Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

[Nate-Star]

We just bought a 1986 Bayliner Capri 1950CX, I absolutely love it,, it's our first boat...When we purchased it, it came with the trailer single axle, but NO BRAKES!! My fear is we will be driving a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica V6 to tow it,,,,will this do alot of damage on my Pacifica ( it's max weight on towing is 3,500lbs ). I have been pricing out cost to have the Tie down Hydraulic Drum brake actuator $150, Brake controller $50, and then the $149.99 for each tire to be set up with drum breaks ( was told it had to be drum brakes as the tires are hub) Unfortuanltey I still have to have the hitch installed on my Pacifica,,,,, First,,,, what would the total cost be if I had the electrial breaking system installed on the trailer?? Would I be better off selling this one and find one with brakes?? Any help would be appreciated...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

No matter what type of brakes you put on it, you will be replacing the hubs. What size tires are on there?

To add brakes to your axle, you will need a brake flange. Your existing axle may already have them. They are a square plate with 4 holes behind where the hub runs. If you don't have them, you are going to need a different axle. Some people say you can get them welded on later but you have to have someone do it that knows what he is doing and has a jig becuase having them parallel is an absolute.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Outboard or I/O? Capris (assuming it isn't waterlogged) are pretty light boats. It would not surprise me to see one on a non-braked trailer. Pacificas are real heavy too so while brakes are always a good idea I wouldn't be overly concerned about the "tail wagging the dog".

We had an '04 Pacifica for a short time and LOVED it. Unfortunately our main commuting vehicle died and we couldn't afford to drive the Pacifica 90 miles a day or have multiple car payments. So we traded it and the car in on a newer car. We really miss the Pacifica. I'm currently waiting for the prices to come down on loaded used '07/'08 models with the 4.0. Should make a pretty darn good tow vehicle.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

If the boat was matched with a single axle no brake trailer, don't worry about it unless you have unusual towing conditions. Obviously brakes aren't required since they sell a lot of trailers without them! There are some state regulations as to when you have to have them, and what kind; look into it but you will likely be below the requirements.
What trailer do they sell with a new boat like yours?

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

When I was replacing my complete brake setup on my trailer I bought this package....still alot of money at $325 but less than the numbers you are working with....I was replacing old brakes so I'm not 100% sure they will all match up with your trailer but I think they should.


http://trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=82102&eq=&Tp=

Edit: on second look maybe not...you may not have the flange required to mount up to.....BTW I kind of agree with the others about not sweating it too much...my first 18' boat didnt have breaks and I hardly noticed.

 

[Nate-Star]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Outboard or I/O? Capris (assuming it isn't waterlogged) are pretty light boats. It would not surprise me to see one on a non-braked trailer. Pacificas are real heavy too so while brakes are always a good idea I wouldn't be overly concerned about the "tail wagging the dog".

We had an '04 Pacifica for a short time and LOVED it. Unfortunately our main commuting vehicle died and we couldn't afford to drive the Pacifica 90 miles a day or have multiple car payments. So we traded it and the car in on a newer car. We really miss the Pacifica. I'm currently waiting for the prices to come down on loaded used '07/'08 models with the 4.0. Should make a pretty darn good tow vehicle.

Thank you for your help, I think we may go ahead and put a hitch on the Pacifica ( Betsy ) and see how it goes in a empty parking lot, test the stopping distance and such...Hopefully all goes well. I am hoping it does the job...Or husband is going to make me buy him a truck! LOL..

 

[Nate-Star]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

When I was replacing my complete brake setup on my trailer I bought this package....still alot of money at $325 but less than the numbers you are working with....I was replacing old brakes so I'm not 100% sure they will all match up with your trailer but I think they should.


http://trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=82102&eq=&Tp=

Edit: on second look maybe not...you may not have the flange required to mount up to.....BTW I kind of agree with the others about not sweating it too much...my first 18' boat didnt have breaks and I hardly noticed.

Thanks, I really appreciate your response.

 

[Nate-Star]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Outboard or I/O? Capris (assuming it isn't waterlogged) are pretty light boats. It would not surprise me to see one on a non-braked trailer. Pacificas are real heavy too so while brakes are always a good idea I wouldn't be overly concerned about the "tail wagging the dog".

We had an '04 Pacifica for a short time and LOVED it. Unfortunately our main commuting vehicle died and we couldn't afford to drive the Pacifica 90 miles a day or have multiple car payments. So we traded it and the car in on a newer car. We really miss the Pacifica. I'm currently waiting for the prices to come down on loaded used '07/'08 models with the 4.0. Should make a pretty darn good tow vehicle.

Sorry, forgot to answer...It's a I/O with a Volvo 4 cycliner engine.

 

[cribber]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

I too trailer my Glastron GT-185 I/O 3.0l penta with a 2004 Pacifica. I barely know it's back there. I put a Hidden Hitch Tube Class III rated to 5000# It took longer trying to decide how I wanted to route the harness than it did to install the hitch. The Pacifica comes with some beefy disc brakas all around so you should be okay with no trailer brakes. Just make sure your boat and trailer are under the weight that requires brakes so you don't get a ticket if pulled over.

 

[Nate-Star]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

I too trailer my Glastron GT-185 I/O 3.0l penta with a 2004 Pacifica. I barely know it's back there. I put a Hidden Hitch Tube Class III rated to 5000# It took longer trying to decide how I wanted to route the harness than it did to install the hitch. The Pacifica comes with some beefy disc brakas all around so you should be okay with no trailer brakes. Just make sure your boat and trailer are under the weight that requires brakes so you don't get a ticket if pulled over.

What type of engine is in your Pacifica?? V6 or V8?? I am hoping mine being a V6 it would be okay.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

They only have V6s.

From '04-'07 they only had a 3.5L. From '07-08 they had a 3.8L or a 4.0L. Most were 4.0.

 

[Nate-Star]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

They only have V6s.

From '04-'07 they only had a 3.5L. From '07-08 they had a 3.8L or a 4.0L. Most were 4.0.

Thanks

 

[cribber]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Yup they only came with a V6... the 3.5L engine rated at 250 hp and 250# torque and the 4.0L is 253 hp and 262 # of torque. That's plenty of power to pull 3500 pounds pretty much any where you go. Plus being front wheel drive I have no issues hauling my boat out of the water up steep ramps.

That said... there is one draw back. Because the Pacifica has such a low wide stance, I had to find an 8 inch drop ball mount that I flipped over to get 6 inches of rise clearance to keep my set up just under level.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

The problem is not the engine. Its the unibody frame.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Your Pacifica weighs at least 4600# (over 4700# if it's a Limited like mine). You're probably looking at around 3000# towing weight total with gas, etc. That may require you to add brakes, depending on where you live, and it certainly couldn't hurt to add them anyway.

I went with an authentic Mopar Class 3 hitch on mine. It cost about the same as an aftermarket unit, and came with a template for cutting the rear valance panel, trim for the cut panel, and a Mopar-labeled receiver opening cover. I also bought a Mopar wiring harness- fully plug-and-play, including the fuse that needs to be installed in the underhood fuse box.

You weakest link is the transaxle. Add an external cooler.

BTW, ezmobee, the FWD versions in '04 (I think) also used the 3.8.

 

[kamby]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

I have an 85 Capri 1950, weight is 2000 with engine and the trailer is 525 so. Thats empty weight. Mine has a 28 gallon tank. My guess its right around 3000 give or take. Has a single axle caulkins escort trailer. I've towed it with a GMC sonoma with a 4.3 in it, didnt even know it was back there and never had a problem getting out at any launch being 2wd. As long as you feel comfortable braking and accelerating your probably alright. If not its not that hard to add electric brakes.

 

[fyrfightr]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

Ohio has a law that requires brakes on any trailer over 2000lbs. Some dealers would sell new boat/trailer packages over 2000lbs without brakes because the trailer registration in Ohio only counts the weight of the empty trailer. If you are pulled over, or worse involved in an accident you can be cited for not having brakes on the trailer. If the trailer is an Escort brand (which was part of the Bayliner package for your boat when new), It will have the flange for mounting the backing plate for the brakes on. I would also check out the towing capacities on the Pacifica. Most vehicles under a 3/4 ton rating require trailer brakes over 1000lbs. Your vehicle may feel like it has plenty of braking power, till you go down a long hill and glaze the pads.

 

[kamby]

Re: Trailer Has No Brakes--what To Do??

My advice to people is go with what makes you comfortable driving. Some people thats a 1 ton duelly hauling a 14' tinny. Also know the law for the most parts states are 3000lbs and over must have brakes.

Then common sense your in a longer rig, heavier, its not a race keep your pace, dont fallow too close and if you can avoid slamming on the brakes. When it comes to hills and stuff (this is were a manual is nice) gear down and let the engine slow you, brake as needed. Once you set your brakes on fire a couple times you learn.

A lot of the problems i see on the road people are in to much a hurry to get where they want to go and that can get you in a lot of trouble driving and towing.

And also dont get cocky about your ability to drive that can come back to bite you in the rear later.