Do I really need trailer brakes?

[RoninMaine]

Hello everybody- I just have a quick easy question, well I think it is! I have just changed my fleet around a bit. I had a 2004 half ton chevy ext cab with a 16' 7k car hauler I used to move my L3200 on occasion. I never go far, just around my town doing small jobs. The truck did not like hauling the tractor, and stopping was not good either- So anyway, I sold my car hauler and picked up a pretty nice 18' deckover with mobile home axles. The trailer was well built, and down the road I will probably buy some new axles for it, with brakes. It does not have working brakes now. I dont know what the trailer weighs, but it is built pretty heavy. I just bought a super nice, 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with a cummins diesel, 66k miles. Clean florida truck. I have not picked the truck up yet. I am wondering, do you guys think it will stop ok? I know, I should have trailer brakes, but for this year I would like to run what I have and give my wallet a break! Like I said, I might tow it 20 miles max, L3200 with a backhoe... I sure do appreciate all your advise. You all have been great in the past!

 

[bcp]

Most accidents happen within 20 miles of home, so don't drive there until you have brakes.



If someone runs a stop sign and hits you, they will claim it is your fault for having no brakes, and you will probably get a ticket for faulty equipment, too.

Bruce

 

[Diamondpilot]

It'd pay now or pay later. I ruined. Set of brakes on my 2003 Ram 2500 first time out with a 7K boat who's trailer had no brakes. I was forced to spend $300 on brakes for the truck in addition to the brakes I had to buy for the trailer.

Don't even get me started on MH axles.

Chris

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Where I live, any trailer with a GVW of 3,000 pounds or over HAS to have brakes... It's the law....

SR

 

[bm3]

With no brakes on trailer you can plan on new brakes on truck . Bruce gave good advice ! Why risk it , get brakes

 

[Rustyiron]

Where I live, any trailer with a GVW of 3,000 pounds or over HAS to have brakes... It's the law....

SR

Pretty sure that the law here also Ron. (might be 3500#) If there's an accident…………..

 

[4570Man]

Definitely get brakes on the trailer. I'm guessing your trailer weight is around 7,000 pounds. That's an accident waiting to happen with no brakes.

 

[civilian]

Don't even get me started on MH axles.

Chris

I agree with that statement. When I was shopping for a trailer, every one that came up with mobile home axles, I didn't even consider. I was once told MH axles were designed for only one trip. Jon

 

[Qapla]

When we first got our NH TC40D with BH and FEL on a 22' trailer - the trailer had brakes but my Titan truck did not.

I could pull it OK and I could stop it but, I never felt safe while doing that because I could feel it pushing me.

I put a controller in the truck and now - well, let's just say I will not pull it ever again without brakes. The difference it makes is beyond description.

Do yourself a favor, get the brakes.

Just curious ..... the MH axles don't have brakes? I know MH's here have brakes on them.

 

[5030]

Look at it this way... Some clown pulls out in front of you or a pedestrian walks out in front of you and you mash your pedal to the floor and then watch as you gobble up the pedestrian or the other vehicle... because you cannot stop. Tough to be first on the scene along with the victim. Also tough to loose everything in a PI lawsuit plus the jail time. Not worth it.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Do they register or inspect trailers in your state?

I wouldn't drive around the block without brakes if it is over 3500 lb rating which is the usual requirement.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Just curious ..... the MH axles don't have brakes? I know MH's here have brakes on them.

Some do and some don't... One of my trailers has (3) MH axles under it, all (3) have brakes...

It's just NOT true that they are one way axles, in fact most of the company's selling the MH's pull the axles after delivery, and use them over and over.

NOW, the tires ?, that's another matter!! BUT, you can buy excellent quality tires for THOSE rims too...and I have.

SR

 

[dieselcrawler]

Please fix your trailer brakes, and maintain them. Check and adjust them once a year, more often if you use it alot.

 

[Sprinklerman]

Nobody plans on crashing , therefore the term " accident"

 

[BoylermanCT]

Its not worth the risk. If you cause an accident and someone is seriously hurt or killed, you will have to live with that regret and the consequences.

 

[4570Man]

I lost trailer brakes with about 11,000 pounds behind a F-350. Stopping distance was seriously impaired. I got to where I was going and parked it and it didn't move until brakes were fixed.

 

[Looking4new]

There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. To h3ll with the cost, put brakes on your trailer.

 

[RoninMaine]

Good enough. I will see about some brakes. These axles do have brakes, but all need to be replaced. I may do away with the old mh style spindle and weld on the standard style used commonly today so brakes are easier too get. It is funny, there are alot of opinions on the MH axles, but boy there are a ton of them running around here. This trailer I have has made 3 trips too Labelle Florida from here in maine, and all is holding up well.. Not from me, a friend had the trailer.... I have had it apart, greased the bearings, all looks great. I will see about some brakes. Thank you! Oh, I am sorry, to answer the question about inspection, no a trailer this size does not need an inspection here in Maine. I am a licensed inspection mechanic- I dont remember how big thy have to be, but it is only the really big stuff that needs to be stickered here.

 

[DK35vince]

I agree with that statement. When I was shopping for a trailer, every one that came up with mobile home axles, I didn't even consider. I was once told MH axles were designed for only one trip. Jon

They remove the axles from double wides, modulars, Etc. here and use the axles over and over again to move homes.
My trailer has MH axles. Well built axles. Been using this trailer for 15 years.
Brakes on both axles.

 

[RoninMaine]

Yes, good too hear DK. I am a mechanic, been doing it my whole life. Too me, they appear well built. Big bearings, big spindles, and if they will haul even a small mh they will sure as **** haul my tractor around town... and then some... So I am thinking I will hang on to them, get some brakes though...