Opinion on trailer brakes

Nevada requires brakes at 1,500 pounds. California 1000 pounds. Mississippi at 2000 pounds.

Note that some states with higher minimums for trailer brakes also have speed limitations for some weight ranges, and in at least one state the requirement is based solely on towing speed, without regard to weight.

Hauling that much load, I would have trailer brakes installed, with a breakaway provision. That would likely be a major upgrade of your trailer.

Trailer brakes are a wise piece of safety equipment. If your trailer should ever develop sway, depressing the brake control lever will bring it back into line. And when (not if) a deer or an idiot driver must be avoided suddenly, you'll be glad for the shorter stopping distance.

Tracus wrote:
I'll be traveling cross country next month (May) with a new Winnebago Vista 27N towing a 12 foot utility trailer with a Can AM Spyder strapped on it. The trailer weighs 900 pounds and the Can Am is a touch over 1000 pounds. What are your feelings (opinions) as to whether or not I should have trailer brakes installed? Our route is west through Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah Nevada and finally Yosemite. From there it's down to Death Valley then AZ, TX, Natchex MS, Nashville and home to PA.

Previously we have made two cross country trips in a 24 foot Winnebago Minnie towing an 8 foot trailer with a motorcycle, combined weight about 1500 pounds. No trailer brakes and we had no problems crossing the Rockies and the Cascades.

Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

In advance, thanks.
Chris

Two observations, regardless of the "legalities"...
1) Your emergency stopping distance will be increased. The heavier the trailer, the longer it will take to stop the entire combination. The increase is in direct proportion to the weight of the trailer as a percentage of the weight of the whole rig.
2) What will stop the trailer if it should happen to break away from the Tow vehicle?

Campfire Time wrote:
If you're comfortable that you can safely stop in an emergency then I think you are fine. You're getting in the weight range that would me question it too.

Laws requiring trailer brakes vary by state, most are around 3000#, but a few are 1500#. http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-brakes/

FINALLY! A "List Of Laws" that apparently is accurate!
This link should become a "Sticky" in the "Towing" section!

Are you worried about legalities or a successful trip?
The legalities vary from state to state. Some states require brakes on any trailer over 1500 lbs. UNLADEN weight (trailer only, no cargo). Some states require brakes on any trailer over 3000 lbs GROSS weight (trailer plus cargo). Then there is Alaska, which throws 5000 lbs. GVW into the mix. Perhaps just to be different.
Some states have a "Braking Performance Standard", such as Montana does, in that you must be able to stop any "combination of vehicles" within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, level, dry, hard surface. Montana also requires brakes on any TRAILER that has a GVW of 3000 lbs. or more.
IMO, you will probably be OK with a trailer gross weight of less than 2000 lbs without brakes. However, if it gives you ANY concerns, for your own peace of mind, get the brakes. You don't need the additional worry.
Electric or surge brakes will work just fine.

If you're comfortable that you can safely stop in an emergency then I think you are fine. You're getting in the weight range that would me question it too.

Laws requiring trailer brakes vary by state, most are around 3000#, but a few are 1500#. http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-brakes/