Author Topic: Trailer brakes question??  (Read 762 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline NYH1

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1695
  • Gender: Male
Trailer brakes question??
« on: March 25, 2009, 06:57:01 PM »
My father and I built a 14x8 foot trailer for our ATV's. It has two 2,000 lbs axles. 18.5x8x8 inch tires, load range C, load capacity 940 lbs.

Going by my tires I would say my total gross trailer weight is 3,760 lbs. The trailer weighs about 1,750 lbs. empty. That gives me 2,010 lbs. of cargo/payload capacity. Our ATV's weigh roughly 1,600 lbs. That puts my gross weight at 3,350 lbs. Please correct me if I am wrong.

We want to go with electric brakes. My father and I both have factory tow packages on our trucks. Both have the wire set for the electric brake control box.

Will 7 inch brakes fit under my 8 inch rims? Should I put brakes on both axles?

Thanks!  ;)
"ROLL TIDE". . .Back To Back. . .Three In The Last Four Years "GO GIANTS"  "YANKEES"

Offline bilmac

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3560
  • Gender: Male
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2009, 09:46:57 PM »
How many ATVs you gonna haul? most folks round here don't bother with brakes for a couple of ATVs

Offline 1sourdough

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1003
  • Gender: Male
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2009, 12:35:17 AM »
 Most states 'require' trailer brakes when you get over 3000lbs. I have a trailer rated at 2990lbs, so no brakes. Have I ever towed a little above, yes. Tow vehicle & driving style are real biggies when it comes to safe towing. If a person tows like they drive a sports car that can lead to problems. Another consideration is if you plan on local towing, fairly flat terrain & usually under the 3000 lbs. Of course if you were ever in an accident & your setup was not legal/safe that could be an issue.
NRA, Veteran

Offline Lloyd Smale

  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (32)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18267
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2009, 02:26:49 AM »
i agree. I wouldnt bother with breaks to carry two 4 wheelers
blue lives matter

Offline NYH1

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1695
  • Gender: Male
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2009, 05:56:37 AM »
  Of course if you were ever in an accident & your setup was not legal/safe that could be an issue.
That's my main concern.   I carry 5 ATV's, two full size and three kids ATV's.
"ROLL TIDE". . .Back To Back. . .Three In The Last Four Years "GO GIANTS"  "YANKEES"

Offline NYH1

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1695
  • Gender: Male
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2009, 07:33:31 AM »
I finally got through to the DMV.   They said any trailer that weighs over 1,000 lbs. empty has to have brakes.   Being that my trailer is for personal use, if I can stop completely in 30 feet going 20 MPH, I only need brakes on one axle.   If I was using it commercially, I would be subject to the DOT.   They require brakes on both axles.   

Now whether I can stop completely in 30 feet going 20 MPH is subject to be seen.


   
"ROLL TIDE". . .Back To Back. . .Three In The Last Four Years "GO GIANTS"  "YANKEES"

Offline BullyDawg19

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 74
Re: Trailer brakes question??
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2009, 04:28:32 PM »
do yourself a favor and put the electrics on it. no need to have extra wear and tear on you vehicles brake system.