See full version: Can you fit Disc brakes to a trailer
Now that last bit really applies to new trailers not old ones repaired or modified.. not sure on the legality of that. The requirements for approval are not applied retrospectively to old trailers but if you were doing the job it might be better to use indispension hubs with the correct brakes. I always think what would I say and feel if the thing fell off the hook and wiped out a bus queue of kids.
Mechanical disk brakes might be ok but I think Hydraulic would be a problem, the pressure can leak off over time and *if* you were to rely on it to stop the trailer moving on a hill you might find it rolls away. The old hydraulic handbrake argument used to come up at MOT time every time we took the rally cars - always had to leave the mechanical linkage in place even though it served no purpose. [links]
We got the trailer the other day and one of the things we noticed it didn't have was brakes and one of the thoughts thats going through my head was making it braked as its fitted with landy wheels and hubs, the back plates are there but the holes that the adjuster's and wheel cylinder fit they have had patches welded over them but rather than faf about with landy drum brakes could i fit landy rear disc brakes instead.
There are all manner of issues round trailer brakes supposedly being auto reverse as well. here
If its less than 750Kg it doesn't need brakes anyway but I dont suppose there is a reason why you couldn't add them.
But on balance I think I'd jus treat that one as a 750Kg unbraked trailer, and like my Ifor Williams, its none the less useful for that.
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Still cheap fix if thats the case more
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Pair of 750kg brakes suspension units, �240. Before you start adding brackets, brake lines and the hitch head, Which probably wont fit on your bar either. Really it it may need a whole new chassis unit.
Honesty its not going to be easy or cheap. [links]
I found this so IMHO I think that you can, especially as the smallest mazda 323 1.5 weighs in at 1103 kgs so half that is 515kgs.
We now only recommend and fit Knott Avonride brakes to all our braked trailers. These are considered to be the most reliable trailer brakes available. more
For the majority, we would recommend choosing a braked trailer for several reasons. here
The braking type fitted to a trailer has implications for cost and safety. It should be closely examined when choosing a trailer build.
Things changed due to EU Directives. When a driver passed their car driving test during this period they are only allowed to tow a trailer up to a weight of 750kg if their vehicle’s gross weight is 3500kg or a heavier braked trailer as long as the combination of car and trailer does not exceed 3500kg. [links]
“A trailer with a Gross Vehicle Weight from 751kg up to 3,500kg is required to have brakes, normally over-run (inertia) brakes that operate automatically are fitted.”
When it comes to braking and trailer weight not abiding by the law could lead to points issued to the driver. If towing for work, the employer may have to pay a substantial fine.
For the majority, we would recommend choosing a braked trailer for several reasons. here
You can find more information from the government on Car and Trailer Tests here.