Brakes

All trailers over 750kg GVM require brakes on at least one axle.
All trailers over 2.0T to 4.5T require brakes on all axles and a breakaway system.

Hydraulic drum brakes run a 9" brake drum.
Mechanical drum brakes run a 9" brake drum.
Electric brakes run a 10" brake drum up to 1.4T per axle.
Electric brakes run a 12" brake drum on 2.0T axles.

Override brake systems Electric Brakes.
(Hydraulic or Mechanical)

Advantages

Brake system is independent of tow vehicle . i.e. no controller required

Lower cost

Disadvantages

Brake system requires trailer to be applying continual load to tow vehicle (i.e. pushing) when braking for brakes to operate

maximum load 2000kg gross
(trailer and load)

Electric Brakes

Advantages

More efficient (larger) Brakes

Amount of braking can be manipulated though brake controller as required (i.e. heavier loads require more braking power to be applied)

Lower cost option for braking systems over 2000kg gross

Disadvantages

Trailer cannot be used with vehicles not fitted with brake controller
(not always a disadvantage!)