|
Post by 67coconut on Nov 25, 2010 6:18:09 GMT 10
Just a general question about brakes, I apologise if it's been asked before. I've done a search on this site and it seems as though in Vic a caravan over 750 kg needs some sort of braking. My caravan (fairway) which was built in 1964 has no brakes, at a guess it would be close to being over 750 kg (there is no weight stamped anywhere) but it was previously registered in Vic. When I towed the van braking didnt seem to be a problem, but I was towing it with a car with abs. So i guess the question is, like an old car can I rego the van in the way it was originally built and registered? i.e no brakes.
|
|
|
Post by 67coconut on Nov 25, 2010 6:34:41 GMT 10
bugger, just realised this should be in the tech section. Anyway of moving it?
|
|
|
Post by firefighter on Nov 25, 2010 6:54:12 GMT 10
G,Day 67 coconut No worrys about moving your thread Welcome to the forum...... good pick up with the fairway not to many of them around your quote can I rego the van in the way it was originally built and registered? i.e no brakes. I don,t think any other members have had any trouble with vic roads .......... with rego on original vans ......I know I did not f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
|
|
|
Post by 67coconut on Nov 25, 2010 7:58:25 GMT 10
Thanks for that Firefighter. After I restore the fairway I'll book it in with the local Vicroads in its current set up. I guess the worst that could happen is that they can tell me to put some brakes on it . From reading other peoples experiences it does seem to be a bit random. Thanks for moving the post also ;D cheers
|
|
|
Post by minicamper on Nov 25, 2010 8:05:54 GMT 10
Hi Chris,
Just responded to your message, then saw this.
The answer is no - I believe the braking laws are uniform across the country (one of the few things that are) and from what I have been told, the laws were introduced retrospectively and therefore apply back to older vans, unlike design rules for cars (although the new child restraint laws do override the old car design rules as an exception)
In short, they won't enforce brakes if your documentation shows it's under 750kgs, but, if stopped, weighed and found to be over, you will get forced to fit them.
My argument has always been the same - it's not an exorbitant cost to fit electric brakes so why wouldn't you, has to be safer than not having any, ABS in the tow car or not. Plus pretty much all cars have a higher tow capacity when the trailer is braked.
I fitted them to Alby when we got him and am glad we did electric - they are far superior to overrun brakes..
You should readily find someone to do a braked axle in Ballarat, but if not I can recommend a company here in Melbourne if need be.
Cheers Chris
|
|
|
Post by philouise on Nov 25, 2010 12:29:49 GMT 10
Hi.
Don't forget that the weight mentioned by traffic authorities for braking requirements is the van plus the load. (this total weight is usually stated on the rego papers)
Cheers. Phi.
|
|
|
Post by shaneandsimoen on Nov 25, 2010 22:36:20 GMT 10
Hello 67coconut,
when I got my van registered in 2004, being over 750kg, Vic Road told me that I needed to fit brakes, got a new axel made up that way I could choose what wheel stud pattern I wanted. I fitted hydraulic brakes so that I could tow with what car I wanted. (Electric brakes are good as I have them on my modern van)
Regards Shane
|
|