To Brake or not to Brake...

[KeithInSpace]

That one instance made the brakes worth having, every easy stop since then has been a bonus.

That's usually how it goes. Can the same be done with less? Of course it can. But the extra effort of setting yourself up with trailer brakes PALES in comparison of something going wrong after you go the easier (or less expensive) route. A) You feel silly for not listening to your instincts in the first place, and B) You now have a sunk cost in a setup that doesn't suit your needs.

Can't think of a single time I've regretted doing it right the first time...even if it meant not doing it at all.

 

[chh]

Get the trailer with brakes and a controller installed in the truck. As mention previously, one stop when you really need it makes it all worthwhile. You would think driving the 2 lanes without much traffic would be safer, but in reality, IMO, you are more likely to get into a panic stop situation there than on the interstate. I flat spotted all 4 tires on my 3/4 ton Dodge trying to stop my old double axle 16' trailer with no brakes and my little MF 1433v and FEL on the trailer. That was on a 2 lane road and someone pulled out in front of me. I didn't hit them, but I had to buy 4 new tires after that. That one stop convinced me to buy a heavier trailer with brakes.

 

[George2615]

I'm sure its been said but most states require any trailer over 3000lbs. to have brakes. I don't think you can buy a trailer rated for 3K or more without them. If your total weight of tractor and trailer is over that you will need the brake controller hooked up. Towing over 3K and trying to stop quick won't be fun without brakes. A cheap Tekonsha or similar controller from Wally World will bolt up under the dash and is easy to install and will give peace of mind when towing. Your Dad having 4000 lb. behind him will double his stopping time and distance. Tell him to be safe.

 

[RobertN]

We are looking at a new small tractor for my dad, who would like to pull it behind his 2007 F150 pickup. My dad's truck does not have a TBC on it, and he really does not want one unless absolutely necessary.

I had to do a panic/emergency stop once, with a trailer that had faulty brakes. Brakes did not work...

I drive a 3/4 ton 4x4 diesel. It pushed my truck around big time. this is with a 2500lb Kubota on a 1600lb trailer(meduim B series Kubota).

I was lucky I was on a straightaway, and had held my speed down(55mph towing limit in California). That relatively light load really pushed my around. My antilock brakes on the truck got a really good workout. If I had been in a curve, it probably would have pushed the rear of the truck around.

Get the brakes! If you are really concerned he will not use them, then get surge brakes.

we have a 1/2 ton Dodge(wifes, mine is a 3/4 ton RAM). I would not tow even my lightweight tractor without brakes behind that truck. the truck could pull it ok, but not stop.

FWIW, that was the last time I borrowed a trailer too

 

[Jimbrown]

Go look here. NC says you must have brakes if the GVW is 4000 or over. make yor choice.
state brake laws

 

[John861]

Definitely go with brakes. You may even have a plug for the brake controller under the dash. My Explorer has one. Makes hook-up a breeze. My controller came with the correct plug, so no wiring was necessary.

My trailer is a 16' flatbed (cheap, no frills version), and tips the scales at 1700 lbs empty. It wouldn't take much to get over your 4000 lb estimate with that. Don't forget to include the weight of the implements that you may end up with.

In my mind, the real question is brakes on one axle or both. With the weight range you're looking at, you should be able to get by with one. Of course, both axles would be better if you can swing it.

-John

 

[davkir]

Brakes absolutely. It can rain when you aren't expecting it and trailers without brakes can really push your truck around, especially a pickup.

 

[gordon21]

John: I live within a couple hours of you and there is no way I would tow 4000# without brakes in WNC. My controller has a little wheel on the side to adjust the proportion while driving. An EMPTY 16' trailer weighing 1700# is manageable without brakes on hills. Set the controller to only 20 (out of 100) and the entire rig stops way faster. Load the trailer with 3-4000# and you will be turning it up some more.

I have scared myself silly several times over the last 30 years while towing. This past weekend I hauled my 2006 F-150 5.4 liter & 16' trailer with over 3000# on it back from the Florida Keys to NC doing a steady 65MPH all the way. I felt very safe because of my brakes even while in four narrow lanes of traffic going around Atlanta on I-295 doing 65mph in rush hour. There is no way I would have even towed on flat Florida without brakes.

Your dad may be scared of the complexity he imagines. Show him the box, explain the concept and he will understand. Use your bedside manner to reassure him. You would never forgive yourself if something happened to him.

 

[jcmseven]

I appreciate the replies here. I wanted to show my dad the responses, which I felt would be overwhelmingly for the trailer brakes. I am the choir on this one; I would likely not tow 1500# behind a 1/2 ton truck without trailer brakes. My dad is of the old school. He worked his way into a fairly lucrative PR job in oil wholesale, starting as a driver, and he still imagines his 80,000 loads and tries to compare what he used to tow with what he tows now. He is careful, but I really do not want him on the road without the brakes. The convincing him of this is the hard part. I tow a fair amount and thankfully have done so without incident (although my 4520 tried to drive my older truck one time). Despite this, he simply will not listen to my suggestions. To me, this fact will dictate whether pop gets the tractor or not. Thanks for the support.

John M

 

[Racer71]

Get a trailer with brakes. You will find the truck is already wired for them. There should be a plug under the dash somewhere.

Real men drive trucks with brake controllers.