towing camper without trailer brake control

[Ironhand03]

The OEM TBC unit is actually fairly cheap at 200 bucks for the whole unit including install kit.

[parker245]

Originally Posted by Ironhand03

The OEM TBC unit is actually fairly cheap at 200 bucks for the whole unit including install kit.

Unless my local dealership didn't sell me the factory OEM TBC, I bought one from them yesterday for $75 US and had it installed at a local electronic installer for less than $40.

In response to another post in this thread, I bought a larger pop-up from a dealer a couple of years ago and they tossed in and installed the TBC for my wife's SUV with the cost of the camper. At the time, I had a company car and didn't feel like I wanted to put one on it simply because I traded every three years and didn't want to have another piece of electronics to take out and have reinstalled in something new. Since then I've changed jobs and had to buy the first DD for me in the last 20 years. I have several trailers. One pop-up camper, boat, cook trailer and a utility trailer. Yesterday my Scout Troop acquired a 16' box trailer with tandem axles and trailer brakes on both axles. The TBC in my case comes in handy when I least think it would. My electronics/RV dealer said it best: "Replacing brakes on the trailer is a heck of a lot cheaper than replacing brakes on the tow vehicle." The added advantage is that I can write off on my taxes the cost of the TBC and the install because it is for my Scout Troop. It isn't much, but every little bit helps.

Just my .02. But a C-note now makes a lot more sense than spending much more later on a complete brake job on the tow vehicle.

[simprog1700]

I would not attempt that on the road at all. One little oops and your life could be ruined in lawsuits, medical bills, etc. They are pretty strict about this in the state I live in and will prosecute and show no mercy. My boat weighs 4500 lbs and the state has a law about being over 3000 lbs and trailer brakes needed. I had to show a couple CPO's the surge brakes in the trailer before I was off the hook. Be careful if you don't have a trailer brake on something that large.

[Ironhand03]

Originally Posted by parker245

Unless my local dealership didn't sell me the factory OEM TBC, I bought one from them yesterday for $75 US and had it installed at a local electronic installer for less than $40.

Thats the price for a 2012 EB OEM TBC.

[AA99]

x2 on safety concerns and given they are less than $100, I would recommend getting one. We carry several options, click here to see them.
Or you can click here to read the reviews from other truck owners.

[Mr. Mcbeevee]

That is exactly what my camper weighs and I pulled mine 90 miles the first time I pulled it with no trailer brakes and the truck did fine, just do not go too fast or follow very close. I had the dealer install the FBC before I took delivery and they forgot to the reflash to activate it, but I did not know this till I hooked to the camper.

[tvsjr]

Please do the safe thing for everyone on the road and install a TBC - be it aftermarket or OEM (although I'd go OEM).

Your truck has brakes designed for a maximum of, what, 7K lbs. (unless you have the HD Payload package)? You're talking about doubling the design weight. Not a good idea, and it will be a very bad and expensive day if you have a wreck.

[vlmach1]

Def drive slow.

[vlmach1]

U can burn ur brakes out with out the brake control

[2000 excursion v10]

humm i tow over 13k all the time with my lifed x and never even thought of getting a TBC. but i do have larger rotors that are drilled and slotted.

[meborder]

Originally Posted by 2000 excursion v10

humm i tow over 13k all the time with my lifed x and never even thought of getting a TBC. but i do have larger rotors that are drilled and slotted.

larger slotted rotors are better at resisting heat fade, along with ceramic brake pads, all of which are very good insurance items for any tow rig.

that being said, It does nothing to increase the amout of friction available between the road and the vehicle combination.

Properly designed, installed and adjusted trailer brakes can *double* the amount of linear traction available to the vehicle combination to make a safe stop.

Another benefit to trailer brakes, which is often overlooked, is the ability to conrol trailer sway. the factory brake control and trailer sway detection utilizes this function, but you can use it as a premptive measure to prevent trailer sway if needed.

if you see a semi about to pass you, grab the trailer brakes and ride them a bit until the truck goes by ... all but eliminates the trailer's ability to begin swaying.... works great!

[tvsjr]

Originally Posted by 2000 excursion v10

humm i tow over 13k all the time with my lifed x and never even thought of getting a TBC. but i do have larger rotors that are drilled and slotted.

So, you're towing 13,000lbs. without any sort of trailer brakes? Do you race trains on who can stop faster?

In short... male bovine excrement.

[2000 excursion v10]

my truck has a tbc in it from the previous owner. but my wires going to the trailers brake drums are cut. so never even bothered to use/fix them. how do they work anyway? is it like an electric actuator that opens the brake shoes? and what is the sliding button on the controller?

[On Holiday]

If I am reading this correctly, you only need a TBC if the trailer has electric brakes. If the trailer has surge brakes then a TBC is not required. In the state that I live in, brakes are required over 3,000 pounds and all axles are to have brakes. I have a dual axle trailer with surge brakes.

[parkland]

i have a 6000 ish lb camper, and pull it all the time all over without brakes even on it.

I've never had any handling issues ever even in the winter.

There are brakes on there, but they're old and rusty and not working, oh well.