does 1985 nomad trailer have brakes?

The 1964 nomad I bought from the original owner a few years ago had electric brakes

two things....from the way the OP phrased the post I fell they know nothing about how the brakes work including the need for the brake controller....second any RV built in that time frame has brakes per the RVIA requirement and also Nomads (Skyline rvs) are also built to a UL spec also which requires the brakes. Now having had a Nomad from that vintage yes it does have brakes

You can easily check by looking on the back side of the brakes; look for wires coming out. It probably has electric brakes but verify that yourself.

"Yes if the trailer is over 1,500 pounds or especially if it has two axles, it will have electric brakes."

Not necessarily. It depends on the state. Some state say a trailer must have brakes if it weighs 1500 lbs. or more, UNLADEN. Some states say that a trailer must have brakes if it has a GVWR of 3000 lbs. or more.
Many such trailers have surge brakes, not electric brakes.
I once had a tandem axle boat trailer that did not have brakes. Since the trailer and boat weighed less than 3000 lbs. brakes were not required.
The best (IMO) brake controller way back when (1970-1980+) was a Kelsey/Hayes hydraulic unit. A tee was installed in the brake line at the master cylinder, and a brake line ran through the firewall to the controller on the dash. It worked GREAT!! Sadly, it would not work on the new sophisticated braking systems.
Now, to the OP's questions. Yes, your trailer should have brakes. The easiest way to tell is to see if there are backing plates and brake drums behind the wheels. you can remove the wheels and look, or you can get under the trailer and look. Of course, just because they are there does not mean they work. Testing with a compass has already been described. Quite often, one can also hear a definite CLICK when the brakes are applied if one is right beside the wheel listening closely.
One thing that a trailer that old quite possibly may NOT have is a breakaway switch. Kits to install the switch are readily available from Ratco, 6 Robblees, U-Haul, and other trailer supply houses.

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Yes if the trailer is over 1,500 pounds or especially if it has two axles, it will have electric brakes. Might not be working anymore. But it came from the factory with working brakes on at least one axle.



Fred.

I have had several trailers / campers, that weighed well over 1500lb that had no brakes. And I have towed several trailers well over 1500lb that had surge brakes, not electric.

Just a FYI. Not a flame.

However. I am wondering IF the brakes on a TT that old would work with a modern brake controller. As I remember. The brake controllers back in the day were mounted beside your left knee with a long level, and you activated the TT brakes by using your knee to push the lever over. Tricky much

You can test the brakes with a compass. Hold it near the brakes, and then have someone apply the brake controller in the tow vehicle. It will swing north towards the working brake drums. If not working then the compass will still point north.

Don't leave the magnets on for a long time, 1 minute would be the limit before giving it time to cool off. Better to limit magnet time on to about 10 seconds if possible. ..

Each magnet should draw as much as 4-6 amps each, or 16 to 24 amps total for 2 axles.

Good luck!

Fred.

Mine was a 1983, 20 feet long, and had brakes. A 31 year old trailer probably needs to have the bearings packed. Either pack them yourself or have somebody do it for you. While they're at it, they can make sure the brakes are intact, functioning and not worn out.

Yes if the trailer is over 1,500 pounds or especially if it has two axles, it will have electric brakes. Might not be working anymore. But it came from the factory with working brakes on at least one axle.

What is the GVWR?

You will have a 7 pin trailer connector if you have brakes. There are wiring diagrams on Etrailer.com

You can buy the 7 wire connection for your tow vehicle with instructions on how to install it. You will also need a electric brake controller too. Prodigy is one of the highly recommended brands!

Fred.