When it comes to brakes on a boat trailer there are 2 main types: Override and Electric / Hydraulic.

Boat trailers with a GVM under 750kg do not require a braking system to be fitted to the trailer. Once a boat trailer has a GVM of 751kg and above, the trailer MUST have brakes fitted.

OVERRIDE BRAKES (MECHANICAL OVERRIDE OR HYDRAULIC OVERRIDE) – GVM 751Kg TO 1999Kg

Override brakes refer to an over-ride system mounted on your trailer coupling. This can be either a brake cable and adjuster mounted to a hand brake leaver on the draw bar and attached to mechanical callipers mounted to your axle, or a Hydraulic cylinder mounted on top of your coupling, running hydraulic brake lines to hydraulic callipers mounted to your axle.

Override brakes work off inertia. This means that when you apply the brakes to your tow vehicle, the force of the boat and trailer push forward on the override coupling pushing the brake leaver and applying pressure to the brake callipers.

ELECTRIC / HYDRAULIC BRAKES – GVM 2000Kg TO 4500Kg

This braking system relies on an electric feed from a brake control unit, usually fitted in the tow vehicle, to send a signal to the actuator fitted on the trailer and wired up through the trailer plug.

The actuator on the trailer is powered by a 12v power source which works like a pump. The actuator delivers Hydraulic fluid through the brake lines to hydraulic callipers mounted to your axle. This braking system also requires a breakaway system fitted. The breakaway system will apply the brakes automatically if the boat trailer was to break away from the tow vehicle.

Call us on (02) 8544-8114 and we can help you with your boat trailer brakes.