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brenstrum
By brenstrum | AA Member | 3 Posts | 25 June 2012 at 3:43pm

Hi. Please explain the legal braking requirements on a light trailer that has 3 axles. How many of the axles must legally be braked? Thank you.

ABayliss
By ABayliss | AA Expert | 2169 Posts | 25 June 2012 at 4:15pm

A trailer over 2,500kg is required to have brakes on at least one axle, but is also required to be fitted with a break-away brake, so that in the event te trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle, braking is automatically applied.
Like all vehicles, the real test is that it must stop from 30km/h within 7 metres.

brenstrum
By brenstrum | AA Member | 3 Posts | 25 June 2012 at 4:32pm

Thank you for your prompt reply. We may need to go to a heavy trailer, but this is a new project and hoping we will be under 3500kg. Can you help us with the braking requirements on a tri axle heavy trailer please? How many axles would require brakes and what type of brakes? It would be >3500 to 10000kg. Thank you.

ABayliss
By ABayliss | AA Expert | 2169 Posts | 25 June 2012 at 4:57pm

This is outside of our juristiction or area of expertise, as we only deal with light vehicles. For a trailer over 3,500kg you need the guidance of a Heavy Vehicle Certifier.

brenstrum
By brenstrum | AA Member | 3 Posts | 25 June 2012 at 5:03pm

Thank you. Much appreciated.