"Don White" wrote in message
...
In this area, a trailer up to 2000 is not required to have brakes.
I see Chrysler is recommending trailer breaks if the load exceeds 1000
pounds.
The sailboat I will be purchasing this spring will weigh 1200 + 300 or so
for the trailer + another 100 for motor/fuel
etc. That will be slightly over the 75% of max trailer towing capacity
for
my mini-van... so I'm wondering if I should add brakes to a new galvanized
trailer.
I'm assuming surge type, stainless steel disc brakes are the way to go.



Your trailer, unless aluminum is going to be closer to 600#. My tandem axle
EZ-loader scales 1100#. Get brakes! You always have people cutting in
front of you and slowing down. You gve yourself extra stopping distance and
other drivers see it as a good place to cut in and then they slow down.
Disk brakes are the type you want. I changed from drum's 2 years ago, and
the trailer still stops like new and the brakes look like new. Easy if in
salt to take the hose and wash the whole assembly with fresh water when
done.
Bill