Member - barry F (NSW) replied:

If your van is faily new it probabley has electrically operated brake system anyway. regardless of what system it has, have your rig set up so as you can control the van brakes from your vehicle. What is expensive compared to both the safety of yourself & other road users?

Wizard1 replied:

Its not a case of "do you raelly need these brakes", it is actually the law. If you tow over 750 kg the trailer MUST be fitted with an independant braking system either override, electric or hydraulic. Sorry but I don't think it is an option.

I suggest you run your thoughts by your local transport authority and see what they think.

Oh the other issue is your insurance. Without a braking system fitted you are deemed unroadworthy and it may effect any insurance claim.

Wiser hey?

Member - Terry G (NSW) replied:

Trulygypsy
please don't think I am being rude, but the fact that you are even asking the question is one of the reasons that I am sometimes terrified to be sharing the highways with the "grey army". Of course you must have brakes on the van. Have you considered what your gross weight would be. Do you think that GMH would have included brakes in a utility which are capable of pulling up a vehicle in excess of twice its normal weight? Do you have any idea of the braking distances involved at various speeds when towing a van? Have you considered what would happen to these distances if the van was not effectively braked? Have you any idea of the consequences of sudden or emergecy braking on a towed vehicle of that size?
As a general comment on the topic - when is a government going to legislate to require a special licence to tow these monsters which seem to be getting bigger and heavier by the day?

tg

MP replied:

I think to answer the question correctly a little more info is required but in general it sounds as though the van has a braking system already and weighing over 750kg (fair assumption) and under 2 tonne it should be technically legal. However things change depending on the weight of the van and the towing vehicle. Is the tow bar on your ute rated for the weight of the van and if it's an auto do you have a transmission cooler? If the van weighs over 2000kg then a separate(breakaway) system is required. Best place to start would be with the weight of the van when loaded and go from there. A little time now and maybe extra cost now could save a lot of headaches and expense later. It will make you trip more enjoyable if you don't have to worry about what you are towing and knowing it will stop when you need it to. Good luck.

Cheers

Mark

Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses replied:

You need the brakes for a trailed load over 750kg as has been said earlier. You may have had the luck of surviving that earlier period in your life but I know one case where an unbraked load in a trailer went severly over the top of the guy and he lost his life. He was about the same age you are. He had done it so many times before. He did linger for a few days as you could.

The fact you have not had an accident so far causing death to yourself is apparent, but also think of others on the road too. The braking system control in my ute cost just over $100 and provides far greater security for everyone.

Hairy replied:

Yes!!!