Braked or unbraked car transporter: what's the difference?

With car transporters, the question often comes up: braked or unbraked? The legal cut-off is 750 kg gross weight – but even within that limit, unbraked isn't always the best choice.

The legal cut-off at 750 kg

In Germany, trailers up to 750 kg gross weight may be built without their own braking system. For transporting lighter vehicles, such as a small car or a quad bike, this class is often enough.

Why braked is often the safer choice

A braked car transporter like the AT 2700 has its own overrun braking system that engages independently of the tow vehicle in an emergency. Especially when transporting a full-size car, weight adds up quickly enough that the extra braking noticeably improves road safety – even where the gross weight would theoretically still be under 750 kg.

Driving characteristics compared

Unbraked trailers respond more strongly to the load's inertia when the tow vehicle brakes, which is especially noticeable during emergency stops. Braked models absorb these forces through their own braking system, noticeably shortening the whole combination's stopping distance.

Don't forget to maintain the braking system

If you choose a braked model, have the braking system checked and serviced regularly – especially before the roadworthiness test. A well-maintained overrun brake is a key safety factor in car transport.

Conclusion

For light loads under 750 kg, an unbraked trailer is a legal and practical option. Once you regularly transport full-size cars, the extra safety of a braked model almost always pays off.