when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

[jwharan]

I have an 18' Runabout. IT weighs 2700lbs. DO i need brakes on my trailer?

 

[DaveM]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

It varies state to state. I personally would add brakes for a load like that. It is a small price to pay for that time when you really need brakes.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

Depends:<br /><br />- Different states have different requirements. For example, some states requires brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs GVW.<br /><br />- Also depends on your tow vehicle. For example, my chevy venture can tow 3500lbs (I find that hard to believe!), but states that trailers over 1500lbs require brakes. <br /><br />Also "surge" brakes are one type of trailer brake system. The other common system is electric.

 

[roscoe]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

Where are you located?<br />Some states require brakes when gross weight reachs 1500#, some as low as 1000#.<br /><br />Don't forget to include the weight of all gear, batteries, motor, etc, and the weight of the trailer.<br /><br />If I was towing that much weight I would have brakes.

 

[KM2]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

Yes you do. If your boat weighs 2700 add 600 for the trailer, a few hundred for gear and fuel and your towing a heavy load. In MN brakes are required at 3000#. If you have to make a hard stop with that load without trailer brakes you are going to have problems.

 

[jlinder]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

KM2 has the right idea. 2700# for the boat, trailer more like 750#(that is what mine is), 30 gal of fuel is close to 200#, anchor, cooler, etc and you are soon at 4000#.<br /><br />You need brakes. The law is not your problem, stopping is.<br /><br />But what you really need to do is take it to a truck scale and get it weighted, with everything on board. Then you know.

 

[rwidman]

Re: when are surge brakes required? What Length or Weight?

I agree with the others, you should have brakes.