trailer brake question,
Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:20
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sleepy1
hello on this wet Wednesday afternoon,
just been down to weigh my camper trailer, boy did i get a fright, .900kg now my question, although i am going to fit electric brakes do i legally have to have them or is it just if the tare is over .750kg. that .900kg is loaded and ready to go. thanks. only asking to see if i need to have them fitted now or next month. i bet there is a few people out there that don't relise how heavy there trailers are, i was shocked.
cheers peter
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:41
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:41
I believe its the ATM or loaded weight but I could be wrong EG any van that goes over 2 Tonne has to have breakaways.
I thought a 750kg trailer could only weigh that loaded but once again I could be wrong
AnswerID:
333771
Reply By: Maîneÿ (wa) - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:43
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:43
When I weighed my Camper trailer it was 780Kg, FULLY laden, it had electric brakes from (almost) new, actually I did a 'U' turn just a few Klms after picking it up and returned it to the manufacturer and had them fitted, as I could feel the added weight of the camper trailer even unloaded, when I braked.
With the electronic brakes you would not even know it was there and on winding dirt roads it was a pleasure to travel with a trailer.
Mainey . . .
AnswerID:
333772
Reply By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:56
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 16:56
Peter,
Australian Dept. of Infrastructer, Transport etc... etc.. lay down the rules for this.
A trailer with a GTM (gross trailer mass) of more than 750 Kg. must be fitted with brakes.
There appears to be some peculiar anomalies. Two axles close together are classed as a single axle. However all trailers with separated axles must have brakes, even if still under 750kg.
There must be a reasoning for this, however it escapes me at the moment.
Go for the electric brakes, you will never regret it.
Ian
AnswerID:
333773
Follow Up By: Muzzgit [WA] - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 23:45
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 23:45
I recently acquired a dual axle trailer as part of a deal when I bought a second hand quad bike. The trailer doesn't have brakes and I can't think why not.
Surely a dual axle trailer is made to carry more weight so why would it not legally require brakes at the time of manufacture?
Like you said, there appears to be some peculiar anomalies.
FollowupID:
601631
Reply By: sleepy1 - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:12
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:12
thanks guys you have answered my question and i will be getting them fitted.
AnswerID:
333776
Reply By: Tony - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:13
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:13
Put electric brakes on it, you will not regret it.. Far better control under all braking conditions, including in an emergency
AnswerID:
333778
Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:58
Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008 at 17:58
Found the same thing with
mine.
Plate on the draw bar says 750kg ATM.
trailer is 520 kg empty.
Load it up and it must be over 750kg, more like 800kg plus.
The 750 kg rule makes it easy for the manufacturer to produce a cheaper trailer by not putting brakes on.
After our first trip had brakes fitted. A lot better, especially on dirt.
Like you I wonder how many CTs are actually over the 750kg.
AnswerID:
333785