Another thread Got me thinking

[beanz2166]

Am I good pulling a 21' boat with a 2012 ford F150 super crew 4wd truck, WITHOUT trailer brakes? mostly flat land

 

[Grandad]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Hi beanz. Around here in Ontario, we're legally required to have brakes if the gross weight of trailer and boat exceeds 3,000 lbs. I believe my gross is less, perhaps 2700 lbs, but I've never weighed it yet. I decided to add electric brakes to one axle of the oversized twin axle trailer that I have to carry my 21' vintage Aluminum Starcraft behind my 2003 Ford Explorer V8. Having the opportunity to compare with and without brakes by switching the controller off, I can assure you that the brakes are effective and, in an emergency stop, I'm sure they would reduce my stopping distance substantially. - Grandad

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

in most states brakes would be required and in ALL states they would be a VERY good idea.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

I'd vote for brakes.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

You didn't mention where you're located but here's a regs listing.
Towing World Official Website

That is for RV trailers and may not be applicable for boat trailers. In N.C. RV trailers over 1000 lbs = yes. BOAT trailers over 3000lbs= yes

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Brakes are alway nice but I pull the same load without trailer brakes with the 2011 screw F150 truck and it stops the load great.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Brakes are alway nice but I pull the same load without trailer brakes with the 2011 screw F150 truck and it stops the load great.

But can you stop as fast as that Honda Accord when it switches lanes and slams on the brakes in front of you?

Anecdotal evidence is usually a poor choice to base these types of decisions on.

I vote for brakes.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

I pulled a 9 1/2' beam, 10,000lb cruiser one time without trailer brakes behind an F-250 and didn't get a wide load permit.

Just because nothing bad happened doesn't mean it was a good idea, or that I would do it more than once.

Another vote for brakes here.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

But can you stop as fast as that Honda Accord when it switches lanes and slams on the brakes in front of you?

Anecdotal evidence is usually a poor choice to base these types of decisions on.

I vote for brakes.

Even if the trailer has perfectly functioning brakes, the rig won't stop nearly as well as the Accord.

That said, get brakes, they are worth it. If you are starting from scratch, go with electric drum brakes. They are effective, cheap, and vastly easier to maintain.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Am I good pulling a 21' boat with a 2012 ford F150 super crew 4wd truck, WITHOUT trailer brakes? mostly flat land

Respectfully, Beanz2166, the correct question is not "am I good...WITHOUT", but rather do I value my rig more than the cost of the brakes. There will be MANY when times the brakes won't make a true difference in avoiding calamity...it's the ONE TIME that will save your boat from overtaking you during an emergency stop. Remember...they're called "accidents", not "intentionals" for a reason! Good Luck.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

It all just depends on how much your pulling and what you got to tow with. With a F 150, 4x4 that can be from7800 to 9800 depends on several things like, motor and gears, if it has a tow package and trans cooler and soon.

What dose the boat and trailer weigh. If its over 3500 pounds it needs brakes and duel axles.

Truck and SUV Towing Capacity Charts

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Am I good pulling a 21' boat with a 2012 ford F150 super crew 4wd truck, WITHOUT trailer brakes? mostly flat land

I always like to phrase it a bit differently by saying to myself, "If my son/daughter and/or grandmother were in the SmartCar in front of me, would I have wished that I'd put brakes on the trailer?"

Absolutely. Don't think about what you can do, but what you should do with respect to other people's lives.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

I always like to phrase it a bit differently by saying to myself, "If my son/daughter and/or grandmother were in the SmartCar in front of me, would I have wished that I'd put brakes on the trailer?"

Absolutely. Don't think about what you can do, but what you should do with respect to other people's lives.

Quoted for truth....

 

[tazrig]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

in most states brakes would be required and in ALL states they would be a VERY good idea.

^^^+1 when you blow out a set of brake lines on your truck going down the highway and have to wonder if your life insurance is paid up you will wish you put bakes on the trailer!!!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Get the breaks. I live in NC. They are required for trailers over 3K. You won't regret it.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

If you do not have brakes on trailer. you should not be on the road. MY .02

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Brakes will only make things better. Simple as that.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

OP, what does the boat weigh with the trailer? I would assume more than the 1000# brake requirement that your state has. Look it up.
Towing World Official Website
Illegal plain and simple. Spend the money and get them. Surge or electric, whatever you prefer... just something!

 

[Capt Sully]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Wouldn't you really just want to get a bigger truck.....lol oh, and brakes are good to have.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Another thread Got me thinking

Get the breaks. I live in NC. They are required for trailers over 3K. You won't regret it.

4000lbs is the limit in NC