Towing without trailer brakes
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Towing without trailer brakes
A friend would like me to tow his boat that is on a tandem axle trailer and weighs in at less than 3000lbs. The problem is the surge brakes are inoperative and he wants to repair them at the destination which is 40 miles away. The drive is mostly flat. I have a 2015 SD 6.2 with a 4.30 rear end. The question is will my truck handle this without a braking issue?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
I checked the vehicle code and there is no mention of trailer brakes. I am just concerned about the trailer moving in an unintended direction during a hard stop.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: Tri-Cities, TN
I bet close to half of the surge brakes out there aren't working correctly... It shouldn't be an issue if you drive with caution, but in most states anything over 2k (IIRC) requires trailer brakes.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Thanks for your comments! I think I've convinced him to do a disk brake conversion in the storage lot. Really didn't want to take a chance with having his boat spread all over the landscape.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
40 miles of flat. That ain't much. You could do that twice in less time than you could clear an accident caused by a lack of braking power. Can he take the boat off for the first round, then return with a properly braked trailer?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
Can't say for other states, but PA does not require brakes on trailers under 3K. 3,001 GVWR and up requires brakes. Leave plenty of room to stop, but you should be fine.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Central Colorado
I probably wouldn't have worried about it. I pull a trailer that pushes 2700 when loaded with the ATVs and miscellaneous camping gear and it does not even brakes, inoperable or otherwise.
In looking at this list Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws it appears that most states make the break on whether needed or not at 3000 GVW. A few are less and some are more.
In looking at this list Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws it appears that most states make the break on whether needed or not at 3000 GVW. A few are less and some are more.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
I probably wouldn't have worried about it. I pull a trailer that pushes 2700 when loaded with the ATVs and miscellaneous camping gear and it does not even brakes, inoperable or otherwise.
In looking at this list Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws it appears that most states make the break on whether needed or not at 3000 GVW. A few are less and some are more.
In looking at this list Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws it appears that most states make the break on whether needed or not at 3000 GVW. A few are less and some are more.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
I pulled an 8,500lb 5th wheel about 50 miles through western PA (not exactly flat) without trailer brakes. Your advantage is you KNOW they are out. Your safety cushion is about 4X what it would be normally with towing that weight. Plan your route, avoid heavy traffic and steep grades. 3k isn't that heavy for your truck. You should do fine.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
I'd tow it.
Use manual mode for the trans so you have max engine braking. Keep lots of distance in front of you so you have plenty of reaction time.
I have towed many a trailer without brakes. Did once at about 16K out in Ohio and did just fine. But I have a lot of experience with these situations.
Use manual mode for the trans so you have max engine braking. Keep lots of distance in front of you so you have plenty of reaction time.
I have towed many a trailer without brakes. Did once at about 16K out in Ohio and did just fine. But I have a lot of experience with these situations.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Good listener
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
28
Sep 5, 2018 04:01 PM