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!

 

[goeduck]

Question. What is it about tandom axle trailers that need brakes vs single axle? I keep seeing reference to tandom axles needing brakes. Here it is 3000 lb gross that need brakes regardless of axles.

 

[George2615]

FYI, my state doesn't say it's mandatory. Only on gooseneck/5th wheel trailers or trailers hauling over 3000lbs of hazardous materials. So legally I'm not required to have them.

So does this mean a 20T or larger pintle hitch or bumper pull trailer hauling a dozer on it doesn't need brakes?
The trailer brake requirement law in MO doesn't make sense to me.

 

[RandyT]

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

It does, but say for some reason like the tongue on the trailer breaks allowing the trailer to cross the other lane of traffic and hits a vehicle head on. At that moment the trailer is no longer connected to the tow vehicle, therefore is no longer insured by the tow vehicle insurance. So you may want to ask you insurance company if the insurance still covered the trailer and any damage if the trailer becomes disconnected from the vehicle. Here in IL it does not, but most people will say it is covered under the vehicle insurance policy which it is, provided it is attached to the vehicle. Most people don't know that.

 

[RandyT]

Question. What is it about tandom axle trailers that need brakes vs single axle? I keep seeing reference to tandom axles needing brakes. Here it is 3000 lb gross that need brakes regardless of axles.

It is not a tandem vs single axle needing brakes, it is fact that most trailers rated for over 3000 lbs are tandem axle. Just not many single axle trailers with a 5000 or 7000 lbs axle

 

[Grumpa Wally]

There are dozens of reasons to have them! Idiots, weather, Idiots!
But once you do have them you will not want to pull without them.
I have them on this 16' trailer with a cheap Reese Controller from Walmart. Work great!

Exactly. Here in NC, the Legislature passed a law that allows bicycles to no longer stay to the right. Last year while pulling my 18' tandem loaded with Mahindra 5035, 4n1 bucket with Leinbach gang harrow attached, I come around a curve on the two lane rural road and meet four bicyclists. The two in the rear were far to the right, while the two idiots in the front were taking the whole lane. With a car coming, I had to lock up the trailer brakes for the idiots and they cussed me till I was out of sight. Stimw hit the nail on the head, the roads are full of idiots and they will get you killed. Emphatically yes, hook up the trailer brakes, pull the wheels, clean and check pads and wiring inside wheels.

 

[timswi]

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

Told the same thing by State Farm

 

[RandyT]

Told the same thing by State Farm

The question that you need to ask your insurance is. If the trailer becomes disconnected from the vehicle does the vehicle insurance still cover any damage. In my state the answer is NO. The catch is you ask your insurance if they cover the trailer connected to an insured vehicle and they say yes, but don't tell people that it is not covered if not connected. So if it disconnected, bye-bye insurance coverage.

 

[Hanshans]

I tow a 4000lb boat which would be pretty close to your weight. I can tell you from experience after losing my trailer brakes that your truck is going to have a hard time stopping that trailer in a stressful situation. If its raining or icy forget about it..