"Eisboch" wrote in message
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"Jim" wrote in message
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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


The weight limit allows those small utility trailers. The ones they sell at
Home Depot, etc for $800 and you assemble. Odd thing in Calif. Trailers
require brakes at 1500# except for boat trailers that require brakes at
3000#.