What would be the limit of a trailer that doesn't have brakes weight wise?
Mabey I can ask this better,,,, I am looking for how much weight one can tow without any other brakes other than the ones that are on the old dodge itself,,,, I have a D350, and yes it has the larger rear brakes, and the braking system is in very good condition, I know that 1 ton in the bed is nothing to stop,,, But how far can i go with a loaded trailer and still have a reasonable stopping distance?
Peter.

 

Legally in PA you don't need to have trailer brakes if the gross trailer weight rating (not the actual weight) is less than 3000 lbs. However - IF the trailer is equipped with brakes (regardless of its weight) you MUST have a breakaway system that applies the brakes should the trailer become detached from the tow vehicle.

I think the PA law is a reasonable guideline, you wouldn't expect the truck to stop real well with 6000 lbs in the bed.

 

I tow a 5,400LB dual axle tank trailer (350 gallons) pretty regular. It doesn't have brakes. In a few instances I have been scared!

The stuff I pull that do have brakes are like a revelation!

 

This is a timely thread......I've got an old 31' Airstream (approx. 7000 lbs.) that I need to tow to an RV dealer that's about 20 miles away.

The brakes on the trailer are vacuum assisted electric. My old truck (F 250) had a vacuum fitting under the rear bumper that a line from the trailer hooked up to.

My Dodge doesn't have the vacuum setup......I've been concerned about moving the trailer any distance without the brakes on it working properly.

I only need to move the trailer to and from the dealer one time, as we are selling it this spring.

Not sure what I'll do yet......

 

Not sure what I'll do yet...... [/QUOTE]

I have had to haul, tow, or drive "not so good a shape" stuff every
once in awhile and if it's real iffy as to safety I always move it
in the middle of the night, a back route, with maybe another
escort vehicle along.

Just plan it all ahead of time, cover every scenario of Murphys Law aka "logistics" and drive slooooow.
Always think multi-million $$ lawsuit if something goes awry.

 

trailer brakes are over-rated!

they have saved me a time or two, but i wasnt driving defensively!

take you time harley and im sure youll be fine!

brett

 

I pulled this (10091 lbs) about 12 miles with no brakes on the trailer...like they said, plan ahead and take your time. My stopping distances were probably about 3-4 times what they normally would be empty. NOT fun at all and I told the guy I would NEVER move it again without brakes...

 

When I picked up my 5th wheel from the dealer they did not tell me about trailer brakes. Mine were not working at all. Came through the altamont pass and found out what scary is. 5th wheel 9100 pounds. Stopped by truck brakes alone. Fortunately I stopped but not without pushing the pedal through the floorboard. I since have learned that trailer brakes are VERY important do not leave home without them.

 

Towing heavy weight WITH brakes is dangerous enough, towing loads without is what will get someone killed. If you've got to, you've got to, but be safe man.

 

Most state require trailer brakes for trailers 3000# and over

 

My 3500 has a trailer hooked to it almost every time it is driven. I do not like towing without brakes. Defensive driving or not there are a lot of idiots out there. Driving in the city 99% of the time, brakes are a necessity. The brake controller may be turned down low but the brakes are still working. Plus, it is much easier on the truck brakes. Don't get a tandem axle trailer without them. It is worth the money to get the brakes.

 

My 12' utility trailer (tandem axle) is rated for 2900# no brakes, 7,000# brakes. I have brakes on one axle.

I have towed my 12,000# 44' gooseneck short distances without brakes, but my 3500 DRW has a PRXB Pac Brake, and I have not had a problem.

Drive very defensively allowing extra stopping distance - but as mudwisr2 said, it just makes sense to have brakes - having to deal with failed trailer brakes during a trip is one thing, one does what one has to. But starting out knowing that one has no brakes.......