Towing Small Trailer
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Towing Small Trailer
I have a quick question regarding towing a small single axle trailer with a medium load of stone. I would say the load with the trailer shouldnt exceed 4,000 pounds. Anyway my question is do I need electronic brakes on my truck to pull a trailer this size and weight. Sorry if this is a stupid question however I dont have much experience with towing. Any input would be appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
Is this an occasional tow or an everyday tow? If it is every once and awhile I would say no. Then I don't know for sure but I think you would have to outfit the trailer with the brakes and the truck with the braking unit. 
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Central Texas
I have a small 4x8' single axle trailer and a 18' boat with trailer that I pull either on occasion. The boat not often enough. 
I don't have brakes on either. I have loaded the utility trailer pretty full with different materials and not had a problem. Just give yourself more stopping distance.
I don't have brakes on either. I have loaded the utility trailer pretty full with different materials and not had a problem. Just give yourself more stopping distance.
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From: Second star to the right!
Personally, I think every trailer needs brakes. I built a trailer without brakes and after towing with it, I quickly added them. If you are going to tow without brakes, by all means, slow down and give yourself plenty of distance to stop. 4000# is a quite of bit of weight to stop. Just a side note...4000# will probably be exceeding the weight capacity of the axle on a single axle trailer.
Posting Guru
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From: Lynden, WA.
Possibly too much weight for the trailer, but not for the truck.
Here in Washington, any trailer with GVW over 3000 lbs. needs trailer brakes by law. I'll have to agree with tristanckc on all points. The truck will handle the load, and braking wouldn't be a big problem on the flat, but on hills or at speed you're allowing trouble's door to open. Check your local laws and the weight rating for the trailer tires, axles and trailer hitch ball that's used. And if you can, any time you're hauling a heavy load on a single axle trailer, use a load leveling hitch with an anti-Sway bar. Some times it's good to make two trips with smaller loads. Put some of that rock in the bed of the truck.
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CO River Rat
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
VA requires brakes for trailers over 3000#; how legal do you want to be? There's also other people on the road to consider, if something happens. Some people may say it's OK, but they're not gonna be around if you have/cause a problem with that trailer.
Steve
Steve
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Brett Foote
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I agree with the others that many states use 3000 lbs. as a cutoff for trailers without brakes.
What I would do would depend on some other circumstances, such as where am I going with this load? 1/8 mile down a rural and mostly empty road then OK, risk it. Would I go out on a hilly and very busy road with the potential of lots of cars, NO!
The tire issue is a big deal, especially if you are going out on the main roads at highway speeds. Check the load ratings and you may be suprised at how little you can safely haul...
What I would do would depend on some other circumstances, such as where am I going with this load? 1/8 mile down a rural and mostly empty road then OK, risk it. Would I go out on a hilly and very busy road with the potential of lots of cars, NO!
The tire issue is a big deal, especially if you are going out on the main roads at highway speeds. Check the load ratings and you may be suprised at how little you can safely haul...
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