So I’m looking at getting a small 5x10 or 6x12 utility trailer for hauling miscellaneous items that won’t fit in the truck bed. Of the trailers I’ve been looking at, they’re all GVWR under 2,900 pounds, which means I won’t need license plates and they don’t come with brakes.

My question is pertaining to brakes. Since I know I’ll rarely, if ever, even come close to 2,000 pounds of stuff on the trailer, is it really necessary to find a small trailer like that with brakes, or should I be fine without them? I live up North so there’s no such thing as mountains here to worry about, and maybe the furthest I’d go with it is maybe 150 miles away.

What are your thoughts about it?

 

You wont need brakes, 3,000 pounds is nothing for the trucks brakes to be able to handle. Single axle trailers typically don't come with brakes anyways so unless you find a trailer that someone has added them to you will be hard pressed to find a trailer that size with brakes. I pull a 6.5' x12' utility trailer and a 6' x12' enclosed trailer, both with a 3500# GVRW and they both pull like a dream.

 

The brakes on the truck will handle that. I've towed boats for 20+ yrs that never had brakes on those trailers and various small utility trailers that were not equipped with brakes. Just load the trailer correctly, use tie downs, etc., and drive in a sensible manner. I currently tow a single axle boat/trailer combo that weighs around 3000 or more, no brakes on the boat trailer, no issues.

 

I have a 6×8 utility trailer I've been towing with Hondas for almost 20 years. I rarely use my truck bed for hauling or use the truck for towing anything besides my RV.

I've towed a refrigerator, stove,, dishwasher all in trip,, and even a 7 piece bedroom set in one trip. Hauled away cut up trees, 16 bags of concrete, fencing, 20 bags of mulch.

I always upgrade my vehicles rotors and pads, so stopping has never been an issue...never needed a truck until I got a trailer.

 

You won't need brakes,

 

The requirement for brakes depends on the state. https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/

The requirement to register a trailer also varies by state. Homemade trailers may not have to be registered in Wisconsin, but a purchased trailer seems to require it. https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/v...istration.aspx

Make sure your auto insurance doesn't require you to do something that the state doesn't.

 

Always check the regs for your state, as there are so damn many variation. Most states require trailer brakes with the GVW exceeds 3000lb, but, well, here's a taste:

Brakes required for:
NEW trailers with a GVW over 1500lb
CAMP trailers with a GVW over 1500lb
GVW exceeds 40% of TV weight (looking at you, motorcycle trailer owners!)
Trailers with an UNLADEN weight of 1500lb
Combination vehicles cannot stop within 40ft at 20mph on a level, dry surface
Combination vehicles cannot stop within a distance specified for the type of tow vehicle
Trailers built after a specified year
One axle
Two axles
TAll axles
PARKING brakes for all trailers
GVW exceeds 10,000lb
GVW over one ton, when operated upon a highway
5th wheel or king pin trailers, all other when GVW exceeds 3000lb and transporting hazardous materials
GVW exceeds 1500lb built after 1975
Breakaway brakes for all trailers
Attached via draw bar and GVW 4000lb+, or HOUSE trailer GVW 1000lb+ (travel trailer? mobile home? Who the hell has ever made one with a GVW of 1000lb?)
Operated at speeds above 25mph
Empty weight above 3000lb
GVW exceeds 4500lb, but not if towed at 30mph or less

 

Thanks everyone! I kinda figured the consensus was brakes weren’t necessary.

I’ve checked the local ordinances where I would be towing it, and they were all the same..... none required under 3,000 pounds.

BTW, I drive a semi locally for a living so I’m well versed in towing and DOT laws

 

Those trailers will actually hold a lot more than 2900 lbs My empty trailer is 900, with 2000 lbs payload. For short distances I've had a lot more than 2000 lbs on it. . The 2900 lb rating is to avoid needing brakes. Unless I'm mistaken there are only 1 or 2 states that require brakes below 3000 lbs so you're fine in most places. But I'd check in case you're in one of those states.

This is between 2500-3000 lbs and my truck pulls, and stops it with ease.

 

I have nothing to add about brakes. However if money isn't an object, buy the bigger trailer.