on the pulling vehicle plus its a lot safer as well.

olddog0558

Usually if a trailer has a gross (loaded) weight rating of under 3000 pounds it doesn't have brakes, unless it's an installed option.

Trailers that have brakes are either electric or pulse type.

Electric brakes are connected to the tow vehicle through the wiring harness into an actuator that is tied in with the vehicles brakes, and can be adjusted from the driver seat.

Pulse type brakes have a master cylinder mounted on the trailer tongue and hydraulic lines to the brakes, much like a car. When you step on the brakes, the weight of the trailer compresses the tongue which acts like a brake pedal to activate the trailer brakes independent of the tow vehicle's brake system.

When you try to back up and the trailer has pulse brakes, pushing against the trailer will cause the brakes to lock up. To prevent this the older trailers have a small pin you insert into a spot near the hitch to prevent this. The newer trailers have an electric lockout to do this, which is activated by your backup lights.

There are also trailers with air brakes, but now you're talking eighteen wheelers and heavy construction trailers and the like.

I hope this helps.

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