Anyone with a Trailer? Need to ask a few questions
#1
Anyone with a Trailer? Need to ask a few questions
This is for Ontario
Just wondering what costs are involved. I know obviously the trailer, trailer hitch and wiring.
I'm pretty sure there is a licensing fee as well. What about registration? Insurance? or any other fees like that?
Just wondering what costs are involved. I know obviously the trailer, trailer hitch and wiring.
I'm pretty sure there is a licensing fee as well. What about registration? Insurance? or any other fees like that?
#2
What size trailer are you looking at?
For small ones (under 500lbs iirc), it's pretty easy - one time license fee (good for the life of the trailer) and you're off. You can even license 'home built' rigs w/o any trouble.
I haven't dealt with bigger ones, but suspect it gets more complicated/expensive.
There's a bit more info here: MTO FAQ: Vehicles
Cheers,
--
Terry McG
For small ones (under 500lbs iirc), it's pretty easy - one time license fee (good for the life of the trailer) and you're off. You can even license 'home built' rigs w/o any trouble.
I haven't dealt with bigger ones, but suspect it gets more complicated/expensive.
There's a bit more info here: MTO FAQ: Vehicles
Cheers,
--
Terry McG
#9
If you have a "auto" trailer, you need either electric brakes, or surge brakes.
Electric brakes are activated by a controller mounted in your cab.
A 7 way connector is used from the truck to the trailer.
Left/right turn
brake
reverse
electric brake
ground
accessory
When you apply your truck brakes, the controller activates the electric brakes on the trailer and a sensor in the controller applys the voltage to your trailer brakes. The controller also has a manuel switch on it so you can apply the brakes on the trailer only if you need (very helpful in a jack knife situation) The reverse is hooked into your reverse lights and de activates your trailer brakes and allows you to back up.
Recommended is a break-away unit. It attaches to your trailer and has a battery in it with a cable attached to your truck when you hook up.
If your trailer comes loose from your truck and breaks away, the break-away applies power to your electric brakes and the trailer will slow down and stop, preventing a run away trailer.
Electric brakes are better and wear less, but may cost more.
Surge brakes have a surge coupler on the trailer at the toungue. There is a piston inside the coupler and when you apply the brakes on your truck, the forward momentum, the ball pushes on the piston and the brakes are applied. Much like your truck brakes, there are lines running from the coupler to the brakes.
Lights are standard 4 way connection, left/right turn, brake and ground.
There is no break away unit available, and when you try and back up, the trailer can buck a bit cause the brakes may still be on a bit.
So, surge brakes: no extra cost, but less effective.
Electric brakes: 7 way connector, controller, install, but better.
You'll have to get a safty every year on the trailer and the truck.
One time registration for the trailer.
Just some info.
Electric brakes are activated by a controller mounted in your cab.
A 7 way connector is used from the truck to the trailer.
Left/right turn
brake
reverse
electric brake
ground
accessory
When you apply your truck brakes, the controller activates the electric brakes on the trailer and a sensor in the controller applys the voltage to your trailer brakes. The controller also has a manuel switch on it so you can apply the brakes on the trailer only if you need (very helpful in a jack knife situation) The reverse is hooked into your reverse lights and de activates your trailer brakes and allows you to back up.
Recommended is a break-away unit. It attaches to your trailer and has a battery in it with a cable attached to your truck when you hook up.
If your trailer comes loose from your truck and breaks away, the break-away applies power to your electric brakes and the trailer will slow down and stop, preventing a run away trailer.
Electric brakes are better and wear less, but may cost more.
Surge brakes have a surge coupler on the trailer at the toungue. There is a piston inside the coupler and when you apply the brakes on your truck, the forward momentum, the ball pushes on the piston and the brakes are applied. Much like your truck brakes, there are lines running from the coupler to the brakes.
Lights are standard 4 way connection, left/right turn, brake and ground.
There is no break away unit available, and when you try and back up, the trailer can buck a bit cause the brakes may still be on a bit.
So, surge brakes: no extra cost, but less effective.
Electric brakes: 7 way connector, controller, install, but better.
You'll have to get a safty every year on the trailer and the truck.
One time registration for the trailer.
Just some info.