Buying a boat trailer, need brake thoughts.

[TRDon]

I am buying a new trailer and going to put an order in tomorrow more than likely. I have the option for brakes on both axles or on just one of the 2. It will cost a total of about 200 more.

I wasnt sure if it was worth it to get it or is the cost not justified or is there a lot of more money needed for maintenece blah blah.

I posted this question on wakeworld and one person made a good point. He said he had brakes on both axles and when he emergency stopped, he lost control of the trailer, it was all over the place I guess. He now has only one set of brakes so 2 tires are always connected to the road to guide it straight. Makes sence.

MN does not require a specified braking system other than over 3000 lbs needs to have brakes. I am pulling it with a 2003 Toyota tundra V8. It would be an improvement just to have brakes because of the last 3 trailers I haeve had with 3 boats, all have had brakes, and not one of them functioned.

What are your thoughts?

[Iroc-Z]

I would only do one axle. Yeah its only 200 bucks more but I think it would be overkill. Plus thats just more parts that could fail. You truck is plenty big for you boat anyways.

[Fernanernie]

Brakes on the rear set only

[OffShore]

what no flaming here? lol jk

I agree w Iroc-z

[1moretoy]

Brakes on the rear set only

^^^this. I have rear disc's on my tandem trailer and they work awesome. My boat is a 21 footer which isn't the lightest of boats when I have it fully loaded. I've pulled it with my expedition and it does just as good as my 6wheeler when it comes to stoping. "BUT" the big question is, are you going electric or surge???

[96zjlimited]

MN requires brakes on both axles. Just went through this in a DOT inspection. There is no reason to lose control having brakes on both axles, it should be better in all ways. 4 of my trailers are tandems with brakes on both axles, and it is great peace of mind, fully loaded my trailer on its own can just about bring me to a stop.

[1moretoy]

MN requires brakes on both axles. Just went through this in a DOT inspection. There is no reason to lose control having brakes on both axles, it should be better in all ways. 4 of my trailers are tandems with brakes on both axles, and it is great peace of mind, fully loaded my trailer on its own can just about bring me to a stop.

Show me??

[96zjlimited]

http://www.roadkingtrailers.com/brakelaws.htm

Scroll to Minnesota

[ACRucrazy]

I would buy a trailer with brakes.
And wheels.

[96zjlimited]

Subd. 4.Service brakes on wheels; exceptions. (a) All motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, must be equipped with foot brakes on all wheels.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:

(1) a mobile crane that is not operated at a speed of more than 45 miles per hour and is capable of stopping within the performance standards of subdivision 5;

(2) a motorcycle;

(3) a trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of less than 3,000 pounds;

[xjfish]

I would much rather run one good set of disks than quad drums. There must be a certain weight and above that DOT requires brakes on each axle? There are plenty of tandem pontoon trailers around with only one set of brakes or none whatsoever.

[xjfish]

(3) a trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of less than 3,000 pounds;

Tree.d

[96zjlimited]

Tree.d

And I'm sure his boat and trailer are well over 3k lbs

[1moretoy]

"Minnesota 651-296-3000 www.dot.state.mn.us/ 102" 13' 6" 60' 45' A trailer with a gross weight of 3000 lbs, GVW or more, or a gross weight that exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle, must be equipped with brakes that can adequately control the movement of and stop and hold the trailer."


Doesn't say they are needed on every wheel. They just need to "adequately control" the trailer

[96zjlimited]

I would much rather run one good set of disks than quad drums. There must be a certain weight and above that DOT requires brakes on each axle? There are plenty of tandem pontoon trailers around with only one set of brakes or none whatsoever.

While disk brakes are nice, my equipment trailer grossing in at 14k lbs with my skidloader on it will lock up the brakes in an emergency stop, with drums. Its all about maintenance, and keeping things adjusted. Surge brakes are just about worthless.