What is required when towing a trailer that is more than half the weight of the towing vehicle?

When towing a trailer that exceeds half the weight of the towing vehicle, the requirements include both brakes and breakaway protection to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. This is significant because the addition of a heavy trailer can dramatically affect the handling, braking distance, and overall stability of the towing vehicle.

Brakes are essential for allowing the vehicle to maintain control while managing the added weight of the trailer. In many jurisdictions, including Hawaii, trailers that meet certain weight thresholds must have their own braking systems to assist in stopping.

Breakaway protection is designed to prevent the trailer from becoming detached from the towing vehicle while on the road. This safety feature automatically activates the trailer's brakes in the event of a separation, thereby reducing the risk of collisions or runaway trailers, which can pose a significant hazard to all road users.

These combined requirements are critical in ensuring a safe towing experience, particularly with heavier trailers. Therefore, having both braking capabilities and breakaway protection is not just a regulation; it is a key element of towing safety.