Trailer Brakes

[delms82]

I have old 19' tin boat (71 crestliner), motor, trailer, and gas weighing in around 2,600 lbs. I didn't see much on trailer brakes in restoration forum and wanted check opinions if brakes are needed and if yes what style works best. I will primarily be using Ram 1500 and cruising flat ohio turnpike following lake erie walleye and perch. I did post in trailer section but wanted check with starcraft gang. Thanks, Alan

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

At what weight does Ohio require brakes on a trailer?

 

[delms82]

I believe 3,000 lbs gross weight

 

[batman99]

IMO, it isn't always about regional brake laws (which is often based on a flat number).

For example:
- My local law says max 3,000 lbs and my loaded boat/trailer @ 2,600 lbs combo pushes my mini-van around like a rag doll. I installed electrical brakes on my boat training a braking power is amazing. Yet, my local laws stated my boat trailer doesn't need brakes.
- CA laws states any trailer above 1,500 lbs needs brakes. Does a 1,600 lbs utility trailer behind a V12 Hummer need brakes on the trailer? Their law says it does.

IMO, connected trailer needing brakes should be about payload number of its attached Tow Vehicle - instead of a flat meaningless number of a perfect white board world.

For example, a Ram 1500 has payload up to 1,930 lb (875 kg). Anything above its payload number is "over taxing" its factory brakes. Thus... If attached trailer is above this number, then install brakes on the trailer. And if attached trailer is below this number, then only factory vehicle brakes are good.

For me, my little tow vehicle can easily tow 3,500 lbs but I use its payload number to determine if my attached trailer needs brakes. If it were me, I would install brakes on loaded 2,600 lbs trailer that is connected Ram 1500 pickup - regardless of one's regional laws. Try with and without brakes to feel the difference yourself.

 

[Watermann]

I think your Crestliner is very similar to my Chief. The trailer I got with my donor had no working surge brakes so when I pulled off the drums the shoes and guts all fell out on the ground. It was a nasty rusty mess with leaking wheel cylinders and I hate drums as much as I do the funky surge system. So I thought I would give it a try towing without trailer brakes and leave open the option of going to electric if there was an issue or feeling of being pushed. 2 seasons later and I don't have electric brakes. Also I tow with a chevy Avalance or my Silverado 2500.

Here's a couple pics of my trailer set up. I did add a cross member up towards the front in that open space so I could add a keel roller.

Yeah those are P rated tires on there too, load rated for 1000 Lbs more than the weight they haul. Odd how people say you have to use ST tires only on a boat trailer, yeah ok they trust P tires on their wives SUV or mini van stuffed full of their kids but not on a way lighter tin boat hauling trailer, go figure...

 

[delms82]

No Title

Batman: Going by tow vehicle payload makes sense and like brake system as an extra safety feature.

Wm: Like you, I have had no problems stopping with my old Jeep XJ or Ram 1500.I picked up a cheap galv. 6000lb axle trailer that was hoping reduce maintenance costs of my current 45 yr old Holsclaw with shocks and springs. The newer Load Rite has surge drum brake set up currently.

 

[Watermann]

I can think of a few guys besides myself who would like to know where you found that cover or was it custom made?

 

[delms82]

No Title

All the covers were included, I am sure they were custom made . The cover material is starting show its age but hope get few more years. The old Rockwell made Crestliner welded tin boats are built tank tough.
Sad day selling Nova but luckily the owner is local and promises few boat rides this summer.