Originally Posted by glock19
In VA, it depends on the actual weight of the trailer + cargo. Anything over 3,000 lbs requires brakes.
I just looked it up and it is correct for VA, I was always told that on a single axle trailer that over 2,000 lbs you needed brakes and with brakes you could have up too 3,500 lbs. This actually makes me feel better as my dad has a trailer they made at his shop but they overbuilt it and it weighs around 1,500 lbs empty it's roughly 6x10 but it's all steel with box tubing for the frame and 1/4" diamond plate for the floor and sides so you're actually loaded even when empty. I used to worry about being overweight when I would haul my four wheeler which was around 550 lbs or so but this actually gives me a 1,500 lb buffer.
It currently has 14" rims but we have plans to raise the fenders to allow for 15" which can handle the weight a lot better and they'll be new instead of the old ones that are worn out.