Do I really need trailer brakes?

[MossRoad]

Here is a link to trailer laws for each state by AAA

Good info. Thanks!
From the link....
MAINE
A trailer less than 3,000 lbs. gross weight is not required to have brakes.

A trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs. or greater is required to have adequate brakes acting on all wheels of all axles.

 

[Stimw]

Even brakes on one axle makes a huge difference!
I always test my brakes when I hook up because I set them different when loaded or empty.
My Reese Controller has manual application lever, amount of braking pressure adjustment and slow-to fast application adjustment.
It really does feel a lot safer towing with the brakes.
This trailer has all 4 wheel brakes on it.

 

[KennyG]

A slightly related issue I've never been able to understand. It appears almost all states require brakes on larger trailers, yet you can buy them without brakes. Why is that? My 7K trailer was used when I bought it and it apparently had never had brakes. I put brakes on one axle immediately but wasn't really comfortable with it and later added them to the other axle. I can't imagine having that trailer long term without brakes because it really isn't right without brakes on both axles..

 

[MossRoad]

My car hauler trailer only weighs 1500 pounds. I could tow an Ariel Atom on it and still be legal without brakes.... if I could afford an Ariel Atom! :laughing:

 

[DT86]

My car hauler trailer only weighs 1500 pounds. I could tow an Ariel Atom on it and still be legal without brakes.... if I could afford an Ariel Atom! :laughing:

D*mnit man, I was about to ask if you owned an Ariel Atom.

 

[MossRoad]

Go to 2:29 in the video....

I AM AN ALIEN!!!

 

[dodge man]

D*mnit man, I was about to ask if you owned an Ariel Atom.

You can borrow mine whenever you want.

 

[prichard]

My trailer and an awful lot I see for sale only have brakes on one axle. According to the the AAA link (Thanks Qapla) "GEORGIA Every trailer of 3,000 lbs. GVWR or more must be equipped with brakes on all wheels."

So my trailer is not legal? How hard is it to add brakes to that axle? Just replace the whole axle?

 

[civilian]

if I could afford an Ariel Atom! :laughing: ]

So how much is one? Or do I dare ask? Jon

 

[mjw357]

How hard is it to add brakes to that axle? Just replace the whole axle?

Depends on the type and make of axle. If there are backing plates, you usually can just buy a kit and bolt them on.