Brakes -- or not

[jfaisten]

Looking at a Ranger 2300 Bay -- weighs about 3000 lbs with motor. The owner indicates he removed the brakes on the dual axle trailer because the boat dealer said they were not necessary. Doesn't sound right to me. is there a rule of thumb when brakes are required for safety? Like, over a ton of boat, you have to have trailer brakes?
Thanks

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Brakes -- or not

most states require brakes on trailers weighing 3000lbs and over (Michigan is among them), best to check local laws, as some go as low as 1500 lbs and others like Massachusetts go as high as 10,000. Personally I would put some brakes on it for my own peace of mind even if the state allowed it without

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Your boat with motor weighs 3000# but that doesn't count fuel, trailer and gear weight. You need brakes.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: Brakes -- or not

I thought so. thanks for the replies

 

[cribber]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Try and get the guy to deduct the price of replacing/reinstalling the brakes from the purchase price. Most states require surge brakes if you're over 3000 pounds total weight as posted above.

 

[dave11]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Try and get the guy to deduct the price of replacing/reinstalling the brakes from the purchase price. Most states require surge brakes if you're over 3000 pounds total weight as posted above.

And get decent quality disc brakes.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Your boat with motor weighs 3000# but that doesn't count fuel, trailer and gear weight. You need brakes.

Check with Mich DMV. You will need brakes on at least on axle. Not sure if you will need both axels braked.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Brakes -- or not

jfaisten. yes you need trailer brakes.
Google the requirments for MICH.
Fishing Trenton channel? Old river Rat.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Stopping is always better than not being able to stop. :redface:

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Doesn't matter if they are required as much as it matters for stopping and controlling the trailer safely. If you have ever pulled any trailer without brakes and pulled one with, you will be able to tell the difference. If you really want to do it right, get electronic controlled brakes so you can adjust and tune it in perfect for what ever vehicle you are pulling with.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Brakes -- or not

+ 1 rally and chris

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Brakes required law or not.
Just my opinion though.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Thanks all for the information. Brakes are good in any case.

I do fish the Trenton channel -- walleye and smallmouth heaven.

Merry Christmas!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Also check out your tow vehicle owners manual.

Mine has a 5500# tow rating, but it also says that the trailer should have brakes if over 1500#.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Brakes -- or not

Brakes! You'll only "really need them" once to pay for the effort. Additionally, on that size boat, probably all states require them.

Mark