Non-Mandatory Brakes on Trailer a Pleasure

[Steffo1]

Mid last year wifey & I had a somewhat "interesting" 1 & 1/2 hour on a rather steep & seemingly rarely used track owing to her misinterpreting local directions  . Thank God for the DO35. Wifey couldn't even hold the door open to get out for some photos it was that steep on both X & Y axes. The vehicle brakes took a fair old hammering, even in Low Range, as did the rest of the Disco & C/T. For just over $1000 I got electric brakes fitted & although the C/T isn't required to have them, what a pleasant feeling not feeling the weight pushing behind the vehicle & is more pleasant to drive all round. I did have to replace the axle, hubs & rims but all in all a reasonable price I thought for a measure of safety.
Steve

[MIC78C]

What is the GVM of your trailer?

[Steffo1]

Mick
It varies. Rego sticker states ATM is 750kg. This is for a Qld rego by the way.
Steve

[BigJules]

There would be very few campers that wouldn't benefit from brakes, even if they weren't legally required. In situations such as you mentioned, just to be able to use the trailer brakes to pull the whole outfit back into shape is so useful.

[Mace]

GTM (Laden weight) of 750kg upper limit for no brakes  Australia Wide. I reckon many with no brakes would be pushing over  the limit.  Our Ct (which has mechanical and electric brakes fitted) has an unladen weight of 550kg. When I put it over the weighbridge, total trailer laden weight (GTM) was well over 1000kg.

A full water tank, gas bottles, fridge and cooling gear would take ours well over 750kg, without all the other stuff, tables, chairs, food, shainsaw,  extra water, etc, etc.

If you use for off road, I see electric brakes as a must have.

see:
http://www.campertrailers.org/towing_regulations.htm

[Turbojohn]

Trailer brakes are a wonderful thing to have especially in sticky situations.  Money well spent I say