Here is a question for ya. I am about to buy a fix-er-up-er. As far as I know it does not have any trailer brakes. It is a 2h Straight load 2 axle bumper pull. Would it be worth it to have them installed if there are not any?
Also second question. Anyone heard of the trailer manufacture called "HM" I looked up the tittle thru my connections and that is who is listed as the manufacture but can not find them on the internet. The trailer was built in 1970. Any info would help.
Posted 2011-03-03 7:32 PM (#131112 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Lone Oak, Texas U.S.A.
Hi Ed, A lot depends on how bad you want brakes. I've got one like your looking at that does have them but not wired up. I used it for years without them. I don't get on the interstate at all with it because 2 horses can add some pushing weight to your vehicle.
Your second question, I would think either the manufacture has gone out of business or HM is for Home Made. If you click on the HOME up toward the top of the page and on that page go to the bottom to "1000's of trailer pictures for research" you will find picures of Home made type trailers.
Posted 2011-03-03 9:34 PM (#131118 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by edtai46 on 2011-03-03 7:21 PM
Here is a question for ya. I am about to buy a fix-er-up-er. As far as I know it does not have any trailer brakes. It is a 2h Straight load 2 axle bumper pull. Would it be worth it to have them installed if there are not any?
Also second question. Anyone heard of the trailer manufacture called "HM" I looked up the tittle thru my connections and that is who is listed as the manufacture but can not find them on the internet. The trailer was built in 1970. Any info would help.
Thanks.
Ed
Washington State Law...Every trailer having a gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds must be equipped with brakes on all wheels and capable of being applied from the towing vehicle. Any trailer whose gross weight is over 3,000 pounds must be equipped with a device which will automatically apply the brakes in case of a breakaway. Trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes if the weight of the trailer(s)exceeds 40 percent of the weight of the towing vehicle. Trailers manufactured and assembled prior to July 1,1965, having a gross weight less than 2,000 pounds need not be equipped with brakes.
Posted 2011-03-04 7:15 AM (#131124 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
There were a lot of manufacturers in 1970 that are no longer around. Only one that comes to mind around here that HM might fit could possibly be Hale Manufacturing. Just a guess though...
Posted 2011-03-04 7:55 AM (#131127 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
I had an old Cherokee very similar to the one you're describing. It was an extra tall, steel, 2H straight load tandem axle-weight 2200 lbs empty. I ordered new brake drum assemblies and a breakaway kit off of etrailer.com and installed and wired them in an afternoon. That being said, when I pulled it without the brakes, I was very careful and didn't have any issues--but "you never know".
At the time, I was pulling it with a 1986 Dodge D150. Yikes. If it weren't for the brakes on the trailer, I would've never gotten it stopped a few times..I had to replace the brakes on that truck more time than once...new rotors, pads AND calipers after it was all said and done.
So..brakes? for me, a resounding yes. If you drive a HD truck of whatever brand, you may be able to get away with it, but I wouldn't chance it.
Posted 2011-03-04 11:42 AM (#131146 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Member
Posts: 8
Location: lakewood, Wa
I probably should have added in there that I will be pulling the trailer with a 2006 dodge 2500 with a 5.7 hemi 4WD SLT.
Have done a little bit of looking on line and have found a couple of refurb kits. Would you suggest a disk or drum kit to put on? I know htere is a big cost difference. The trailer is not going to be my main trailer, but will get used enough where there will be some long trips and have to drive over a mountain pass possibly. I am just looking at the worst case and planning for it. Just want to be safe.
Posted 2011-03-04 12:33 PM (#131148 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
Drum kits are much cheaper than discs. For this size trailer, the drums will be plenty sufficient. There is a lot of additional parts and cost that goes into hydraulic kits.
I would replace the whole drum assembly. It comes off or goes on with just 4 bolts and is much easier than refurbishing old brakes--the minimal cost difference is well worth the convenience.
Posted 2011-03-04 12:38 PM (#131149 - in reply to #131111) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
Stinkin 3 minute edit rule...
On edit: I think it is more beneficial to have the brakes on the rear axle of a smaller trailer such as this as opposed to the front. These trailers tend to travel slightly "nose up" which can cause the brakes on the front axle of the trailer to lock up much more easily.
Trailer Brakes
