camper Trailer handbrake - who uses them?

[muzza01]

I thought general discussion was the best place to start this thread as I am not asking how it works (I already know that)

I am thinking about removing my handbrake assy from the CT.  It hangs down low and I a, planning a trip with a lot of offroad req'd and I reckon the handbrake will either get damaged or ripped off.

I have 4 big wooded wheel chocka that I chock the CT with when we camp. I am actually paranoid about it so I can assure you that the CT won't move with these chicks.

I never use the handbrake and so far havnt needed to. Just wanted opinions of others that have needed to remove handbrake assy before a trip and Swaggers opinions.

[DaveR]

I use mine each time and find it handy, especially if I am using the leveling blocks, I don't trust the chocks, so the hand brake is the one thing I trust.
Why not get the other stand alone type and mount it else where up higher.
Think of the shed time it gives you   

[KingBilly]

Muz on a couple of occasions when manoeuvring the CT on sloping ground I have needed to apply the handbrake rather quickly.  I would never have been quick enough to slip some chocks under the wheels before the CT got away from me.

KB

[mjharps]

Muz on a couple of occasions when manoeuvring the CT on sloping ground I have needed to apply the handbrake rather quickly.  I would never have been quick enough to slip some chocks under the wheels before the CT got away from me.

KB

X2 for me

[RebsWA]

How would you stop it if trying to move it manually at home or at campsites etc?
What do you think is going to break it?
Couldn't be any worse than the brake levers hanging down on a Jayco camper I had, and that survived.
I certainly would not remove it.

[speewa158]

Correctly adjusted its a really handy thing , they don't put them on for practice you know . Though if you don't like them its your call 

[Malcolm Tugless]

No way would I remove the handbrake. If you're worried about it hitting obstacles, use that huge male brain of yours and reposition it.

[Me]

I've been thinking the same thing myself, but not because it might get broken (it would've by now if it was going to), but because it's just another gizmo I tow around the country & never use.

I did the same thing with the swing out kitchen on the tailgate - it never got used, so it's long gone!

[theins]

I always use the handbrake when taking the CT off the car.

Only when stationary long term in the drive way at home do I use a wheel clamp instead of the breaks.

[Ratbag]

4 plastic Repco wheel chocks ...

[fuji]

Is it a requirement by law to have handbrake fitted over certain weight? I certainly would not remove it.
Wayne

[Terry W4]

On level ground never. But always use chocks/levelling blocks. Use it mainly when unhitching.

[jwb]

yes,
always when parked @ home
& when out & about

[tracker]

      G'day All,
                   Seem's to be standard issue on ALL CT's and caravans..... ...Just my 2 bob's worth.

                                                            Cheer's Tracker.

[GeoffA]

It would be a very expensive excercise, and probably emotionally draining, to remove the handbrake.....

[weeds]

Is it a requirement by law to have handbrake fitted over certain weight? I certainly would not remove it.
Wayne

Interesting........when I was researching weather I needed a handbrake when I upgraded my rego to a braked trailer I'm not sure it's a requirement, the way I read it it was recommended.

I have seen a few big boat trailer with a handbrake facility on their electric over hydraulic

Back to the question...........thousands over trailer out there that don't have brake fitted and are loaded up I.e. Tradies, dump trailers and they survive. If you have managed to date than take it off a guess. Can it modified so that it sits higher.

[ATC]

Put some pictures up showing the problem.

[Rumpig]

Use mine all the time.... electric hydraulic so nothing hangs down on mine, just push the button on the drawbar and turn the knob and walk away.
I can tell you also that Jeff W uses his all the time aswell...but maybe it's should be mentioned in another thread, titled "Who forgets to release their handbrake all the time"...lol.

[gclan]

We have had our handbrake ripped off, but to be fair it was on the Old Coach Road on Cape York, and we'd literally dragged the camper over terrain a tad rougher than the usual off road stuff we tow it over.
Our camper trailer is on the heavy side though, so even after having had that happen, there is no way I'd ever remove it. It's peace of mind on sloping sites plus the safety factor when unhitching and hitching up to the car. We use chocks as well, but the handbrake has saved us on one or two occasions.
If it's not a requirement, then it comes down to personal preference.

[#jonesy]

VSB1

Note
Manufacturers should consider the merits of including a parking brake function when designing the braking system. ADR 38/03 clause 8 and 14 provides guidance for parking brake systems.

I use mine in the garage. Even when camped on dirt, not sure why cause it is heavy and takes a lot of effort to move

[Jeepers Creepers]

Be a good op for an insurance company to get out of a claim if it all turned to sh!t.

[isportfish]

Yep use the handbrake all the time along with wheel chocks when parked up. Also when rolling unhooked camper down the driveway is essential in slowing it down.

Can you reposition it rather than remove?.

[muzza01]

OK thanks for all of the comments guys. I have decided to move/modify in lieu of remove.
to all.

[fishfinder]

I chain it to the draw bar with enough chain so she can do the dishes

[dales133]

Lol