Unbraked trailer, towing limitations

blt2ski wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

blt2ski wrote:
Stir crazy.

You are correct, in that a vehicles GVW is guaged by braking. Or should we say, ONE OF the requirements to get a GVW.

You have also stated as others have, common sense says if your total is over the vehicles rated gvw, having brakes on the trailer is a good thing.

US braking laws for towed vehicles appears to be somewhere between 1000-4500 depending upon the jurisdiction you in. Generally speaking, unlike drivers licensing requirements, trailer brake requirements do not have reciprocity. Me traveling with a 3500 lb trailer where it could/would be legal in WA St, to a state with a 1000 lb requirement, could net me a moving violation ticket for no brakes. Then potentially paying for a flatbed to haul trailer to state line, shop to install brakes etc. I'll let reader decide if they want to gamble on this issue.

Marty

Except, even if one is not meeting the requirements of the state they’re in yet legal in the state they’re licensed in, I’m not certain it is not legal in the offending state.
But regardless, the trailer brake cops are NOT sitting at the state line waiting for tealboy to mosey on over with his nice little camper so they can bust him. Or anyone else, for that fact.

I would suggest you talk to a local leo/CVEO to verify if your correct, or per 3 CVEO'S I've had classes with that have said what I've stated.

Over the years I have paid fines for operating CMVs that where legal in home state, but not in the state I'm in. While I have never had a issue, a friend called me for help when his Mo legal MH and trailer was put OOS in Iowa because of over length. (Told him to unload SUV from trailer, tow MT trailer with SUV while spouse drives MH) He asked about lawyer to fight the fine, but think he found it cheaper to pay. Have heard Texas also will ticket long RVs
Now would that idea transfer to trailer brakes? IDK, but I would think how long it takes to stop is more important than how long it is.