Brakes required?

SQLDave · May 11, 2010

Does anyone have any information to share regarding the following situation.

I will be acquiring a trailer, probably a 14' to 16' tandem axle, to haul a reproduction revolutionary war cannon. The cannons should weigh in the 1000 pound neighborhood, and figure MAYBE another 500 of gear (tent canvas, etc.). If it's relevant, I will be using a Ford Expedition.

What I'm wondering about is brakes. I'd guess that having brakes is always at least SOMEwhat better than not. But I'm seeing a lot of trailers for sale without brakes, so I'm wondering at what point (weight, I suppose) do brakes go from just "generally a good idea" to "you'll die if you don't have them".

Also: What might I expect to pay to have someone add brakes to an existing trailer? Should I go with electric or surge?

Any other input from any trailer-hauling pros here would be gratefully accepted and highly appreciated.

Thanks!
-dave

PS: I'm in Missouri, if that is at all helpful. And I have a goodly amount of trailer hauling experience, but am by no means a "pro".

ultrarunner · May 11, 2010

Could be because there is no statute for trailer brakes in MO last I checked...

It really varies from State to State and Manufacturer's Recommendation for tow vehicle and trailer.

I like electric because of the cab control...

Lots of boat trailers still use hydraulic because they seem to be a little more forgiving when being immersed in water and rental yards have a lot of hydraulics because the tow vehicle doesn't need a controller.

Some of the guys have found ordering a complete axle with brakes more cost effective than ordering all the parts separately for electric...

Installing hydraulic on a trailer is more involved because of the plumbing and tongue modifications.

Brakes are always a good option when it comes to safety.

3,000 lbs seems to be the threshold for most States where brakes are required...

http://www.roadkingtrailers.com/brakelaws.htm

crusty 1 · May 11, 2010

ditto on the safety,and I think the advice on the 3000#s was right on.Check you area

Bird · May 11, 2010

Good information from ultrarunner, and the link is probably right, too. 3,000 pounds seems common, but as the link shows, it's 4,500 in Texas. Way back 38-40 years ago there was a federal recommendation that the states require brakes on any trailer that weighed 40% (or maybe it was over 40%) of the weight of the towing vehicle. But the states weren't required to have such a law and I guess none did.

Bird · May 11, 2010

Skyco said:
Actually SC requires over 3000 lbs or over 40% of tow vehicle weight...the latter is often overlooked.

Yep, I overlooked it, too.:laughing: And I see the same applies to Washington, Montana, and Maryland.

Skyco · May 11, 2010

Bird said:
Yep, I overlooked it, too.:laughing: And I see the same applies to Washington, Montana, and Maryland.

Ya know I went back and deleted my post pending further investigation..I know it was a requirement in SC at one time, the trailering pamphlet DNR published about trailer boating mentioned it...but dang if I can find it in the state laws and regulations now

There is the 3000 lb requirement in state law and it also mentioned brakes must be on ALL wheels of ALL trailers over 3000 lbs, so the front axle/back axle argument is moot here in SC, unless it is under 3000 lbs

Twice I've bought boats that exceeded 3000 lbs and there were NO brakes on either trailer, I added them to be legal and safe. I also bought a car trailer that had brakes on only one axle and added the other axle brakes myself- moral of the story is apparently in SC a dealer can sell equipment that is illegal as soon as you pull out of his lot onto a public street...seems wrong doesn't it? And I would think a lawsuit waiting to happen.....guy gets into a wreck because he couldn't stop then the other sides lawyer finds he did not have legal brakes...and the dealer knowingly sold it that way $$uh-oh$$$..

davkir · May 11, 2010

I'm hardly an expert, but the first time you make a HARD stop or use your trailer in the rain, you'll wish you had trailer brakes.
I prefer electric on all axles with a good controller.

Skyco · May 11, 2010

Skyco said:
Ya know I went back and deleted my post pending further investigation..I know it was a requirement in SC at one time, the trailering pamphlet DNR published about trailer boating mentioned it...but dang if I can find it in the state laws and regulations now

Well I finally found it- 38-393.42. (3) Any full trailer, any semitrailer, or any pole trailer having a GVWR of 3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes if the weight of the towed vehicle resting on the towing vehicle exceeds 40 percent of the GVWR of the towing vehicle.

Diamondpilot · May 11, 2010

As mentioned before there is no requirement for brakes in MO but its a good idea to get them on any trailer rated for more than 3,000#.

Adding brakes should be in the $300 range per axle.

Chris