Buying new truck - Do we need trailer brakes?

Binx · May 2, 2020

Hi Everyone,

My husband is looking at a new Ram 1500 Rebel to tow our tractor to the property, but the truck he likes doesn't have the trailer brake control option. Does he need that option? We would only be towing it about 10-15 miles. Can a dealer install it easily? It costs $295 from the factory, but would it cost more installed by the dealer?

Weight for tractor and trailer/attachment would probably be about 9,000 lbs.

Sawyer Rob · May 2, 2020

Absolutely needs it, and I'd get the factory option if it was me...

SR

Topzide · May 2, 2020

When towing anything more than about 3000 lbs, by all mean you would need trailer brakes and controller in truck. Most states require brakes on all dual axle trailers. If the unfortunate situation was to arise, your insurance wouldn't cover you and you'd be left holding the bag!

ruffdog · May 2, 2020

They make nice aftermarket controllers now and they normally install pretty easy. Some people even like them better than the factory units.

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LouNY · May 2, 2020

The factory brake controller is a very good controller and integrates into the trunk nicely.
Most of the RAM 1500 forums have several threads about installing and activating the brake controller.
If your truck has the 4 and 7 pin wiring receptacle it is a plug and play option to install.

Fallon · May 2, 2020

Topzide said:
When towing anything more than about 3000 lbs, by all mean you would need trailer brakes and controller in truck. Most states require brakes on all dual axle trailers. If the unfortunate situation was to arise, your insurance wouldn't cover you and you'd be left holding the bag!

Correct. Most but not all states require brakes on all axles for trailers over 3k lbs. A few only require it on one axle (which is kind of stupid IMHO). It's not only the law it's a matter of safety & not cooking the brakes on your truck.

My Tacoma was marginal stopping a 6.5k lbs trailer with a controller & brakes on both axles. Not to mention generally being marginally all around towing at its 6.5k limit (which prompted a beater F250). Don't skimp on being able to stop & prevent a crash.

You need a brake controller to make those brakes work (ignoring the much less common surge brakes). Inertia based controllers are very good & reasonably priced. I used a Tekonsha P3 on my Tacoma & F250. Most trucks are pre-wired for brake controllers these days so it's not a hard install. Most newish 3/4 & heavier trucks like my 2014 F350 have an integrated controller (which is equal or superior to any aftermarket ones).

paulfun9 · May 2, 2020

graziaka said:
Hi Everyone,

My husband is looking at a new Ram 1500 Rebel to tow our tractor to the property, but the truck he likes doesn't have the trailer brake control option. Does he need that option? We would only be towing it about 10-15 miles. Can a dealer install it easily? It costs $295 from the factory, but would it cost more installed by the dealer?

Weight for tractor and trailer/attachment would probably be about 9,000 lbs.

You will want a tow package on the truck your buying, even if it means having to wait or looking elsware for one with the same color and other options.
Do not try to cheep out on towing equipment from the hitch, trailer plugs down to the brake controller, way too much can go wrong when towing 9 to 10 thousand pounds very quickly.
I have seen people buy install hitches not rated for what they are towing, using receivers that were for much lighter loads, pull trailers without brakes because they didn’t have a controller, and overload light trailers because that’s what they had. Everyone I just mentioned as we hooked up the wrecker had an owner say they were only going a few miles and didn’t think they would have any problems.
My favorite was back in the late 70’s early 80’s when some guy towing a camper behind an old Chrysler Newport wasn’t found for almost 2 days as he lost the brakes going down a rather steep mountain road and drove right threw the side of an old abanded building. The wall broke free at the bottom and sides and dropped back down almost like a garage door and from the road no one could see he was in there. He lived to tell the tail and was only going 25 miles with his new camper, no mirrors, no break controller, no sway controll now he has only one eye and one arm for his trouble.

Beeenvenue · May 2, 2020

Agree on the towing package. Depending on the truck, it may include upgraded springs and a larger transmission cooler as well (nothing ruins a transmission faster than a lead foot accelerating a heavy load from 0-60 when merging onto a highway - and yes it can ruin your tranny in only a few times during a single 25 mile trip)

fried1765 · May 2, 2020

graziaka said:
Hi Everyone,

My husband is looking at a new Ram 1500 Rebel to tow our tractor to the property, but the truck he likes doesn't have the trailer brake control option. Does he need that option? We would only be towing it about 10-15 miles. Can a dealer install it easily? It costs $295 from the factory, but would it cost more installed by the dealer?

Weight for tractor and trailer/attachment would probably be about 9,000 lbs.

An electric brake controller is a ABSOLUTE NECESSITY, if you value your life!
The after market units are easy to install.
The Tekonsha brake controllers (etrailer.com) are excellent.
An "Equal-i-zer" (brand) hitch would also be a VERY good idea.