Do I Need Trailer Brake?

[bspeedy]

Trailer brakes are a must.

Cheapest way to wire them is to buy a cheapo extension cord and use it to wire them. Trailer store wiring doesn't work better, it just costs more.
Put on a 7-way plug. While you're at it, wire up some reverse LED lights on the trailer. Can't tell you how many times I've had a hard time backing up at night and that would be handy.

 

[RandyT]

I continue to be amazed that there are double axle trailers out there without brakes. I bought my 7K trailer used from a dealer. It had no brakes and I made him add brakes to one axle as part of the deal. After I had it a year, I added brakes to the other axle and wished I had done it on day one.

There are lot of tandem axle 14,16,18 utility trailers with 7000 lb weight ratings running up and down the roads, and sitting on trailer sales lots with 4 pins wiring harnesses,which means no brakes, And some are classified as a 7' width, which exceed the 81 inch rating and don't have the required reflectors or marker lights.

 

[ovrszd]

There are lot of tandem axle 14,16,18 utility trailers with 7000 lb weight ratings running up and down the roads, and sitting on trailer sales lots with 4 pins wiring harnesses,which means no brakes, And some are classified as a 7' width, which exceed the 81 inch rating and don't have the required reflectors or marker lights.

Yep...

 

[fried1765]

Yep...

Trailers under 81" wide are not required to have brakes?

 

[dodge man]

I actually looked it up, and was surprised the OP's statement about brakes was correct. I'm guessing its one of the few states that doesn't require brakes at something over 3000lbs. I have a 7k trailer with brakes on one axle. Not the best setup but better than none. I also added a break away system to mine. It seems like a difficult task to wire stuff and make it work but if I can do it, anyone can. It will be much easier than you think.

 

[ovrszd]

Trailers under 81" wide are not required to have brakes?

Randy talked about brakes. Then he talked about reflective markings. His reference to width is in regards to reflective markings.

 

[Ford850]

Even if brakes aren't required, you still have to be able to make an emergency stop. That's for your safety as much as others'. I would imaging if you were in an accident because you could not stop in time, you would be cited for excessive speed or being unable to control.

 

[KennyG]

There are lot of tandem axle 14,16,18 utility trailers with 7000 lb weight ratings running up and down the roads, and sitting on trailer sales lots with 4 pins wiring harnesses,which means no brakes, And some are classified as a 7' width, which exceed the 81 inch rating and don't have the required reflectors or marker lights.

And I continue to be surprised by this. I bought mine (used) from a trailer builder in Indiana and licensed it in Michigan. Both states require brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs. Seems to me they shouldn't sell trailers that are not legal.

 

[RandyT]

What they do Kenny is they will have a 7000 lb rated trailer but because they have no brakes can only legally license them for 3000 lb at least in IL. Or like in Dodge Mans trailer since he only has brakes on one axle can only legally license for 5000 lbs in IL. Since my 7x14 trailer has brakes on both axles I am licensed for 8000 lbs (no license between the 5000 and 8000 lbs rating) It has to be safety inspected every 6 months.

Here is something else that will scare you, There are a ton of tandem axle 7000 lbs utility trailers being pulled with 2" ball couplers or balls that are only rated for 5000 lbs. And most people don't carry separate liability insurance on their trailer, so if the trailer for some reason becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle is no longer covered by the auto insurance policy.

 

[fried1765]

What they do Kenny is they will have a 7000 lb rated trailer but because they have no brakes can only legally license them for 3000 lb at least in IL. Or like in Dodge Mans trailer since he only has brakes on one axle can only legally license for 5000 lbs in IL. Since my 7x14 trailer has brakes on both axles I am licensed for 8000 lbs (no license between the 5000 and 8000 lbs rating) It has to be safety inspected every 6 months.

Here is something else that will scare you, There are a ton of tandem axle 7000 lbs utility trailers being pulled with 2" ball couplers or balls that are only rated for 5000 lbs. And most people don't carry separate liability insurance on their trailer, so if the trailer for some reason becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle is no longer covered by the auto insurance policy.

My insurance company (USAA) has always told me that liability coverage on the towing vehicle extends to the trailer also!