Do Pontoon Boat Trailers in Michigan Require Brakes? What You Need to Know.

When purchasing a trailer for your pontoon boat, one question that often comes up is whether or not trailer brakes are required. In Michigan, the law provides specific guidance on this topic, but many boat owners still debate the necessity of brakes on a pontoon boat trailer. Let’s dive into the legal requirements, the benefits and drawbacks, and why choosing the right trailer is essential.

Michigan State Law on Trailer Brakes

According to Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.705), any trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more must have brakes on at least one axle. Additionally, trailers over 5,500 pounds must have brakes on all axles. Since many pontoon boats and their trailers easily exceed 3,000 pounds when fully loaded, brakes are often a legal requirement rather than just an option.

Benefits of Having Brakes on Your Pontoon Boat Trailer

Even if your trailer falls below the legal weight threshold, there are several reasons to consider getting brakes installed:

1. Increased Safety

Brakes help reduce stopping distance, which is crucial when towing heavy loads. Without brakes, the added weight of the pontoon can push the tow vehicle forward, making it harder to stop quickly in an emergency.

2. Reduced Wear on Your Tow Vehicle

When the trailer has its own braking system, it takes some of the strain off your truck or SUV’s brakes, preventing excessive wear and tear on the towing vehicle.

3. Better Control on Slopes

If you frequently tow in hilly areas or use boat ramps with a steep incline, having trailer brakes provides better stability and control, reducing the risk of an accident.

4. Legal Compliance & Peace of Mind

If your boat and trailer exceed 3,000 pounds, having brakes keeps you in compliance with Michigan law, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.

Are There Any Downsides to Trailer Brakes?

While trailer brakes offer many benefits, some boaters prefer to go without them for the following reasons:

1. Higher Cost

A trailer with brakes costs more upfront, and maintaining the braking system (such as replacing pads or adjusting hydraulic or electric brakes) adds to ongoing expenses. PMI trailers will run about $400 more with brakes than without. Their brakes utilize 10” disc brakes.

2. More Maintenance

Concealed disc brakes require very little service and have no springs to rust.

3. Complexity of Use

Some boaters prefer the simplicity of a trailer without brakes, especially if they only tow short distances on flat terrain with a lightweight boat.

So Can I buy a Trailer without Brakes in Michigan?

Yes. It’s called a “storage trailer”. If you keep your boat in the water all summer and just need a trailer to put your boat on for the winter, that trailer would not need to have brakes.

Northern Lakes Boat Company: Your Trusted PMI Trailer Dealer

At Northern Lakes Boat Company, we proudly sell PMI trailers, known for their quality, durability, and reliability. Not only do we sell them, but we also use them for our rental fleet deliveries. Whether you need a trailer with or without brakes, we offer competitive pricing and expert advice to help you make the best decision for your boating needs. If we don't have the one you want, we can order it today.

🚤 Looking for the perfect pontoon boat trailer? Contact us today and explore our selection of PMI trailers! 🚤