Trailer Brakes Issue

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Sep 23, 2007 | 07:45 AM

#16

95van

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Sure, and I bet you know more about horse trailers than I do - but not all 2 axle trailers are set up with brakes on both axles; so I'm just wondering if testing with the other trailer is really comparing apples to apples...

Sep 23, 2007 | 08:13 AM

#17

grafekie

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Simpsonville, KY

All horse trailers made in the last 10 years by a reputable company have brakes on all axles. There are a very few new one axle trailers out there, but the vast majority are double-axle, with 4 brakes. Some trailers from the early 90's have only one brake axle, but they aren't technically legal since trailers over 3000lbs in most states are required to have brakes on all axles. There aren't many horse trailers with a GVWR of under 5000lbs. Most are 7000lbs or higher, even if they are small.

Sep 23, 2007 | 11:08 AM

#18

95van

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"grafekie" - I'm aware most horse trailers have two axles, and should have brakes on both axles. But I've seen 7000 lb, 2 axle trailers that only had brakes on one axle, whether this was up to current specs or not (wouldn't be in my state, but is in some). Obviously you're uninterested in exploring the possibility that the trailer the poster was comparing to could have a different load on the brake control; I just thought that was something we might want to clarify for a better diagnosis.

Sep 23, 2007 | 11:25 AM

#19

grafekie

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Simpsonville, KY

That was a good idea, I'm not arguing with that. While it is not uncommon to see single brake, double axle flatbeds and car haulers, it is very rare to see that in a horse trailer. Not impossible, but very rare.

Sep 23, 2007 | 01:44 PM

#20

NoBite

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Western KY

Guys, you have asked a question that I have always assumed I knew the answer to. I assumed both of my trailers have brakes on both axles. The other trailer is a 4-Star. IMHO, 4-Star and Hart are both top end trailers.

However, in the interest of wanting to be sure I am correct, I will check this out for sure.

Sep 23, 2007 | 05:32 PM

#21

grafekie

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Simpsonville, KY

The 4-Star will definately have dual braking axles, they don't skimp on anything. I wouldn't put Hart and 4Star in the same class of trailer though

Hart is definately more of a budget line of trailers...

Sep 24, 2007 | 04:43 AM

#22

NoBite

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From: Western KY

I guess we'll agree to disagree about the Hart being a "budget line of trailer"! LOL! But, that's not important to this situation.

Do you now think there is merit to swapping out the Prodigy unit for a different one to see if that makes a difference?

My next call, when they open, will be to the Prodigy tech person again.

Sep 24, 2007 | 06:56 AM

#23

grafekie

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Simpsonville, KY

It certainly wouldn't hurt if you can find someone with another unit! I doubt that's the problem, but eliminating every possibility will make it all that much easier to point the finger at the trailer.