What distance must a trailer with a GVW over 4500 lbs maintain when equipped with brakes?

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Multiple Choice

What distance must a trailer with a GVW over 4500 lbs maintain when equipped with brakes?

When towing a trailer that has its own brakes, you need a longer following distance because the combination’s stopping distance is greater than a single vehicle’s. For a trailer with GVW over 4500 pounds, the guideline is to stay about 300 feet behind the vehicle ahead. This amount of space gives you time to react and stop safely with the heavier load. The other distances are either far too short (200 feet), or impractically long or outside standard practice (15,000 feet or 500 feet). In poor conditions, increase this distance even more.

When towing a trailer that has its own brakes, you need a longer following distance because the combination’s stopping distance is greater than a single vehicle’s. For a trailer with GVW over 4500 pounds, the guideline is to stay about 300 feet behind the vehicle ahead. This amount of space gives you time to react and stop safely with the heavier load. The other distances are either far too short (200 feet), or impractically long or outside standard practice (15,000 feet or 500 feet). In poor conditions, increase this distance even more.

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