![]() ![]() As a result, electromagnets located inside each brake drum trigger the brake’s shoes against that drum through a simple lever system. The system functions due to the principle that magnetic force is proportional to the voltage supplied to an electromagnet. The voltage from the tow vehicle’s battery is what makes the brakes work. Moreover, any trailer that weighs over 3000-lbs has to have brakes on every wheel in most states, however, laws can vary. Electric brakes are among the most common brakes there are, and surge brakes are in most marine applications.īrakes must be installed on a tandem axle utility trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7500-lbs according to regulations in the USA. The weight of the vehicle and the application for which the trailer gets used, all determines the type of brake system utilized. This includes having adequate tread depth, tyres free from defects, working lights and brakes and a hitch that is in good condition.Ī trailer exceeding 750kg can be towed legally using a B licence once the combined vehicle and loaded trailer weight is not above 3,500kg.Air, hydraulic surge, and electric brakes are three brake systems commonly found on trailers. However, if you’re towing a trailer, it is your responsibility as the driver to ensure that both the towing vehicle and trailer are safe and fit for purpose and legally compliant with all relevant legislation. If the trailer has more than one axle and does not have an automatic breakaway device that activates its brakes if detached from the towing vehicle while in motion, then it must be fitted with brakes and a secondary coupling consisting of a chain or wire rope.Ĭurrently, there is no legal requirement for trailers to have a roadworthiness test. They must also be fitted with a service brake, a parking brake and a breakaway cable (or a secondary coupling as an alternative). Meanwhile, all O2 trailers (DGVW exceeding 750kg and not exceeding 3,500kg) must have brakes fitted on all wheels. O1 trailers (DGVW not exceeding 750kg) are not obliged to have brakes fitted unless they have a DGVW which is more than half the DGVW of the towing vehicle to which they are attached. It’s also worth noting the speed limit when towing a trailer is 80km/h, unless a lower speed limit sign is posted. All new light trailers (under 3,500kg gross) sold since October 2012 must be plated by law. If you have a trailer which is homemade and has no plate, the RSA advises asking a trailer manufacturer in your area if they will plate it for you. ![]() Most modern 12ft and 14ft trailers have a DGVW of 3,500kg. On pages 4 and 5, example weights of new trailers are listed. You can also contact the trailer manufacturer or authorised distributor. To find out the DGVW of your trailer, check its manufacturer’s statutory plate. It’s important to note that if you exceed this weight, you are breaking the law. Subtracting figure 1 (2,600kg) from figure two (5,400kg), gives us 2,800kg, which is the vehicle’s towing capacity, ie the weight you can legally tow. We took the Toyota Landcruiser in the graphic to the left as an example. This plate is normally located inside the passenger door or under the bonnet. To find out what your vehicle is rated to tow, check the manufacturer’s statutory plate. So, it is vitally important you contact your dealer or check what your vehicle is legally rated to tow as all vehicle makes and models vary.Īs the driver of the vehicle, it is your responsibility to know the capacity and the limits of your vehicle, tow hitch and trailer, and to make sure you don’t operate beyond these. In this example, given that the D-max has a DGCW of 6,000kg, the combined weight of the loaded trailer and jeep must not exceed 6,000kg as this is the maximum weight the D-max is plated for. ![]() For example, A BE licence is required to legally drive a 2016 2.5l diesel Isuzu D-max (2,950kg plated towing capacity) coupled with a tri-axle Ifor Williams livestock trailer (3,500kg DGVW and an unladen weight of 1,265kg) loaded with cows totalling 1,685kg. Although a BE licence allows a DGCW (design gross combination weight) of up to 7,000kg, this is subject to the DGCW of the towing vehicle. ![]()
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