Trailer brakes
There are three types of brakes:
1. Service brakes
- Direct – this service brake system allows the driver of the towing vehicle to directly and progressively regulate the trailer brake effort from the driving position. This includes vacuum-operated brakes and pneumatic over hydraulic systems, controlled directly by the driver of the towing vehicle.
- Indirect – with this service brake system the action of the driver applying the towing vehicle’s brakes causes the trailer to push against the towing vehicle and this force indirectly controls the trailer brakes. This includes override brakes.
2. Breakaway brakes
- These brakes will apply themselves automatically if the trailer is accidentally disconnected from the vehicle.
3. Parking brakes
- These brakes are applied by hand and are useful for holding the trailer when it has been disconnected from the towing vehicle.
Light trailers may be required to have service brakes, parking brakes, breakaway brakes or safety chains depending on the gross laden weight of the trailer. The table below outlines the requirements for the types of brake that must be fi tted to light trailers.
Requirements for service brakes, parking brakes, breakaway brakes and safety chains on light trailers:
| Gross laden weight of trailer of 2000 kg or less | Gross laden weight of trailer of more than 2000 kg but less than 2500 kg | Gross laden weight of trailer 2500 kg and up to 3500 kg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brake | Not required, but if fitted see Performance requirements for brakes on light trailers | Required: May be either direct or indirect (see definitions on Trailer brakes) | Required: Must be direct (see definitions on Trailer brakes) |
| Parking brake | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Breakaway brake | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Safety chains* | Required: Unless fitted with a breakaway brake
The safety chain must be of sufficient strength to hold the trailer secure under all conditions of road use. |
Required: Unless fitted with a breakaway brake.
The coupling must have a manufacturer’s rating appropriate for the gross laden weight of the trailer and there must be twin safety chains that cross each other when connected. |
Not required |
Information taken from https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-towing/#trailer