That is almost too funny in parts that I am looking at. Can you imagine a Pilot pulling a 35 foot trailer? That would be more than twice the siize of the tow vehicle.
But on a more serious side, does/can breakaway brakes exist on a trailer with out a braking system? I mean doesn't the brake away brakes require regular trailer brakes to work? Or can one live without the other? This is a serious question, I am trying to educate myself, so I am not trying to be sarcastic in the least.
For trailer brakes there are 4 types. Only 2 types are even a consideration on the type of trailer you are looking at due to you tow vehicle. They are Surge and electric.
Surge brakes are hydraulic and are completely contained on the trailer. They are commonly found on boat trailers and rental trailers. The modern surge brakes being, Disc Brakes, are very effective but will add about $1000 to the cost of a trailer. The older type are drum and can be had for about $750.
The most common type for a utility trailer are electric. They are always drums. We can only hope they will develop a disc electric brake someday. They cost about $200 per axle and you will need a controller, about $125, and the associated wiring on your vehicle, about $100. Most modern Explorer sized SUV's and up are pre-wired along with all 1/2 ton trucks and up. Not common in your size SUV. So as you can see the cost for most is about $325 to set up a trailer and tow vehicle for using electric brakes.
The other two types are air and electric over hydraulic. These are commonly found on larger trailers 20,000# and up. Not a concern for your application.
The brake-away system is simple. The law states it must apply full braking for 15 minutes, that's it. It is a system that can be added to any brake system with the proper parts. Its not required in all states but in NJ it is on any trailer requiring brakes. Thats trailers over 3,000#.
On a electric brake system if the trailer becomes disconnected it activates a switch that applies voltage directly to the trailers brakes via a small on-board battery. This battery will last for 5 years or so and cost about $25. It holds the brakes until the battery goes dead.
On a surge system if the trailer becomes disconnected it pulls a lever which simulates brake activation and applies hydraulic pressure to the brakes. It will hold indefinitely until reset.
I know we all want to save money but think of your investment? You have the SUV, trailer, tractor, your life, ect.
Chris
, falls under the 3,000# brake limit. Either way the price just went up. In another week you'll be inquiring about trading in your Honda for a new f-450 vehicle which of course opens another can of worms, can you imagine how stupid you'd look hauling a piddly 14 foot trailer with that.
