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| Trailer Brakes in British Columbia
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May 31, 2002
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Confused about the regulations on trailer brakes? Wade Griffith wrote in for help, and we've found an expert to help answer his questions.
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I have heard bits and pieces of information about new rules on trailer brakes in Canada. From what I've heard, surge activated hydraulic brakes are no longer allowed. Instead, they must use electrically activated hydraulics?
Is this true? Do you have any details? This may make the difference between launching at Blaine and launching at Port Alberni for a trip to Barkley Sound in September.
Many thanks,
Wade Griffith
MV Sanctuary
Spokane, WA
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Response
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A couple phone calls led us to Brian Pettit of Barrett Marketing Group, in Langley, B.C. They are the exclusive assembler and distributor for EZ Loader trailers in B.C. Brian said they are assembling and shipping surge brake trailers every day, but that electric brakes are required for packages with a gross weight of 2800 kg (6,173 lbs.) and up. Here are the more specific regulations:
- All trailers must have brakes on all wheels when G.V.W (Trailer & Load) exceed 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs). All trailers with brakes must have a break-away device hooked to the trailer brake system
- Surge brakes may be used up to a towed vehicle gross vehicle weight (G.V.W.) of 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) From 2,800 kg and up, the towed vehicle brakes must be able to be applied by the driver of the tow vehicle
- Only one trailer may be towed at a time
- All vehicles being towed via a ball hitch must have safety chain(s) or cable(s)
- All vehicles being towed must have lights connected to the tow vehicle
- Maximum overall width for recreational vehicles is 2.6 metres (8 feet, 6 inches)
- Maximum length for a towed recreational vehicle is 12.5 metres (41 feet)
- Maximum overall length for a combination is 20 metres (65 feet, 6 inches)
Brian said that these regulations had been in place for several years, but have been actively enforced for only the past couple years.
--Bob Hale
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