Max trailer load. Need to install brakes on homemade trailer

[nhbiker1961]

I just weighed my tractor and trailer at the local dump and it came in at 4160. I could shave that to 4000 if I took the York rake off, but it's right at the limit. So I either need to install brakes on this homemade trailer or look for an aluminum one with brakes. Too close for comfort without brakes.

Sponsored

 

[SafetyGuy]

I just weighed my tractor and trailer at the local dump and it came in at 4160. I could shave that to 4000 if I took the York rake off, but it's right at the limit. So I either need to install brakes on this homemade trailer or look for an aluminum one with brakes. Too close for comfort without brakes.

Nice utility tractor! (Truck looks great, as well .

I personally would definitely upgrade the trailer...minimum would be a trailer with brakes, definitely!

If you can swing the purchase of a good quality aluminum trailer (with brakes), might be a good idea as well, to drop your overall GCWR weight.

How much more distance stopping (safely) will take using only your trucks brakes...which depends greatly on your speed at the time...?

I would hazard an estimate of double your normal stopping distance.

May I recommend something I use when towing? An electronic temperature tester.

Every stop as part of my walk around I would pull out the temp gun and shoot a temp from every hub...peace of mind as to any potential bearing/hub, stuck trailer brake(truck brake overheating issues...way better then finding out there is smoke/fire under my trailer while on the hwy.

Have a good one,

Andy

 

[SafetyGuy]

Just a quick 2nd note, you ran your truck/trailer over the scales...compare the individual axle weights to see if you have the 10% Min 15% max (12% perfect) load weight on your hitch...Hitch max rated for 400 lbs. You can then figure out if the tractor is good where it is, or needs to move slightly forward/backwards on trailer to achieve this.

Mark your trailer and you are all set to position the tractor correctly every time you move it.

I imagine you know this already, but many who read this might not!

Andy

 

[710-oil-614]

I would say its far too close for comfort regardless of 4200 or 4000. Your Maverick's brakes were not designed to bring 8k lbs to a stop.

 

[Cherokee]

I used to pull a 6,000 lbs trailer and cargo with a 4 cylinder ranger of the 1990’s no brakes. It was water well pipe 4” x 20’
It was safe. Below 45 mph on back roads. But no where else.
The load was low and 45 was the top speed with no traffic.
Yeah get brakes

 

[The Real Maverick]

You need trailer brakes at 2,000 pounds and above, not 4,000 pounds and above.

 

[heady]

I bought a Karavan 5x9 utility trailer from Tractor Supply last year, it's a 4,000+ lb. trailer design that is stamped 2,990lbs. from the factory to squeak in just under the technicial legal GVWR to sell it without brakes. I made one trip without brakes to bring the trailer home, and put 10" brakes on it the same day, the 3500lb axle came with flanges for the backing plates from the factory.

Vehicles generally stop their own GVWR well with the brakes, and that's about it. Plus, brakes are the only really sure way to stop a trailer ocillation before a rising amplitude sway condition ruins your day, or your life...

The only other thing I couldn't tell for sure is how you secured your tractor to the trailer, for heavy equipment I use DOT legal chains and binders, I always try to plan for not letting the equipment exit the front of my skull at high speed in a head on collision, ideally I like to chain so that the load should still be secure to the trailer if it were to be hanging upside down

 

[The Real Maverick]

Five states, CA, ID, NV, NH, and OR, require brakes for all trailers more than 1,500 lbs.

Kansas and Ohio set the requirement at 2,000 lbs.

DE, NC, and RI require brakes on trailers of 4,000 lbs. or greater, AK law says 5,000 lbs., while TX is 4,500 lbs. and MA is 10,000 lbs.

MA is dumb.

The rest use 3,000 lbs.

 

[Escapologist]

Some places might be different for recreational and commercial towing. Where commercial is anything for any form of business/payment and OSHA and DOT etc etc all get involved.

In my neck of the woods, it seems cheaper/less trouble to buy an axle with brakes already installed than upfit brakes.

 

[Jraoffroad]

Just replace that trailer. It appears to have issues beyond not just having brakes. Axle placement is wrong, axle spacing looks off, tires appear to be 13" or 14". It will cheaper to sell and replace than get it up to the task.

 

[Jraoffroad]

Five states, CA, ID, NV, NH, and OR, require brakes for all trailers more than 1,500 lbs.

Kansas and Ohio set the requirement at 2,000 lbs.

DE, NC, and RI require brakes on trailers of 4,000 lbs. or greater, AK law says 5,000 lbs., while TX is 4,500 lbs. and MA is 10,000 lbs.

MA is dumb.

The rest use 3,000 lbs.

Unfortunately, It's not even that simple. Just for the one I know, Ohio, is 2000 lbs empty. No reference for loaded weight. So a 1950lbs empty weight trailer with 2, 7k axles is legal at 14k without trailer brakes. The federal level is 3k or 40% of the tow vehicle weight.

People always seem to miss that Ford recommends trailer brakes for 1500 lbs or more loaded trailer. Page 264 of the manual.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Hmmmm..... ask any of the lawyers on this site..... it should be "current weight" of the trailer.

If it's 3,000 lbs. empty or 3,000 lbs fully loaded you should have trailer brakes.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Just replace that trailer. It appears to have issues beyond not just having brakes. Axle placement is wrong, axle spacing looks off, tires appear to be 13" or 14". It will cheaper to sell and replace than get it up to the task.

Nice truck and a pretty good fabrication job for a homemade trailer. Love the John Deer also!!!
I would agree you would be better off in the long run to replacing the trailer. First off due to the suing nature of our world these days in accidents, etc., get a reputable manufactured built trailer at least certified rated for your max weight your expect to be towing or a little more with the appropriate brakes. It should have all the appropriate certifications from the manufacture to cover what you are hauling. I think your currently in risky territory liability wise with your current trailer in the event of an accident, etc. The insurance companies and lawyers love find fault on someone else..... Do you have the 4K towing pkg with brake controller on your truck?

Sponsored