State Trailer Brake Reqirements?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Phoenix, Az
State Trailer Brake Reqirements?
Is there a web site where one could determine trailer brake requirements by state? I built a new boat trailer, and DMV says I don't need brakes on it, if it is under 4K GVW. It has tandem axles, and the boat is under 2K (dry). I can register the trailer as 3500 GVW, but I plan to tow in other states around here, and I don't want to be in violation of any state laws.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
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From: Burnsville, MN
Definitely good to check on it. I'm starting a flatbed and called MN DMV to see if there were limits on axles, etc., and in the process discovered that ALL axles have to have brakes in Minnesota. Sure nice to know that in advance!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Dave -
Even if your boat/trailer rig comes in at 3999#, I would definitely install brakes for your peace-of-mind and other people on the road; by the time you get gas, skis and all the other gear boats tend to accumulate on board, you'll probably be over 2 tons anyway. Having that much unbraked weight pushing your TV would get real exciting during a panic stop.
Steve
Even if your boat/trailer rig comes in at 3999#, I would definitely install brakes for your peace-of-mind and other people on the road; by the time you get gas, skis and all the other gear boats tend to accumulate on board, you'll probably be over 2 tons anyway. Having that much unbraked weight pushing your TV would get real exciting during a panic stop.
Steve
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Phoenix, Az
Originally Posted by Steina
Dave -
Even if your boat/trailer rig comes in at 3999#, I would definitely install brakes for your peace-of-mind and other people on the road; by the time you get gas, skis and all the other gear boats tend to accumulate on board, you'll probably be over 2 tons anyway. Having that much unbraked weight pushing your TV would get real exciting during a panic stop.
Steve
Even if your boat/trailer rig comes in at 3999#, I would definitely install brakes for your peace-of-mind and other people on the road; by the time you get gas, skis and all the other gear boats tend to accumulate on board, you'll probably be over 2 tons anyway. Having that much unbraked weight pushing your TV would get real exciting during a panic stop.
Steve
After carefull consideration, I have decided to add brakes to it. My main concern is whether I need brakes on both axles, or if 1 axle is sufficient. That info doesn't appear to be included in the state summaries I have found.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Dave -
This is what Champion Trailer Parts says about adding brakes to 1 axle on a tandem axle trailer: "When only one brake axle is being installed on a tandem axle trailer, the brakes should be on the rear axle for maximum system performance. Rotational torque applied to axles during braking shifts the equalizer and applies more weight to rear axle. If brakes are installed on the front axle, the wheel may skid during braking. Brakes on rear axle are more effective as the equalizers shift and the rear tires dig in to the pavement".
Are you sure about your trailer's weight? That sounds awfully low for a tandem axle trailer.
If you can afford it, put brakes on both axles, but 1 is better than none. Are you looking at surge or electric?
Steve
This is what Champion Trailer Parts says about adding brakes to 1 axle on a tandem axle trailer: "When only one brake axle is being installed on a tandem axle trailer, the brakes should be on the rear axle for maximum system performance. Rotational torque applied to axles during braking shifts the equalizer and applies more weight to rear axle. If brakes are installed on the front axle, the wheel may skid during braking. Brakes on rear axle are more effective as the equalizers shift and the rear tires dig in to the pavement".
Are you sure about your trailer's weight? That sounds awfully low for a tandem axle trailer.
If you can afford it, put brakes on both axles, but 1 is better than none. Are you looking at surge or electric?
Steve
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
When you get stopped by a DOT person, what they do is look at the tire and its max load, multiple that by the # of tires, and say that is what your rated load is for the trailer. Unless it is stated on an OEM plate. If you have four tires rated at 1850 pounds, they call it a 7400 pound trailer. That is what they use to determine brakes AND fines.
If they think they "gotcha" they will pull out a set of scales from the trunk and weigh both the truck and trailer to see if you went over the OEM GVWR. Seen them do that enough on RT93 in MA.
If they think they "gotcha" they will pull out a set of scales from the trunk and weigh both the truck and trailer to see if you went over the OEM GVWR. Seen them do that enough on RT93 in MA.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Phoenix, Az
Originally Posted by Steina
Dave -
Are you sure about your trailer's weight? That sounds awfully low for a tandem axle trailer.
Steve
Are you sure about your trailer's weight? That sounds awfully low for a tandem axle trailer.
Steve
