When Do You Need Electric Brakes On A Trailer

Most states require that trailers using electric brakes be equipped with a safety circuit called a breakaway system designed to apply the brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle.

When do you need electric brakes on a trailer. Some states require braked axles on trailers with a gvw as low as 2000 lbs. This basically just means that when you hit the brakes in your car the brake controller delivers the message to your trailer so that it can stop too. A trailer brake controller is a small electronic device that installs in your tow vehicle s cab and activates your trailer brakes via an electrical signal whenever you apply your tow vehicle brakes. Without an electric brake controller the electric brakes on your trailer will remain inactive.

Electronic brakes are most commonly used on caravans and trailers over 750kg and are legally required on all caravans and trailers where the gtm is more than 2000kg. This means that for towing any load beyond a basic box trailer it s crucial that you have trailer brakes. These new regulations dictated that any trailer with a gross trailer mass gtm exceeding 750kg would need to be fitted with an electric brake control system. Most travel trailers use electric brakes.

How electric trailer brakes work. Remember that if you are considering electronic brakes you will need to install a control unit in the tow vehicle. In december of 1998 national towing regulations were implemented across australia following a unanimous decision by the state ministers of transport. But there are a few types that you can use.

If you re towing a trailer weighing between 750kg and 2000kg gtm you must have trailer brakes by law. Some electric brake systems use a controller located on the brake pedal of the towing vehicle. This system consists of a battery mounted on the trailer and a normally closed switch. In this guide we will unpack how a trailer brake controller works and the steps involved in how to use a brake controller while towing with trailer brakes.

Other states have a higher limit. Any trailer over 3000 lbs must have brakes on all wheels in most states but laws do vary. This would put you in breach of the road rules in any state or territory of australia. Override mechanical or override hydraulic are fine as are electric brakes or electric hydraulic.

Unless you were towing a load with a gtm below 750kg. The controller senses when braking is being applied and activates the travel trailer s brakes as well.