Brakes are a very important component of your trailer so ensuring you have the right system is essential. The type of system you need will depend on the type of trailer you have and the weight of the trailer and load.

The type of system you need will depend on the type of trailer you have and the weight of the trailer and load.

Do I need brakes?

In most cases, if you are towing more than 750kg, you will legally require brakes for your trailer. Each state and territory has different laws so make sure you check the regulations with your State’s Road Authority. You should consider brakes on your trailer anyway if you regularly tow large or heavy items.

Types of brakes

The four types of brakes are air, disc, drum and vacuum. Cars are generally fitted with disc brakes and disk and drum brakes are the most common on trailers that are used to tow less than 2000kg. All brake types can be electric or hydraulic and if you tow more than 2000kg you will need electric or hydraulic brakes on each axle of your trailer.

Whether or not your trailer legally requires brakes you should always put the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users first when making decisions on the installation or maintenance of brakes.