Braked axle question

[Courageous]

Guys, I was just wondering whether, on a two axle setup, the law requires that both axles are braked or can just one set have brakes? I ask this as I have bought a trailer which I plan to mod and just wondered whether there would be an option to make it braked without replacing the existing axle set?

[Dirk Diggler]

All axles have to be braked

[Trailer Guy]

Yup, Dirk's correct.

[Courageous]

Oh well, errm I suppose braking is still a good option as it does increase the allowable load doesn't it? At the moment the axle fitted is 1200kg but I guess from what I've read here that over 750kg is wasted without the brakes (for road use). Thanx for your replies guys.

[Trailer Guy]

Correct - anything over 750kg GVW / MAM has to be braked by law.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Courageous

Oh well, errm I suppose braking is still a good option as it does increase the allowable load doesn't it?

Not if the trailer only has a MAM of 750kg. Fitting a more capable axle won't increase the allowable load of the trailer.

[Trailer Guy]

If they're both 1200kg it should give a GVW / MAM of 2600kg.

[Courageous]

Dai, I haven't seen the trailer yet but believe it has a MAM at the moment of 1200kg on the one axle. TG - I guess you are talking about both axles? I probably won't go to the second one now you've told me they both need to be braked but wot I may well do is change the existing 1200 for a braked one and then get more value (payload wise) for the trailer as my DR750 is something like 800kg anyway. In any case how does 2 x 1200 make 2600 I wonder? Is that a typo or is there some other science at work here?

[Trailer Guy]

ha ha ha!

nope, typo! I may be fik, but i can likt 'eavy fings!

[Boats&Outboards]

Can i interrupt this maths lesson for another topic ?

I'm putting it on here so as not to take any attention away from your sticky (fantastic by the way, well done).

With regards to the B+E licence. All the documents seem to suggest if you've passed your test after 1997 and want to tow over 750 kgs you have to take the test.

My understanding is that if you've passed your test after 1997 your permitted to tow upto 3500 kgs total to include your tow car. So in theory if your car is 2000 kgs you can tow up 1500 kgs provided both the trailer is legal (ie braked) and th car is rated to pull such weight.

I checked with a local company who offers the b+e test on their website and thats what they confirm too

Here's the link

http://www.catseyesdrivingschool.co.uk/tow.htm

Which is correct ? It matters not to me but im sure some ribnetters may think they need to take the test when it may be they don't.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007