Brakes for 13ft.

[jwykes]

Do most people have them? (I'm still shopping for a tow vehicle and I'm discovering that I'm further limited by the fact that our 1200 lb. Boler doesn't have trailer brakes. I'm wondering if this is the norm or if most people have retrofitted a braking system.) Thanks!

[Kenny Strong]

read similar threads at the bottom of this page. Some trailers come with them others without. My 93 Bigfoot has them and I like the way they work. My sisters Bolar does not have them, and they find it travels just fine.

Later Kenny

[Thomas G.]

I can't answer the how many question, but if your Boler has the brake attaching flanges, it is relatively easy to add brakes.

Look for a square flange behind the wheel like the one in this picture:

EZ Lube Spindle 1.75" RD x 3" STUB Redline Trailer Spindles R20384EZ

Also a search here will show many threads discussing the necessity of brakes on a 13" trailer.

[paulw]

Hi Jenn,
Brakes are always a good idea and as you point out often required with the more fuel efficient towing combinations.
Even when they are not required they help handling & save wear on the tow vehicle's brakes.

[DannyH]

When I restored my Scamp I added brakes. The TV information said it required trailer brakes for anything over 1500#, so I put them on. I like them when heading down a long hill.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by jwykes

I'm discovering that I'm further limited by the fact that our 1200 lb. Boler doesn't have trailer brakes.

For older 13' trailers, going brakeless was the norm at the time they were built. Today many of us want them on even small trailers.