Even if it ends up being with myself!
You know, there really is not much written about why - specifically -, trailer mfg's are using a 3500 lb axle and springs on trailers they establish a 2990 lb limit on. Is it "engineered security"? Is it the lack of a 3000lb axle availability?
There is the occasional blurp out there about it being because some states require brakes if over 3000 lb, but which states specifically ? If you start researching state rules and laws on towing, you really just end up finding more confusion, more unreliable information and plenty of stories about it all being up to what a particular officer of the law DECIDES to conclude what his areas laws are and whether or not he is going to enforce it. That's IF you get pulled over or get into an accident.
That said, it seems the entire cargo trailer mfg industry is dumping 800 to 1500 lb single axle enclosed trailers on to retail sellers lots with their 2990 limit, making trailers as large as 7x14 single axles only capable of really hauling a load of marshmallows.
When have ANY of us seen a single axle enclosed sitting on a lot WITH brakes and rated for 3500 lbs ? Seems that is always a custom build. So, dealers and mfg's appear to be dumping all these 2990's out there specifically to flood the market without brakes to keep the prices as low as possible.
Where I live, we've built trailers all our lives, never had to register them, test them, or prove them to anyone but our conscientious selves. I've towed all my life. I've under-loaded, overloaded, over-extended, over-tongued, under-tongued and modified to accommodate whatever the load was, all while being safe. Now I got this "Sticker" on my little cargo.... and it gets really close to the limit if you "convert" a single axle enclosed no matter how you try.
I'm sure no mfg will tell you that if you put brakes on your 3500lb axle, you can run at 3500lbs. I'd bet none of them would want to tell you whether or not their entire structure is or is not fully capable of 3500lb's even if it really was just because of todays litigated world. And, that is a shame because only via lawsuit can you find out the truth or their supposed truth.
So, for HERE, and for this discussion, regardless of various laws or insurance "details", I do not think anyone should tell someone else that they can automatically assume they can do what I am going to do, given that there really are so many shoddy built enclosed trailers out there.
Myself, I have luckily ended up with a surprisingly well built Aluminum trailer. The center tube of the triple tongue is an internally reinforced tube and all 3 tubes integrated are well into the frame, not under it. I'll be adding a brake kit no matter what. And then if I bump into and above my 2990lb limit, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. Anyone doing the same should be well aware of their trailers construction and capabilities along with their personal towing skills and knowledge.