Brake controller and dual trailer help
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Roll Tide, Roll
Brake controller and dual trailer help
I am in need of help. I am in need of pulling 2 trailers,at once.both have electric brakes. is there a way to tee off truck 7 prong brake connector and run to 2 trailers for brakes. 1st trailer will be a tad over 20ft cargo trailer. 2nd trailer is a 20 ft dovetail carhauler,which will have a truck on it. I will be headed out and over eisenhower tunnel. so im in need of brakes. any help would be appreciated. Or is this something that can't be done?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
The brake controller should be capable of braking four axles, so you should be good there. There are a couple things to remember though:
First of all, is your lead trailer going to be a gooseneck or 5th wheel? Many states that permit double towing require the lead trailer to be pulled with an in-bed hitch rather than a bumper tow.
Secondly, is your lead trailer going to be lighter than your trailing trailer? If so this is a DEADLY combination, and is against Federal law for commercial carriers. As a truck driver this was one thing that is constantly emphasized, as a minor steering adjustment in the tow vehicle can magnify down the line andd cause the trailing trailer to rollover. The lead trailer HAS to be heavier than the trailing trailer. I've thought of towing doubles before, but I would never consider towing something as heavy and high COG as a vehicle on the trailing trailer. To add to this you're towing it over the worst highway grade in the nation...
I wouldn't do it. The brakes can be wired, but I see this as being dangerous under the best of circumstances.
First of all, is your lead trailer going to be a gooseneck or 5th wheel? Many states that permit double towing require the lead trailer to be pulled with an in-bed hitch rather than a bumper tow.
Secondly, is your lead trailer going to be lighter than your trailing trailer? If so this is a DEADLY combination, and is against Federal law for commercial carriers. As a truck driver this was one thing that is constantly emphasized, as a minor steering adjustment in the tow vehicle can magnify down the line andd cause the trailing trailer to rollover. The lead trailer HAS to be heavier than the trailing trailer. I've thought of towing doubles before, but I would never consider towing something as heavy and high COG as a vehicle on the trailing trailer. To add to this you're towing it over the worst highway grade in the nation...
I wouldn't do it. The brakes can be wired, but I see this as being dangerous under the best of circumstances.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
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From: North of Salt Lake City
Slider - I don't even know you but I don't want to see you die. Don't do it man. On a country road, sure, but over the highest peak in the US? This is a faces of death video in the making...
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Roll Tide, Roll
Thanks. that what i was looking for. it can be wired for brakes. but my last time just going down with toyhauler was a experience in itself as in i dont feel as though my EB does a thing,other than let engine scream its guts out,and gains speed, as i thought i was going to have to use a runaway ramp once. So i will have to fiqure out another plan.Thanks fellas for getting my head back on straight.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2003
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The time I pulled duals the first trailer had a plug installed on the back of it. So the brakes and lights all t-d off the first trailer (I'm assuming they had done the brakes too). It was actually done at the manufacturing plant of the trailer since this was their method of delivery. It was gooseneck pulling a tag along. They did sometimes use dollies to pull 2 goosenecks.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Maryville (Mur Vul), TN
What is the length of the total rig. Here in Michigan it can not exceed 65'. I pull a dual trailer but the rear trailer is only a 5 x 8 trailer for scooters.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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Not to spin things back around, but I would be curious what the overall setup would be.
What hitch is on the lead trailer?
What is the all up weight of the lead trailer/load?
What is the all up weight of the last trailer? How big of a truck?
You did mention the lead trailer being a 20ft cargo. Is there any way you can put the truck in that trailer and split the load out of the cargo trailer to the rear trailer?
As to the brakes - I don't see the number of axles being an issue but how do you match the power for the load in each? For larger 5vers and equipment trailers with triple axles I can see one power setting as it is one load split over 3 identical axles. However, when you mix trailers you are inevitably going to mix loads and axle/brake combos. What might be an adequate stopping power level of 4 on your lighter trailer might not budge a larger one. If you need to crank the power level up to 7 for adequate stopping of a heavier trailer you could lock up a lighter trailer.
What hitch is on the lead trailer?
What is the all up weight of the lead trailer/load?
What is the all up weight of the last trailer? How big of a truck?
You did mention the lead trailer being a 20ft cargo. Is there any way you can put the truck in that trailer and split the load out of the cargo trailer to the rear trailer?
As to the brakes - I don't see the number of axles being an issue but how do you match the power for the load in each? For larger 5vers and equipment trailers with triple axles I can see one power setting as it is one load split over 3 identical axles. However, when you mix trailers you are inevitably going to mix loads and axle/brake combos. What might be an adequate stopping power level of 4 on your lighter trailer might not budge a larger one. If you need to crank the power level up to 7 for adequate stopping of a heavier trailer you could lock up a lighter trailer.
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Postmaster
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From: Roll Tide, Roll
Issue resolved.I am one who never asks for another mans equipment. i always make due,with what i have.this being dangerous especially where im headed. A nice man i never met heard of what i needed to do, and is going to let me borrow a trailer that will accomadate everything i need to take. Thanks to all who responded. Safety is #1and i need not to ever forget that.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 295
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From: Louisiana
This could be done but would require a second brake controller to control the rear most trailer seperate from the first trailer.
Glad to see someone help you out. If I had the equipment to help you out I would be glad to.
Glad to see someone help you out. If I had the equipment to help you out I would be glad to.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I do not agree with some posts here. This can NOT be done safely. With brakes or otherwise, having a second trailer that weighs anything close to what the first weighs is dangerous, doing it over the worst highway grade in the nation may well be fatal.
Epic summed it up well...
Epic summed it up well...
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