Help With Brakes/Axles

[hereinnv]

First off, I've been a long time lurker here on the forums. I've been contemplating a trailer build for about 2 years and have finally pulled the trigger on a modified Grasshopper design. It is a 10 year anniversary present for my wife and I and we will be using it for our anniversary trip later this year.

Anyway, I bought the 5x8 trailer from Northern Tool. Assembled it this weekend and was checking Nevada's DMV website to figure out where to take it for inspection and registration. Looking through the trailer section of the website revealed a big problem. In the state of NV (and 3 other goofy states), any trailer with a GVWR of >1500 lbs. must have supplemental brakes on it. The certificate of origin that came with the trailer has a GVWR of 1980 lbs. So now I have to figure out what to do and so it quickly so I can get the build underway. I want to have the thing inspected and registered before I start hacking at the frame, etc. so there's less of a headache. So I need a solution ASAP so I can order parts, pray that nothing is back ordered, wait for delivery, and then install. Everyone here is well familiar with little problems like this snowballing into major delays in their builds!

So, is it possible to order an electric brake kit and fit it to the axle that came with the trailer, or do I have to order a new axle with brakes installed.? I'd hate to waste a perfectly good axle and hubs if it all possible. I've seen people posting about a Dexter #9 here and there. If I am forced to have to order a Dexter #9 with brakes, can I use the leaf springs that came with the kit? Will I need a brake controller as well? It's going to be pulled by a 2007 Jeep Liberty with the towing option from the factory (class III hitch, 7 wire plug, 5000 lbs. capacity, etc.)

I just seems a bit crazy that I've gotta go through all of this when the trailer is going to weigh ~1000 lbs and is going to be pulled by a vehicle well beyond the minimum spec to pull something of that weight. Gotta love the gov't!

TIA,
Brian in Vegas

[Joanne]

Hi Brian,

Another Vegasite here! With a modified Grasshopper style trailer to boot!

My advice would be to take your paperwork (certificate of origin) down to DMV and see if they will register it. Don't mention the brakes though! I have a friend with a 5 x 10 motorcycle hauling trailer and he didin't have any problems with getting it registered.

My trailer was a boat trailer that I converted, so it already had the license plate on it. I am concerned that if I take it back down to have the plate exchanged that they will make me have it weighed.

Like I said, I'd just "go for it".

Joanne

[Dale M.]

First rule with dealing with DMV office is NEVER volunteer any information, it only confuses the drones and end up making you work more to get registration done ...

Just go to DMV play dumb and try to license it....

Also if axle has flanges on it just behind seal area, it will probably accept brakes... There are brake kits to fit most "standard" flanges manufacturers put on axles.... Discount trailer parts place on I-net give you many choices or options if you have to go with brakes...

Dale

[hereinnv]

Thanks for the replies. My main concern is the blatant "1980 lbs. GVWR" on the certificate of origin. I don't think that playing dumb will cut the mustard when the single doc I have screams the fact that the trailer has the "potential to exceed the 1500 limit."

The axle does not have flanges on it for installing brakes so if I tried to use it, I would have to weld on the flanges. Comparing the costs of installing electric brakes on the existing axle versus buying a new axle with brakes installed and selling the original axle with hubs, it seems to be a wash.

Brian

[Nitetimes]

Thanks for the replies. My main concern is the blatant "1980 lbs. GVWR" on the certificate of origin. I don't think that playing dumb will cut the mustard when the single doc I have screams the fact that the trailer has the "potential to exceed the 1500 limit."

Brian

You might be surprized. Seems the general consensus around here is most DMV's don't install the brightest bulbs in the box. So it might be worth your while to try it. If they say anything you play dumb...hmmm, didn't know that, guess I'll have to change it.