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

The correct answer regarding the distance that a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 4,500 lbs must maintain when equipped with brakes is actually not 15,000 feet. For a trailer of this weight equipped with functioning brakes, the proper distance to maintain when following other vehicles is 300 feet under normal conditions.

The regulation focus is on ensuring safe stopping distances to prevent collisions, especially when hauling significant weight. This distance allows enough time for the driver to react and stop safely in adverse conditions.

A distance of 15,000 feet would be excessive and impractical for general driving conditions. It far exceeds the reasonable following distance required for any vehicle, as maintaining such a distance would hinder the flow of traffic and create unsafe driving conditions.

Therefore, maintaining a following distance of 300 feet provides a balance between safety and practicality on the road for trailers of this weight class that are equipped with brakes.