warped rotors

[dgassy]

Re: warped rotors

i would have to do a little digging to find the trailer number <br /><br />the 3500# does come from actual wieghing as we have scales at work<br /><br />talked to highway patrol today, he said up to 6000# you have to have break-away brakes , over 6000# you have to have useable brakes but you can't exceed your GVCW<br /><br />i have to do the math , i think according to the numbers it should tow it .i think i have wimpy brakes and need to look at self adjusters ,but you could be right ,i might/probably need trailer brakes<br /><br />anyway i was just wondering who has the best brakes on the market today in the 1/2 ton pickups or if i need to step up to a 3/4 ton truck<br /><br /><br />---------------thanks guys

 

[jlinder]

Re: warped rotors

dgassy,<br /><br />I'm not sure I understand your reply. "up to 6000# you need breakaway brakes" If these are not brakes on the trailer what are you describing? What would "useable brakes" be? (As opposed to unusable brakes?)<br /><br />While states differ, I can't believe any state would say you do not need brakes up to 6000#. A quick check of the web found this site http://www.roadmasterinc.com/laws.htm verifying the 1500# requirement for CA.<br /><br />In any event don't go by the law - that is typically minimums for flat land. Common sense screams you need brakes for safety. That should be your guideline.<br /><br />I have found the members of this forum to be pretty good with their advice, and I don't think you will find one person who wll not tell you that you NEED brakes.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: warped rotors

Here's a web site that shows the trailer brake requirements in all states. Mass. has the least restrictive requirement (10,000 lbs -- yikes) with 5,000 being next, and anywhere from 1500 to 3000# being most common. With anything smaller than a Kenworth/Peterbuilt/Mac I can't imagine towing a 10,000# trailer without brakes. <br /><br /> http://www.roadmasterinc.com/laws.htm

 

[jlinder]

Re: warped rotors

upinsmoke<br /><br />Looks like we think alike - note the web site listed

 

[T S N]

Re: warped rotors

Our local trailer dealer says he will sell a trailer without brakes if you want it.<br />He knows what the law says, but the law does not require him to sell legal trailers.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: warped rotors

I find it hard to believe the state doesn't care if he sells a new brakeless trailer when brakes are required. If you are talking about Florida, trailers with a GVW rating with 3000# or higher, are required to have brakes. Perhaps its not enforced, but I would certainly not want to be involved in an accident having knowingly bought an illegal trailer. Your insurance company would very likely have some surprises for you as well.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: warped rotors

Hey Jack -- must have blown right past your post. The old eyes aren't what they used to be. But then neither is the brain. Cheers!

 

[SwampNut]

Re: warped rotors

You need brakes. I've driven a lot of trailers, with and without brakes, or with brakes in various states from great to useless. The difference is HUGE. Even a 3k trailer on a 1/2 ton truck is going to easily push your stopping distances 50-100% (I've measured it!).<br /><br />The half-ton trucks tend to be very light duty; the market is full of people who buy them for looks or for hauling plywood and home improvement stuff. There is a lot of competition and they cut costs on too many things.<br /><br />That's why my last truck purchase was a 3/4 ton HD diesel; no cut corners, monster brakes, lots of suspension strength. The difference in towing comfort is major. Well worth it.<br /><br />No matter what truck though, you need brakes. Stainless discs do quite well with salt water. I've tested a few trailers with my truck, and with the brakes locked out, even a 4k trailer pushed my stopping distance over 50%. In mountains it would be worse. On a curve it will tend to push out the back of the truck, which is where it lacks traction to start. So having to jam the brakes on a downhill curve could be a disaster.<br /><br />Here's the result of something like that at one of our local lakes:<br /><br />

 

[brine]

Re: warped rotors

the boat looks ok WHEW!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: warped rotors

Here's a little info regarding a comment I made earlier about the tire guys ability to warp rotors. Had a phone call from my daughter inquiring about pulsing brakes. Had new brakes and rotors installed just under 15,000 miles ago at a GoodYear store. Everything is fine until last weekend. Van was taken to Dodge dealer for routine service and tire rotation. Guess what! One day layer she has pulsating brakes. A trip to GoodYear got a confirmation that incorrect wheel installation is responsible for many warped rotors. Rather than get into a fight with the dealer, GoodYear replaced the rotors at their cost.

 

[brine]

Re: warped rotors

Upinsmoke: Good points. I have always had good luck with goodyear. Dealerships often let anybody do the tire rotation. Usually the bosses sons friend. A little bit of training would go a long way to prevent problems of this nature. Wheel torque is critical as is crap in between surfaces. Torquing order can also twist up rotors. The other biggie is heat. Riding the brakes or long hills causes expansion.<br /> <br /><br />Dgassy: GETTRAILERBRAKESANDYOUWONTHAVEASMUCHTROUBLEWITHYOURTRUCKSBRAKES

 

[Silvertip]

Re: warped rotors

My local GoodYear dealer is also great to do business with. Very good service. Alloy wheels on most of todays vehicles also require specific lug nut torque to prevent damage.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: warped rotors

Originally posted by dgassy:<br /> talked to highway patrol today, he said up to 6000# you have to have break-away brakes , over 6000# you have to have useable brakes but you can't exceed your GVCW<br /><br />

I can't find this law in writing, but it may be true as it makes a lot of sense, and it pretty much reinforces that you can't go much beyond about 2,000 lbs on a trailer before you're illegally overweight in CA.<br /><br />I'm surprised nobody here pointed out that GVCW includes the weight of the TRUCK....plus the trailer, boat, people, gear, fuel, etc.<br /><br />The typical 1/2 ton truck weighs between 4,000 and 5,000 lbs. Plus your 3,500 lbs trailer, plus people & gear, etc...<br /><br />So it appears that your GVCW exceeds 8,000 easily, and is probably closer to 9,000 with all your buds in the truck.<br /><br />I will repeat myself that there is no question in my mind your current rig is illegal to drive and unsafe. It needs trailer brakes.<br /><br />As for your question about getting a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck...for a 3,500 lb trailer I feel a 1/2 ton is more than sufficient, and all brands have good brakes for stopping the load...as does your current 1/2 ton truck except for the fact that they've been seriously abused from overloaded stopping. If you read your owner's manual it will clearly state that your truck's brakes are all designed to have the help of the trailer brakes, so even a new truck won't change anything about your need for a trailer upgrade...you'll just be smoking you new truck's brakes to death as well.<br /><br />Here's a quote directly from Chevrolet's website towing guide regarding their 2006 trucks, and this even applies to their HD trucks....I'm sure it was also true back in 1998:<br /><br />"Trailer Brakes: If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. loaded, then it must have its own adequate brakes. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brake controller so that it is installed, adjusted and maintained properly."<br /><br />So your cheapest option is to fix your current truck's brakes and install brakes on your trailer. Problem solved...and you'll be legal and safe.<br /><br />Take care!

 

[jlinder]

Re: warped rotors

Originally posted by craze1cars:<br /> <br />So your cheapest option is to fix your current truck's brakes and install brakes on your trailer. Problem solved...and you'll be legal and safe.<br />

Don't forget smart !!