When Do You Need Electric Brakes On A Trailer

A trailer brake controller is a small electronic device that installs in your tow vehicle s cab and activates your trailer brakes via an electrical signal whenever you apply your tow vehicle brakes.

When do you need electric brakes on a trailer.

Other states have a higher limit. These new regulations dictated that any trailer with a gross trailer mass gtm exceeding 750kg would need to be fitted with an electric brake control system. The controller senses when braking is being applied and activates the travel trailer s brakes as well. In december of 1998 national towing regulations were implemented across australia following a unanimous decision by the state ministers of transport.

Remember that if you are considering electronic brakes you will need to install a control unit in the tow vehicle. How electric trailer brakes work. Override mechanical or override hydraulic are fine as are electric brakes or electric hydraulic. This means that for towing any load beyond a basic box trailer it s crucial that you have trailer brakes.

Some states require braked axles on trailers with a gvw as low as 2000 lbs. This basically just means that when you hit the brakes in your car the brake controller delivers the message to your trailer so that it can stop too. This system consists of a battery mounted on the trailer and a normally closed switch. In the usa a tandem axle utility trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of 7500 lbs should have brakes installed.

Some electric brake systems use a controller located on the brake pedal of the towing vehicle. They are activated via an electrical connection from the towing vehicle to the trailer. In this guide we will unpack how a trailer brake controller works and the steps involved in how to use a brake controller while towing with trailer brakes. Most travel trailers use electric brakes.

Without an electric brake controller the electric brakes on your trailer will remain inactive. If you re towing a trailer weighing between 750kg and 2000kg gtm you must have trailer brakes by law. Using a brake controller while towing a trailer involves setting up the controller adjusting to the load size adjusting braking sensitivity manually activating the trailer brakes and possibly choosing a few personal settings. Electronic brakes are most commonly used on caravans and trailers over 750kg and are legally required on all caravans and trailers where the gtm is more than 2000kg.

Any trailer over 3000 lbs must have brakes on all wheels in most states but laws do vary. Unless you were towing a load with a gtm below 750kg.