What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

craze1cars

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http://www.boatus.com/towing/towlaw.htm <br /><br />Thought I'd share this link...it's more comprehensive than many others regarding specific state laws. They vary WIDELY. Some states require brakes at 1,000 lbs. Others don't require them until your trailer is 10,000 lbs. Most are in the 3,000 lb range.<br /><br />It's every driver's responsibility to know the laws of the states in which you may drive...this is just an FYI
 

Silvertip

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

Every state lists the trailer brake requirements. Type "xxxxxxx (your state) trailer brake requirements" into the search box on your web browser and you'll get some hits. Otherwise check with any camper dealer in the area. It varies from a low of 2000# to about 3500# depending on state. HOWEVER, much depends on the type of tow vehicle you have. A smaller vehicle towing something at or near its tow rating may benefit tremendously by addition of trailer brakes even if they are not required by low at that weight. Just much safer.
 

TTU_Guy

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

Not sure if that site is 100% correct. There were several tings listed about Texas that I have found to be different in many other places including the TXDOT site.
 

Silvertip

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

I would believe the DOT in any state as they would ultimately be the people issuing citations for non-compliance.
 

craze1cars

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

Originally posted by TTU_Guy:<br /> Not sure if that site is 100% correct. There were several tings listed about Texas that I have found to be different in many other places including the TXDOT site.
You may be right...I picked it at random and have no special connection with it. If you do a Google search on "State Trailer laws," you'll come up with a bunch of similar sites to compare with.
 

jlinder

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

I found these sites with a quick google search<br /> http://www.loadrite.com/Support/Tow_Vehicle_Requirements/State_by_State_Towing_Laws/69/ <br /> http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/laws.html <br /> http://glen-l.com/designs/trailer/trailer-laws.html <br /> http://www.campinglife.com/output.cfm?id=1047259 <br /><br />Everyone also needs to remember that laws are stated as the minimums and don't take into account all conditions.<br /><br />Towing over hills? You need more.<br />When you tow, did you load the vehicle with people, coolers, etc. Did you get an accurate weight, or are you estimating? You need to allow for errors.<br />Do you take care of your brakes? Are they up to par?<br /><br />The law should just be a starting point.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: What is the weight limit for trailer brake requirements?

don't forget the straps.
 
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