Teach me trailer brake rules

[msixty]

I'm wondering about the legality of Uhaul tow dollies that aren't equipped with brakes.

Alberta has the following trailer brake requirements:

If gross laden weight of trailer is 909 kg / 2,004 Ibs or over, or if gross trailer weight is over half that of the unit, independent braking system is required.
Not required for trailers with a gross laden weight of not more than 910 kg (2006 Ibs) or trailers with a gross laden weight of less than half of the weight of the towing unit.
Breakaway brakes are required on trailers over 907 kg (2,000 Ibs).

(source: http://www.rvda.ca/ProvBrakeReqts.asp#AB and http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType41/Production/recvehtowguide.pdf page 8)

Since Uhaul tow dollies are 750 lbs dry, how could you legally haul a car with a pickup?

I would feel confident towing a 4250 lbs combination (dolly + 3500 lbs car) without brakes, but it wouldn't be legal?

[AndyL]

U-Hauls are equipped with surge brake systems.

[msixty]

Originally posted by AndyL
U-Hauls are equipped with surge brake systems.

Not the dollies, the car haulers are equipped with surge brakes.

[HomespunLobster]

I've been refused to use a car dolly and told I need the hauler for the brake reason. If you're using a truck double the weight of what you're towing, no trailer brakes required. If your truck is 8500lb+ you can squeak by, but personally I like the flat deck tow.

[spikerS]

Originally posted by msixty
I'm wondering about the legality of Uhaul tow dollies that aren't equipped with brakes.

Alberta has the following trailer brake requirements:

If gross laden weight of trailer is 909 kg / 2,004 Ibs or over, or if gross trailer weight is over half that of the unit, independent braking system is required.
Not required for trailers with a gross laden weight of not more than 910 kg (2006 Ibs) or trailers with a gross laden weight of less than half of the weight of the towing unit.
Breakaway brakes are required on trailers over 907 kg (2,000 Ibs).

(source: http://www.rvda.ca/ProvBrakeReqts.asp#AB and http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType41/Production/recvehtowguide.pdf page 8)

Since Uhaul tow dollies are 750 lbs dry, how could you legally haul a car with a pickup?

I would feel confident towing a 4250 lbs combination (dolly + 3500 lbs car) without brakes, but it wouldn't be legal?

Alberta regs may require it, but everything U-Haul owns and rents is registered out of Arizona due to the lax laws they have there.

Since the vehicle is not an alberta vehicle, some of the rules and regulations don't apply.

*edit* i am not saying this is the case here, but one of the biggest reasons they are all registered in arizona is that there are no safety inspections.

[Thaco]

Uhaul operates on the principles of what's enforced, not whats right... a private vehicle has a slim to none chance of being harassed unless you're doing something completely unsafe.

Just like RV dealers, "Half ton towable", until you add the driver in the truck, then your over your towing weight or GVWR, but as long as they get your money they dont care

[msixty]

Thanks for the replies.