daniel mason
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| posted on 20/2/12 at 10:36 PM |
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how do i convert my unbraked trailer to braked?
can someone explain to me how i can convert my unbraked trailer to braked as i will now be over the 750kg limit with the cec mnr!
am not even sure how trailer brakes work as this is my first trailer so if someone could enlighten me id be greatful. do i need to brake both axles or
just 1? and can i add brakes to one of the existing axles or do i have to buy a full braked axle?
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mark chandler
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| posted on 20/2/12 at 11:01 PM |
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You need to brake both axles so will need to purchase braked drums, bowden cables and braked hitch, which will set you back around £400 in total.
You may be able to get what you need from an old caravan, it may prove cheaper and a lot easier to sell and buy a braked trailer.
I got my stuff from here, very fast turnaround and well wrapped.
Regards Mark
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owelly
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| posted on 20/2/12 at 11:05 PM |
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Post up piccies of what you have. You have a twin axle trailer now, that isn't braked?
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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daniel mason
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| posted on 20/2/12 at 11:29 PM |
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Yeah. I've put a pic in the new Mnr f20c folder in my archive
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owelly
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| posted on 20/2/12 at 11:35 PM |
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It looks like you have Mini wheels so check to see if you have brake backplates fitted. You also look to have a braked tow hitch so chances are the
trailer was braked at one point.
Strictly speaking, you can't use car brakes, you have to use trailer specific auto-reversing brakes but as your trailer was built before those
regs came in, you should be ok.
Picces of backplates.....and drums please!
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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mark chandler
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 09:35 AM |
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Hitch has a handbrake & reverse ratchet, I imagine someone used it with the handbrake on and then discarded the brake rods 
Still cheap fix if thats the case 
I have yet to have any trailer brakes that I cannot free the adjusters off and lube, so may just be some rods, pivots and a few hours TLC required.
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Peteff
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 01:32 PM |
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The trailer looks front heavy for a twin axle, the back axle seems to be a long way back and not contributing a lot. Did you just cut the back end off
a longer trailer ?
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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daniel mason
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 03:31 PM |
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There is a few pics In the Mnr section with the car loaded on it. Have a look and see what you think.!is it possibly dangerous? Cheers
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owelly
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 04:19 PM |
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Just check the nose weight. Use bathroom scales. As long as you have around 60-75kg (unless your tow vehicle spec says otherwise) you'll be
fine. Probably.
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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Bluemoon
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 07:08 PM |
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Take note of the probably! I would check one axle can take the whole weight of car and trailer (this include the tires load rating) in addtion to
makeing sure the nose weight is correct as above.
I guess when towning you will find out how stable it is; caution needed. Make sure the shock absorber on the telescoping hitch works and has some
resitance (i.e. it's not working as a spring!)..
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daniel mason
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 07:16 PM |
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ive been towing it for ages and it tows perfcetly well even in the wet but i was unaware of the 750kgs braked rule. trailer had a bec striker on it
previously so a fair bit lighter than my mnr
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owelly
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 09:32 PM |
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Those early hitches don't have dampers, just a big spring.
I would question if that trailer was anywhere near light enough to carry any car, and still be under 750kg.
Five wheels~40kg
Four indespension units~50kg
Steel for A-frame/hitch~50kg
Steel for body~150kg
Obviously those are guestimates but it is very easy to have a trailer up to 300kg without realising it!
Try weighing the trailer, empty, on your bathroom scales (if you can get the trailer up the stairs). Take a measurement at the jockey wheel and then
one from each side under a wheel. Add them up for a rough guide.
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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daniel mason
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| posted on 21/2/12 at 09:42 PM |
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i would say its less than 300kg but not by much. i can easily lift the rear on my own. and id imagine the striker which was on it was well under
450kg but with my mnr its defo over.
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