brakes needed on a enclosed trailer with cycle in it?
I need suggestions on when buying a enclosed trailer to haul my motorcycle, do I need brakes on the trailer, will be towing it behind my motorhome. Unit when loaded should weight under 2500 lbs.
Forum Discussion
Legally, it depends on the state.
Some states require brakes on any trailer that weighs 1500 lbs. or more UNLADEN weight.
Some states require brakes on any trailer that has a GVWR of 3000 lbs. or more.
Some states don't specify, but they have a Braking Performance Law that requires you to be able to stop within a certain distance from a set speed; Often 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, dry, level, hard surface.
Some states have BOTH a Performance Law AND a weight limit.
Many states require brakes on ALL wheels of a trailer.
Many states require a breakaway system that will apply the brakes, and hold them applied for at least 15 minutes on any trailer on which brakes are required.
Brake laws usually are not Reciprocal. Just because you comply with the law in your home state does not make you legal in any other state.
Do your research, but do NOT rely on any internet "List of Towing Laws" to ensure you are legal. I have yet to see any such list that is totally accurate!
For instance, the list of laws referenced above says that Montana has:
A 65 MPH towing speed limit. No, that is the truck speed limit. It does not necessarily apply to towing units.
A total length of 75 feet. No, that only applies to truck/trailer/trailer tows, not to truck/trailer.
Brakes required on trailer over 3000 lbs. Well, yes, but that is GROSS weight.
Some states require brakes on any trailer that weighs 1500 lbs. or more UNLADEN weight.
Some states require brakes on any trailer that has a GVWR of 3000 lbs. or more.
Some states don't specify, but they have a Braking Performance Law that requires you to be able to stop within a certain distance from a set speed; Often 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, dry, level, hard surface.
Some states have BOTH a Performance Law AND a weight limit.
Many states require brakes on ALL wheels of a trailer.
Many states require a breakaway system that will apply the brakes, and hold them applied for at least 15 minutes on any trailer on which brakes are required.
Brake laws usually are not Reciprocal. Just because you comply with the law in your home state does not make you legal in any other state.
Do your research, but do NOT rely on any internet "List of Towing Laws" to ensure you are legal. I have yet to see any such list that is totally accurate!
For instance, the list of laws referenced above says that Montana has:
A 65 MPH towing speed limit. No, that is the truck speed limit. It does not necessarily apply to towing units.
A total length of 75 feet. No, that only applies to truck/trailer/trailer tows, not to truck/trailer.
Brakes required on trailer over 3000 lbs. Well, yes, but that is GROSS weight.
