To Brake or not to brake?

[Gromulin]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

...I am going to be towing an 87 22' Doral cuddy (approx.4200lbs), and a tandem axle trailer(approx.1100 lbs.) with my new 2010 F150 Crew Cab 4.6v8, trailer pkg. with possi trac....

Another BIG yes on the brakes...can't imagine a boat that big without surge brakes already on the trailer.

And I hope there's not many hills around you. That 4,200 is most likely a DRY weight. Add 8lbs/gallon for gas, and lets assume a 40 gal tank thats another 320 lbs...add misc gear, etc and I'd bet that boat will scale at 4,600+, then add in the trailer...you are probably right at or over the rated capacity of that 4.6 litre. I've tried towing at or near capacity...it's not fun, and would be suicidal without some good brakes on the trailer.

 

[DJ]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

well ppl i am in a little bit of a pickle Do i really need brakes on my trailer? I am going to be towing an 87 22' doral cuddy (approx.4200lbs), and a tandem axle trailer(approx.1100 lbs.) with my new 2010 f150 crew cab 4.6v8, trailer pkg. With possi trac. Do i really need brakes on the trailer .

yes!!!!!!

 

[dan t.]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

Princess Auto for trailer parts, dont know about Ont but in BC a tandem trailer must have brakes on both axles

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

Lots of resources on the internet to replace your brakes, and its really freaking easy if you just get new plates and drums or upgrade to disc, even installing surge brakes is a 5 on a 1-10 scale at best fellas. all parts needed are on the web, you can do electric brakes on your own trailer for less then $500 total for 2 axles, need new axles thats a bit more but still pretty cheap off the web.

Should the OP have brakes on his trailer? absolutely

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

Yes. Without a doubt. If that boat and trailer is as heavy as you say, then it could get pretty close to the weight of your tow rig when it's loaded down.

I personally would not tow it out of the driveway without brakes. Legal or not, it's a horrible idea.

Sorry to sound harsh. I mean no disrespect. But that load needs brakes to be safe.

I totally agree. Good brakes, you won't even realize it's behind you when you stop.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

I pull my 20ft Tahoe with a pretty hefty Honda Pilot.

I pulled it the other day with the reverse brake release pin in place and stopping from 60 clicks put my heart in my mouth until I realised my mistake.

YES, get your brakes fixed.

If I hade to stop in an emergency with that pin in, END OF......no question.

 

[RichRab]

Re: To Brake or not to brake?

I did not see anyone say about changing the wheel cylinders- I am sure they are frozen. The first thing I would do is spray everything with Liquid Wrench type lube and take old parts off to see what is rusted and cannot be removed without breaking. Parts like brake lines could be trouble. You want to have all your parts before you start so there are no unforseen problems. If you can convert to disc brakes they can easily be washed after each use, just wait for them to cool so you do not warp rotors.