Trailer Brakes

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Mar 5, 2019 | 02:52 PM

RMCN

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Trailer Brakes

I’ve got a 24 foot bay boat. Trailer, boat and motor probably weigh 4500-5000lbs at the max. I don’t trust the brake system on the trailer so I’d like to eliminate the setup. What are your thoughts? Pulling with the harness unplugged seems fine and the truck brakes just fine.

Mar 5, 2019 | 02:59 PM

PentaPop

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I think the truck’s brakes would handle that just fine but.....

What’s wrong with the trailer brakes? Does your state require them for a trailer that size? Will you still have a break-away?

Mar 5, 2019 | 03:00 PM

2009kr

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It's a bad idea for at least two reasons.
1. If you need to stop fast, 1/3 of your mass has no brakes. Your braking is limited by the friction of the tires on the road, and 1/3 of that potential stopping force will be gone.
2. If you need to stop fast on a turn, your trailer will push very hard on the back of your truck at an angle. This can jackknife your rig.

Mar 5, 2019 | 03:04 PM

sgeorge

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Joined: Jan 2016

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From: El Cajon, Ca

What I did.

I would check with your state laws requiring brakes on trailers that size. In the communist state of California that would be illegal and a potential violation. I understand your pain as the surge drum brakes on my 21 Trophy boat failed very early. I went to Kodiak surge disc brakes and have not had a problem in years. Drum brakes and saltwater are a bad combination.

Mar 5, 2019 | 03:20 PM

BowtieConvert

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Joined: Jan 2017

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From: Jacksonville

^^^^ What sgeorge said. Upgrade to the discs. ^^^^ That's a lot of weight to have to stop in an emergency, especially on a wet road.

Mar 5, 2019 | 03:55 PM

minke

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From: fly-over country

Many states require 1K or 1.5K pound trailers to have brakes.

As others have pointed (and I am being somewhat repetitive to make a point) just because braking is OK under good conditions doesn't mean that all will be well under poor conditions.

Mar 5, 2019 | 04:00 PM

67L48

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Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 1,366

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From: Frederick, CO

TX (4.5K), AK (5K), and MA (10K) are the only states I know of that wouldn't require trailer brakes on a 4,000 lb trailer. All but a handful of states would also require a break-away device.

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Mar 5, 2019 | 04:03 PM

f350ktm

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 698

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From: Rural Northern California

Agree with all the above.
I would not personally tow that much weight with no trailer brakes regardless of regulations.
That much mass in motion in certain situations will not stop under full control.

Replacing trailer brakes is not a difficult task at all and really not that expensive either.

Here is a link to just one of many trailer suppliers that sell kits...

Southwest Wheel Company