If not they really ought to be. Sure looks like there is a majority of states now that require it.
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If not they really ought to be. Sure looks like there is a majority of states now that require it.
Wouldn't surge brakes be considered automatic?? You don't have to do anything but stop the tow vehicle and they automatically engage (assuming no lockout pin). Though I guess if the trailer completely broke away from the tow vehicle then they wouldn't engage.....hmmmmm
I think trailer manufacturers and owners have been side skirting this requirement in many states for some time. I'm certain Iowa's law is written similarly in that surge brakes really don't meet highway use requirements.
Bow and transom tie down requirements exist as well, yet you don't see those standard even on new purchases.
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As I understand it Hydraulic, and Electric brakes controlled by the in truck controller are considered Automatic, as in you do nothing during normal braking to make them activate.
Your Hydraulic has an emergency system, or it should. Mine has a secondary cable with a hook that if the trailer comes off the truck this cable pulls the brakes on 100%
On Electric brake trailers, they are required to have an on board battery back up system so if the trailer comes disconnected it also applies the brakes. Most of the time the actually house battery is that emergency battery.
When I was hauling RVs, and Boats a couple winters ago I had to carry my own battery to install on the trailer to run the emergency brakes.
Well Damn.
As of this morning according to WA State Trooper Esquivel, no exceptions or exemptions. If the trailer is over 3,000lbs then brakes on all wheels.
Jerry at BoatMate may be hooking me up with a better solution though. He said they've been doing brakes on all axles for several years now as more states have been adopting this same law. Where it's not mandated, some dealers may have opted to lower costs by only having brakes on one axle.
Here we go....
Bummer.......I'm guessing this is not a "mod" you had on the list for this off-season -- I hope everything works out for you.
Reminds me of a time when my wife had to use a credit card to pay for a speeding ticket in another state and she was pissed that she didn't even have a shopping bag to show for the money she spent!! :)
can you not just add brakes to the 2nd axle, no need to redo everything else, bet the axles have the bolt holes already, couple new rotor, calipers and a couple brake lines and should be good and legal