Sorting Out The Basics Of Your Boat Trailer Brakes - Your Knowledge Base!

By Author: James Spencer
Total Articles: 91
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Regardless of whether you are towing your trailer to a shallow river for fishing or a cruiser to deeper water for quality family time, the big question is - How To Know Whether Your Trailer Boat Is Functioning Properly?
 
In regards to the minimum requirements for your trailer brakes; there are some norms which you need to follow. As per the National towing regulations states, the GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) is the mass imposed on the trailer axle when they are completely loaded and affixed to the tow vehicle.

For you, it means that when you are checking your trailer brake; you need to keep in mind the combined weight of the trailer, and all the gears that associate with the trailer boat. Some of them include anchor, bait tank, safety gear, eskies, and spare clothes.
 
Here's a Look at Some Basic Things That Apply for Trailer Boat Brakes
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i. If you tow a trailer weighing 750kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) or less, and that happens to be the only weight on the trailer wheels; then you may not require trailer brakes. However, if the trailer boat comes of a combined weight of over 750kg (or more), then you will require hydraulic brakes.
 
ii. If the weight combined adds up to over 2,000kgs, then you will require brakes on the wheels of one axle. You can choose between override hydraulic brakes or opt for mechanical brakes. As per the norms; override brakes can only be employed for trailers that don't surpass the 2 tonnes GTM.
 
iii. If you notice the overall mass going over 2,000kg, then you could need quality trailer brakes on all 4-wheels of the trailer. And all of them needs to be controlled from inside the tow vehicle.
 
iv. Moreover, if you find your trailer weighs over 2,000 GTM, then you also need to add a quality breakaway system. This is to prevent the trailer from being disconnected from the tow vehicle during transit. In such situations; such special brakes should be applied for a minimum of 15 minutes, at the most!

Extra Tips to Care for Your Boat Trailer Brakes
 
Most trailer brakes have to function in harsh weather conditions. They are constantly exposed to corrosion from the harsh seawater. What you can do is wash it properly and thoroughly after each trip. With that; inspect them prior to use, and get them professionally serviced whenever the need arises.
 
Check for systems which have been designed particularly for marine usage, like for example, mechanical callipers and hot-dip galvanised disc rotors. If you use hydraulic calipers, then look to opt for those which come with stainless steel or any quality protective coating.
 
Final Thoughts
 
Keep these crucial aspects of boat trailer brakes in mind. Also, remember that regardless of whether you require brakes or not (as per the regulations), you should also consider the safety of your boat.
 
There always lies the risk of your load tipping pass the accepted weight and resulting in a dire accident. But investing in best-in-class trailer brakes will help you prevent such accidents 8 times out of 10.
 
So, without further delay, find a notable supplier of trailer accessories in the region and sort out the right option as per your needs.