The Weight Requirement for Boat Trailer Brakes

Brakes on boat trailers are sometimes mandated and always a good idea.

When towing a boat trailer not equipped with trailer brakes, the brakes of the tow vehicle have to stop both the vehicle and the trailer. The additional weight and momentum of the trailer and boat affect stopping ability and stopping distance and will cause additional wear and tear on the tow vehicle's brake system. Most states have legal requirements regarding brakes on boat trailers.

Laws Vary

There is no national standard or nationwide law regarding brake laws for trailers. A few states have no requirements. Some states specify trailers over a certain empty weight or over certain gross vehicle weight rating be equipped with brakes. Some states specify stopping distance requirements, regardless of weight; others require all trailers be brake-equipped.

Out-of-State Travel

Be aware of requirements for trailer brakes in other states if you are hauling your boat and trailer to or through them. Some states require you match their standards, while other states will give you a pass as long as the requirements for the state in which your trailer is licensed are met.

Misconceptions

Just because the boat and trailer you own are under your state's legal requirement doesn't mean having brakes wouldn't be a good idea. The heavier the trailer and the lighter the tow vehicle, the greater the importance of having trailer brakes. A light trailer with a single personal watercraft or light john boat would not legally require brakes in many states; however, towing such a rig with a sub-compact car could be dangerous without trailer brakes.

References

• Road King Trailers: State by State Brake Laws

Resources

• AA1 Car.com: Trailer Brakes