Do I Need Trailer Brake?

[ovrszd]

I guess not everyone read my original post in its entirety.

YES, my vehicle already has a brake controller.

NO, my state does not have a requirement for trailer brakes unless the trailer is gooseneck/5th wheel or carrying 3000lbs or more of hazardous material. Therefore, NOT required for me.

I did.

People on here get a little testy when talking about brakes on trailers. Those same people may drive around with bad windshield wipers, worn out tires, a bad u-joint, and a taillight out,,,,, but they got brakes on their trailers!!!!

 

[MossRoad]

I did.

People on here get a little testy when talking about brakes on trailers. Those same people may drive around with bad windshield wipers, worn out tires, a bad u-joint, and a taillight out,,,,, but they got brakes on their trailers!!!!

You've seen my '93 Suburban! :laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

You've seen my '93 Suburban! :laughing:

WAS THAT YOU!!!!!

 

[MossRoad]

I'd have waved but the window only rolls down 2".

 

[Stimw]

There are dozens of reasons to have them! Idiots, weather, Idiots!
But once you do have them you will not want to pull without them.
I have them on this 16' trailer with a cheap Reese Controller from Walmart. Work great!

 

[Redlands Okie]

Forget about your state requiring them or not. Please get the brakes working and hooked up to your trucks controller. Unforeseen problems from other drivers, road conditions, animals, slippery pavement, jack knife trailors, etc. You probably get the idea.

Keep in mind that government codes for building and requirements on vehicles are the MINIMUM of what you are allowed to do. What is recommended or needed almost always exceeds the codes.

Also keep in mind you need to secure any cargo on the trailor really well.

Have fun and hope all goes well

 

[goeduck]

Also, many states have a law that requires brakes on any trailer above 2K# (may vary by state)

Yes. Up here any trailer over 3000 lbs GROSS weight requires brakes. Doesn’t take much to get to 3000 gross. I have an old very stout trailer that is road ready but weighs about 3000 lbs without brakes. So it is regulated to on farm use only.

 

[4570Man]

It may or may not be required but imagine trying to panic stop that load if a car/child/whatever runs out in front of you. Not only will you probably lose your truck, trailer and tractor--You will most likely be sued for anything else you own. Trailer brakes are cheap and responsible in comparison.

If the op is right that they’re not required by law they’ll probably lose that law suit as long as the accident was their fault. I’m not condoning running with no trailer brakes especially behind a 1/2 ton though.

 

[square1]

Let me tell you about the rainy morning a old Ford station wagon with 3 kids in a rear facing 3rd seat stopped abruptly in front of me while I was towing s loaded 5th wheel behind a 3/4 ton PU. By the time I was able to stop I couldn't see anything except three little faces in the rear window of the station wagon. Yes, you want trailer brakes.

 

[cat fever]

I did.

People on here get a little testy when talking about brakes on trailers. Those same people may drive around with bad windshield wipers, worn out tires, a bad u-joint, and a taillight out,,,,, but they got brakes on their trailers!!!!

OK, so it's 3:45 in the morning, I've been working all night (last night shift of my career) and your post put a big smile on my face.:laughing:

To the OP, I agree with the majority here, get the brakes working.