Every bowser in our range is either unbraked or braked, and the difference matters more than it might look on a spec sheet.
What’s the actual difference?
An unbraked trailer has no brakes of its own — it relies entirely on the tow vehicle to slow it down, which is fine at lower loaded weights but asks a lot of the tow vehicle as the load gets heavier. A braked trailer has its own braking system, activated automatically when the tow vehicle brakes, giving noticeably shorter and safer stopping distances once you’re moving real volume.
Where the line usually falls
In our range, unbraked models cover the smaller end — 750L up to 2,000L water, and 1,000L diesel — while braked chassis start from 1,500L diesel and 2,000L water and run up through the twin-axle 6,000L units. That split reflects a common pattern in towing regulations: unbraked trailers are typically capped at a fairly low gross weight, and a fully loaded bowser crosses that line quickly once you’re past the smallest sizes (water alone weighs 1kg per litre, before the tank and chassis).
Always check your specific tow vehicle’s braked and unbraked towing limits, and the towing regulations in your area, before choosing — these vary by vehicle and jurisdiction, and it’s the one detail worth getting right before you order.
Quick reference: what we stock
| Model | Type | Axle | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750L Water Bowser | Water | Unbraked | R16,900 |
| 1,000L Water Bowser | Water | Unbraked | R21,500 |
| 1,500L Water Bowser | Water | Unbraked | R28,500 |
| 2,000L Water Bowser | Water | Braked | R38,900 |
| 4,000L Water Bowser (Twin Axle) | Water | Braked | R68,500 |
| 6,000L Water Bowser (Twin Axle) | Water | Braked | R94,000 |
| 1,000L Diesel Bowser | Diesel | Unbraked | R29,800 |
| 1,500L Diesel Bowser | Diesel | Braked | R42,500 |
| 2,500L Diesel Bowser | Diesel | Braked | R64,900 |
| 3,500L Diesel Bowser (Twin Axle) | Diesel | Braked | R89,500 |
| 5,000L Diesel Bowser (Twin Axle) | Diesel | Braked | R112,000 |
| 6,000L Diesel Bowser (Twin Axle) | Diesel | Braked | R128,500 |
Not towing at all? Our skid-mounted bowsers sit on a flatbed or fixed site location instead, with no axle or towing rating to worry about.
See the full range on the Diesel & Water Bowsers page, or read our guide to choosing the right water storage tank if you’re sizing fixed storage instead of a towable bowser.
Price shown is an estimated trade-direct price — confirm final pricing and lead time when you enquire.