Trailer Brake Regulations

[gn83tm]

Thought I saw a post on here somewhere with some info and links on what the trailer brake regs are for all the states but can't find it now. Does anyone know what the regs for SD, ND, and MN are as far as having brakes on a boat trailer?

Thanks

[MuleShack]

Quote:

A trailer with a gross weight of 3000 lbs, GVW or more, or a gross weight that exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle, must be equipped with brakes that can adequately control the movement of and stop and hold the trailer.

this is the MN statute.

Quote:

Required on all trailers.

SD requirement

Quote:

Every trailer must be equipped with adequate brakes.

ND requirement

[gn83tm]

If that's the case maybe I better take a different route up to Battle Lake this weekend. Was planning on going up I-29 from the Omaha area, through SD, and then over on 210 at Wahpeton ND. Will the "authorities" bother you much if you're just pulling a smaller aluminum boat? Seems like a silly law that you can't even pull your lawn mower on a 4x5' trailer behind your Kenworth without having trailer brakes.

[riverrat56]

I find that to be an odd law as well, I don't ever recall seeing a 14 ft boat trailer with brakes....

[curt quesnell]

I think the 3000 pound gvw will get you into a bigger boat.

Your 16 footers wont need them. Call your marine dealer

or anyplace that sells trailers, they will know.

Good luck

[Black_Bay]

I assume if you're legal in your state of residence then you are OK to travel in other states.

[cold one sd]

South Dakota 81.5' Brake hookup required. Required over 3,000 lbs. Must not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle.

[Payday]

That'd make sense but, it could be a dangerous and/or expensive assumption.

Not sure how hard they look at the brake law but, they will give you a hefty ticket for violating the tandem law. In SD it's legal to tow tandem with bumper hitch whereas in MN the first towed trailer must be a 5'er (gooseneck).

[bd477]

I assume if you're legal in your state of residence then you are OK to travel in other states.

You are correct.

If your trailer is legal in the state it is registared in, the other states cannot fine you or force you to do anything else to your trailer.

[davesfriend]

I bought a 1750 sportfish from South Dakota. Loaded with all the goodies (kicker,125 2-stroke) Plenty heavy. There has never been any brakes on the trailer. It sits on a single axel EZ-Loader trailer.

[cold one sd]

I think the 3,000 lb regulations are for pulling a trailer behind a camper or other trailer and then only break away brakes are necessary. I have surge brakes on my boat trailer for my own reasons. I think it would be stupid for me to pull my boat behind my fifth wheel without brakes. I need all the stopping power I can get in case of an emergency.