Trailer brakes

[newyankeelawn]

:angry:I bought a used 16' Currahee open trailer built in 1997. It's rated by the OEM to 5000 lbs. gvwr. According to the manufacture it didn't require brakes when it was built. Here's the kicker the Roswell, Ga Commercial vehicle Police Officer tells me the regardless of when it was built I had to retofit brakes on my trailer. Which I thick is a bunch of crap. I'm still fighting this mess. It should be grandfathered in.

Regardless of the outcome I still would like to install breaks on my trailer.
Has anyone ever done this? What will it take? Any help would be appreciated.

[Ruben Rocha]

Here is one site that sells retro brakes I found.
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-demo_trailer_brakes_and_wiring.aspx
I don't have brakes on my rig. But they do have a nice video on upgrading

[newyankeelawn]

Thanks I'll check it out!

[seabee1]

i am pretty sure that any tandem Axel trailer or any with a rated capacity of 3500 lb or over requires brakes .:usflag:

[tomo]

HI
Brake requirements for trailer will most likely vary state to state
Consult your local relevant government department [road transport etc ]

EG 1/ trailer 1650lbs t0 4500 lbs brakes required one axle
surge type ok

2/over 4500 lbs brakes all axles
surge type not allowed

3/ over 10,000 lbs brakes different catagory

BRAKE CONVERSION
Unless u are well skilled a job best left to trailer maker
The type of axle u have will dictate the brake kit u may need

Recomendation --run 12 inch brakes if only doing one axle [never have enough braking ][15 inch wheels ]

Run dexter brake parts ..
Caution there are many chinese /low quality kits

:waving: tomo

[Dave Maher]

In New Jersey rated capacity of 2000 lbs. is the magic # where a trailer requires brakes. If you were to be pulled over and it was noticed there were no brakes on the trailer it could be impounded. Now a days the police have become very educated as to what to look for on commercial vehicles etc..