"Jim" wrote in message
...


Don't forget the brakes, you guys. It might have some bearing on Toyota's
recommendation


Something that has always been a question in my head:

Most states require brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs. Now, that, to me
is dumb to begin with. I can't think of a typical light duty truck, car,
SUV or whatever that has brakes designed to stop itself *plus* an additional
3000 lbs in an emergency stop. That could easily be almost twice the weight
the brakes were designed for. Wouldn't brakes on *all* trailers make
sense? At least surge brakes for emergencies.

Over 3000 lbs, the trailer is supposed to have brakes designed to stop the
*trailer* weight in a specified and reasonable distance.
The tow vehicle's braking capacity really doesn't come into play in meeting
this requirement.

I am not sure how it really works with surge brakes, but I know every
trailer I've towed with electric brakes, from a 7000 lb car trailer to a
15,500 lb fifth wheel were capable of locking up all the wheels equipped
with brakes. The 7k car trailer had brakes on all four wheels. I can't
remember how many of the 6 wheels (triple axle) were equipped with brakes on
the fifth wheel, but regardless, it didn't depend on the tow vehicle's
brakes to stop it.

I *do* remember (as you probably do) towing that water logged, 27' Century
on a trailer with non-functioning surge brakes with a 2500 series Dodge
Ram. The damn boat and trailer pushed me right through a red light and
into an intersection and I was only doing about 10-15 mph, slowing down as I
approached the light.

Eisboch