Trailer braking system

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:01 PM

harley3348

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

Trailer braking system

I have a 2002 F250 7.3 PSD 4x4 crewcab shortbed. A friend has asked if I could tow a 5000 lb trailer for him. I have the tow package which has the large plug under the rear bumper. My question is if I plug in the trailer and step on the brakes will that activate the trailer brakes.

Harley

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:03 PM

RZAR

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 258

Likes: 0

From: California

Only if you have a trailer brake controller installed on you truck.

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:10 PM

m350

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,181

Likes: 3

From: Eastern CT.

LOL,,,,a Barking system,,,Woof-Woof,,,aarf-aarf,,Haa !,,Just messin with ya !!

If you dont have a Brake controller,,,the Brakes will not be applied on the trailer !

The Tow Command system started with the 05' and up SuperDuty trucks,,,these trucks,,if they Had Tow Command,,,came with a Factory Ford Built in Brake Controller,,,a sweet setup !!

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:20 PM

fz1dave

Super Duty

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,525

Likes: 1

From: NW IN.

Funny mix-up on the title. I thought this was gonna be about a dog barking before you backed into something.

As the others have said, you need a controller for the trailer brakes to work.

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:22 PM

MexicanScaper987

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2,557

Likes: 0

From: Bucks county PA

Even without brakes, depending on your terrain and where your going, towing 5,000 lbs with out trailer brakes isn't to big of a deal. Most single axle trailers are between 2900-3500 lbs. Some medium sized tree chippers that don't have brakes weight in close to 5,000 pounds as well.

Feb 18, 2011 | 07:48 PM

texastech_diesel

Token Redneck

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 9,331

Likes: 341

From: Breckenridge, TX

In Texas, double axle utility trailers tagged at 7k don't have to have brakes installed. I've pulled several 3-5k trailers, mostly on I70 in Colorado with a Ranger or an Expedition and never once used a brake controller with any of them. 5k trailer on 5k truck with 6% grade was dicey sometimes, just gotta drive smart.

Don't be an idiot and it won't be an issue. But no matter what, if you lock up the brakes going 70mph, not even a controller will save you from rolling the trailer, and probably your truck.

Feb 18, 2011 | 08:04 PM

TennesseeMustangPerf

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,674

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by fz1dave

Funny mix-up on the title. I thought this was gonna be about a dog barking before you backed into something.

As the others have said, you need a controller for the trailer brakes to work.

Lol, yeah I did not know what to expect on this one. Thought it might be some sort of trailer alarm system or something.

O.P.- The best way to tell is to hook the trailer up and see if you have lights. Your truck being a 2002 though, it will not be integrated into the dash, but rather will be a command module under the dash, usually has a green/amber LED and a slide switch.