Trailer Brakes -- At What Size/Weight

[Triton318]

At about what size (length) and/or weight do travel trailers usually have brakes?

Thanks.

[Triton318]

Thanks for all the replies, and the link to the guide by states. Basically I was trying to figure out if I was going to need to get a brake controller for my truck when I buy my travel trailer. And the answer is "yes." Thanks!

[bmj11]

I think peoples are not reading the guide for all states and provinces I have given.
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-brakes/

[CavemanCharlie]

I had a 1969 TT with one axel and it did not have brakes. In MN any trailer over 3000 pounds must have brakes.

[mileshuff]

My first popup weighed 1000lbs loaded and did not have brakes. My 2nd popup weighted 2000lbs and came with brakes. I wouldn't want to go any higher without.

The relation between trailer weight and braking ability of tow vehicle will affect decision. If you have a semi rig you may not care if your 3,000lb trailer didn't have brakes. Semi probably wouldn't know the difference.

[westend]

Those Kentucky trailer requirements may be true but everyone should check with their State Police to see what is exactly the law. Like in Kentucky, it may apply to you but not if you are a Farmer. Look in the FAQ section, 3000 lbs and above requires brakes and also emergency break away.

[gunner65]

Kentucky
Kentucky law does not specifically require brakes on any passenger car trailers, regardless of weight. However, vehicles singular or in combination must be able to stop within distance specified by statute.

[Nvr2loud]

downtheroad wrote:

mich800 wrote:

Nvr2loud wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
Travel trailers are required to have a, "brake away," system...to stop it if it comes un-connected from the tow vehicle while underway.

To have this system, the trailer needs brakes and a battery to operate these brakes.

Not true everywhere.

I will need to check again but it was if it was required to have brakes then the emergency brake was also required. I know for a fact that most open two place trailers have no brakes.

Where is it not "true?"
....and we were talking about travel trailers not, "open two place trailers."

In Ontario it is not required to have brake-away brakes.

I have 4 trailers now all purchased in Ontario and legally licensed for the road. Two are travel trailers, neither has brake-away brakes. One of my other trailers is an enclosed 6 x 12 utility trailer, with brakes, without battery and brake-away. My fourth trailer is simply a boat trailer.

[downtheroad]

mich800 wrote:

Nvr2loud wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
Travel trailers are required to have a, "brake away," system...to stop it if it comes un-connected from the tow vehicle while underway.

To have this system, the trailer needs brakes and a battery to operate these brakes.

Not true everywhere.

I will need to check again but it was if it was required to have brakes then the emergency brake was also required. I know for a fact that most open two place trailers have no brakes.

Where is it not "true?"
....and we were talking about travel trailers not, "open two place trailers."

[mich800]

Nvr2loud wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
Travel trailers are required to have a, "brake away," system...to stop it if it comes un-connected from the tow vehicle while underway.

To have this system, the trailer needs brakes and a battery to operate these brakes.

Not true everywhere.

I will need to check again but it was if it was required to have brakes then the emergency brake was also required. I know for a fact that most open two place trailers have no brakes.

[bmj11]

You have most of the law for an RV for USA and Canada here
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/trailer-brakes/
If you click on the subject on the blue column on the right side, you have a lot more

[Nvr2loud]

downtheroad wrote:
Travel trailers are required to have a, "brake away," system...to stop it if it comes un-connected from the tow vehicle while underway.

To have this system, the trailer needs brakes and a battery to operate these brakes.

Not true everywhere.

[APT]

Any double axle trailer RV will have brakes on both axles. Most single axles do too which GVWR around 3500 pounds. Popups are where you need to ask if certain models have trailer brakes.

[beemerphile1]

I've never seen a TT without brakes. Some smaller trailers don't have them, check the laws in your state. If I recall correctly the maximum in any state is 3,000#. Many states require brakes at a lesser weight.

[downtheroad]

Travel trailers are required to have a, "brake away," system...to stop it if it comes un-connected from the tow vehicle while underway.

To have this system, the trailer needs brakes and a battery to operate these brakes.