Adding Trailer Brakes
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Adding Trailer Brakes
I have a 14ft snowmobile trailer that im adding electic brakes to. The Front axle is where i want them right? also the battery/breakaway are they needed or will everything work with out i? all insight is great.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
Not sure about the axle question... all my trailers are large enough to require all axles to be braking axles.
As far as the breakaway brakes, if you feel your trailer is heavy enough to need brakes, I think you'd want to add the breakaway system. Its pretty cheap, under $100 installed, and includes a few extra wires in the tongue area, the battery box and meter (if you get a good one with a meter), and the breakaway pull-cable. Definately worth it in my opinion.
To actually answer your question :P You can install brakes without the breakaway part, they are two seperate but complimentary systems. You can't have the breakaway system without brakes, but you can have brakes without the breakaway. But like I editorialized, if you think you need brakes, you probably should have the breakaway system.
As far as the breakaway brakes, if you feel your trailer is heavy enough to need brakes, I think you'd want to add the breakaway system. Its pretty cheap, under $100 installed, and includes a few extra wires in the tongue area, the battery box and meter (if you get a good one with a meter), and the breakaway pull-cable. Definately worth it in my opinion.
To actually answer your question :P You can install brakes without the breakaway part, they are two seperate but complimentary systems. You can't have the breakaway system without brakes, but you can have brakes without the breakaway. But like I editorialized, if you think you need brakes, you probably should have the breakaway system.
Last edited by grafekie; Jan 3, 2008 at 01:46 PM.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
This is from Champion's website:
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 shifts and the rear tires dig in to the pavement.
I think breakaway systems are required by law in most states.
Steve
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 shifts and the rear tires dig in to the pavement.
I think breakaway systems are required by law in most states.
Steve
