Trailer Brakes on Rental Car Hauler Trailer

Question:

U Haul car hauler trailers only have emergency brakes in case the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. Why are they not required to have either surge brakes or some other tow vehicle controlled brakes?

asked by: Ray J

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to U-Haul they have automatic hydraulic brakes on their car hauler trailers. I checked out their website and watched a few videos and they do have an integrated surge brake coupler. The emergency brake connector lever and cable you mentioned is a required safeguard breakaway system for surge brake actuators. I've attached an article on hydraulic trailer brakes to assist with the components for braking found on the car hauler.

In most states trailers carrying over 3,000 lbs are required to have brakes, so car haulers would require brakes in most states to be legal. The surge brake actuator makes it easy for most vehicles to be able to tow this trailer as long as it meets the minimum towing requirements and has a 4-way trailer connector (no 7-way necessary that electric brakes require) and a 2 inch hitch ball like # 63845.

expert reply by: Jason S