Quote:
Originally Posted by speeder
Since there are some trailer towing people on this thread, does anyone know the simplest/cheapest way to install some basic trailer brakes on a small trailer? It's the little travel trailer on my thread on the first page. It currently has no brakes.
How heavy can a trailer be before it needs its own brakes? I know that many small utility trailers do not have them but any panic braking would send it sideways, no? Can something really simple like surge brakes be installed? I want a little bit more of a safety margin for her. TIA.  |
Denis,
There is a ton of aftermarket trailer brake kits available.
https://www.google.com/search?q=aftermarket+trailer+brakes&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US
fficial&client=firefox-a
The important thing is that she learn how to set the in truck/car resistance for the brakes. Seriously, a lot of folks don't take the time to learn you can adjust the amount of brake play between the vehicle and the trailer. I won't tow much of a trailer or load without trailer brakes and in cab controls.
With the right hand control in cab, if the trailer begins to oscillate for any reason, she can gently brake the trailer independent of the car brakes...brings it right back every time.
Concerning the OP, the only time I have had a trailer off the ball in over forty years of towing was when it I had an empty trailer going to pick up a tractor I had repaired at the local dealer. I forgot to lock the hitch.
Thank god I didn't forget the chains. The trailer came off over a bump when I was going about 25MPH. I dodged one.
I also have put the automatic brake device on my trailers: If they get off the ball and the chains break the trailer brakes automatically come on.
I treat, with the one notable exception, towing as an emergency about to happen.