Trailer brakes

[Andrew Mackey]

Is it worth putting brakes on a 2 wheel trailer? I have a Stayrite, 3,500 GVW without brakes. I usually haul about #2000 total on it, with a Dodge 1500 PU. I recently towed a 4 wheel trailer, and was impressed with the braking system. I also wanted to know if someone in NNJ is selling brakes for the Stayrite, as it was equipped to have them mounted. It has 4 hole mounting flanges on the axles, and has 5 hole hubs. The dealer I bought the trailer from is no longer in business.
Andrew

[ListerDiesel]

I'd say a definite "yes" to that question. Over here in the UK the maximum total weight for an unbraked trailer is 750kg or about 3/4 ton.

Two-axle trailers are probably more popular now than they used to be, and a lot more stable for heavy weight towing.

Peter

[Ed Carry]

You can get brakes at an RV/Trailer supply store. The brake mounting is standardized, so you won't need to look for the trailer brand. If your trailer has drums already you just need the backing plate assembly. If not, you'll need to purchase the drums also. The trailer supply should know what you need and help you. Ed

[Tim Litzenberger]

Hi,

I strongley beliieve in brakes on two wheel trailers in the weight class you speak about. Although I must also say trailers of this size are legal in PA without brakes. My experiance has been if you are loaded to the maximun and are breaking on a wet road, or have to panic stop on a wet road or worse yet your are braking and going around a turn your truck can be pushed around a bit from the momentum. Hope this helps!!!

P>S> I feel alot safer on the open road also knowing I can panic stop from high speed. and my trailer is under control.

[Andrew Mackey]

You don't need to tell me about push, with me having a Dodgeb 1500 I try not to take it out in bad weather - even without the trailer
Andrew

[2545CASE]

I have a 1998 Dodge 3500 Dually with a Cummins diesel that I pull my 40 foot gooseneck trailer with. I usually haul 2 antique tractors to shows. I have vacuum actuated hydraulic disc brakes on both 12k trailer axels. I have found the vacuum actuated hydraulic disc brakes are far superior to electric trailer brakes. I never have the trailer pushing me and in a panic stop situation you can expect the trailer to stay behind you where it belongs. After running vacuum hydraulic trailer brakes, I will never go back to electric brakes again. Don't get me wrong, electric brakes work fine on light to moderate weight trailers but for heavy loads they just do not compare.

[Mike Monnier]

TSC, or Tractor Supply as I still refer to it, has all of the stuff you need. I don't know if they have any stores in NJ though.

[LeRoy IHC]

Hi Guys

I'll just throw this information out for thought. Yesterday Saturday July 22. I was traveling west on the Pa. Turnpike and just west of the Somerset exit was stopped in my pickup with my empty trailer. Not speeding and all lights working. State Trooper stated he was going to do a D.O.T. inspection of my trailer. My trailer is licensed for 10,000 lbs. in Pa. Belive me he checked everything proper tire size and pressure, safety chains ( had to be hooked crosswise ) all lights working, Wheels had to skid with brake controller set on high, all brakes had to lock up when brake away unit was activated. I'm not saying he was wrong he did find a broken wire to my brake away unit. The bottom line was I couldn't move the trailer until repairs were made and it cost me $181.00 fine. So beware The Pa. State Police are starting to crack down on pick up's with trailer's on the Turnpike.

[Franz©]

Dealer, we don't need no steenkeng dealer
http://www.redneck-trailer.com/2006/C.htm

http://www.abctrailerparts.com/

http://www.championtrailers.com/

[Tim Claremont]

I have met lots of people who own trailers without brakes who wish they had them.

I have never met anyone who owns a trailer with brakes who wished they didn't.

Remember, the braking comes in handy for the things you DON'T expect, not for the things that you DO expect.

[Bill Decker]

Originally Posted by Mike Monnier

TSC, or Tractor Supply as I still refer to it, has all of the stuff you need. I don't know if they have any stores in NJ though.

I've got one in my back yard, plus, I was told they were going to put one in the Flemington area and one somewhere in Sussex county, Newton I believe.

[B. K. Lahey]

After a lifetime as a professional driver , I recomend trailer brakes ,with weight. If you only take garden rubbish to the tip once a month don't worry, But with engines and anything weighty, fit brakes or jacknife, and thats not pretty.
From an old truckie
BK

[D Pratt]

It is also the Law in most states if your trailer is over 3000 Lbs Most states don't inforce it . If non com. . Here in WV if they would inforce it about 95 %
of the 12', 14'& 16' utility trailers would be red taged for No Brakes or not having them hooked up . I think you can get buy with brakes on One axle .