Is My Trailer Too Light to Need Brakes?

Updated 02/15/2021 | Published 02/11/2021

Question:

Hi, I have a 1977 scamp 13. I am considering whether to add brakes to it. It has an 1100 pound axle and the weight of it on the title is 950 lbs. Do you have a guide for choosing/installing brakes? Are brakes necessary for this weight of trailer? Thanks

asked by: Lydia M

Expert Reply:

A general rule is that trailers over 3,000 lbs are required to have brakes. This does depends on your towing vehicle and/or the towing laws of your state and whatever state you are driving through. Check your owners manual to see if they specify when you need brakes on your trailer.

Some states require braked axles on trailers with a GVW as low as 2000-lbs, which is why the lowest weight capacity axle that we carry brakes for are set at 2,000 lbs like the # AKEBRK-2 electric brakes. I don't think you need brakes on your 1,100 lbs axles, but I did attach some articles about the different types of brakes and how to choose them, if you want to read up on that.

expert reply by: Evangeline M