towing camper without trailer brake control

shortride · #31 (**permalink**) 02-25-2012, 05:51 AM

You can tow anything within the limits of the recommend capacities. People have been doing it for years before TBC was available.

meborder · #32 (**permalink**) 02-25-2012, 09:27 AM

True, but those recommendations usually include the use of trailer brakes over a specified weight.

admittedly, the only reference in the 2011 manual is a rather obscure sentence on pg. 270 indicating that the brakes of the tow vehicle are designed to operate at the GVWR not the GCWR.

so technically speaking, if you take the weight of your truck, add all the cargo, and the weight of the trailer. if that number is less than your GVWR, then you wouldn't need trailer brakes. any vehicle combination weight over your GVWR, by this statement, requires trailer brakes.

even the manual for my 79 f350 includes a sentence requiring trailer brakes over 2000lbs towing.

i only comment because one could read the above comment to say that a truck with an 11,300lbs tow rating can safely tow that trailer without the use of trailer brakes, and that is not the case.

kd0axs · #33 (**permalink**) 02-25-2012, 10:03 AM

Most states have laws regarding the use of trailer brakes. Here in MN, trailer brakes are required on any trailer over 3,000 lbs.

Check your local laws because these things are different in every state.

FoMoFun · #34 (**permalink**) 02-25-2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

I have hauled campers, boats and trailers all my life and consider myself to be experienced hauler. but this would be the first time hauling a camper without the brake control.

Dumb idea...........you just spent how much on a rig and want to risk that, your family and others by driving w/o a brake controller on just a 100 mile trip? Spend the money (not much by the way) and hook up a controller. It's quite easy to do.

parker245 · #35 (**permalink**) 02-26-2012, 07:54 PM

I spent that last week either hauling a 16' Haulmark box trailer or my pop-up. Total cost for the controller and install was less than $110. Three times with the box trailer and once with the camper I needed them. Too many fools on the road around here than haven't a clue how to drive and will pull out in front of you no matter what you're driving.