Do I really need trailer brakes?

[bspeedy]

Just wanted to add this since I didn't see it elsewhere in this thread. Make sure you buy a good PROPORTIONAL brake controller. Time-delay controllers are better than nothing but not much better. A good proportional controller may save you a lot of heartache. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy but other companies make a similar device.

Happy Towing!

 

[crazyal]

If you're not wanting to spend the money right now on buying trailer axles then another option is to just get a replacement mobile home axle. Around here I can pick them up from several different mobile home companies for $100. It's not the best solution but even if you only did one axle it's still better than no brakes at all. Does your trailer have just one leaf spring or is it make up of several stacked springs. If it's just one spring, most mobile home axles are, then you'll probably want to replace that too IMO.

One thing to remember is that just because they look like mobile home axles doesn't make them so. My triaxle trailer has the dayton style wheels that people often refer to as "mobile home" wheels. Yet they are not and I can easily buy all the brake parts for them. Chances are if it's a homemade trailer it'll have MH axles though. But before you go investing a lot of money into axles, wheels, tires, and possibly springs I would confirm it.

 

[duanew1]

Just wanted to add this since I didn't see it elsewhere in this thread. Make sure you buy a good PROPORTIONAL brake controller. Time-delay controllers are better than nothing but not much better. A good proportional controller may save you a lot of heartache. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy but other companies make a similar device.

Happy Towing!

Good point. Timed brake controllers = garbage. The proportional ones are only 10-15 dollars more.

I fell in love with trailer brakes one time when I rented a trailer with surge brakes. I was picking up my Yanmar tractor. I came over a hill and needed to stop quickly and was able to without drama. I knew I had to add them to the trailer I bought after that.

 

[Renze]

I just finished rebuilding my trailer. With surge brakes off course because i'm in europe. Replaced the whole bunch and now it brakes as if driving just the car.

Lights werent working so i borrowed a trailer often. But i had enough of poor brakes in state of neglect. I have my own, which i intend to keep in perfect condition, and not lend it to any one.

We dont even have substantial hills here in Holland, which you guys do have. It wouldnt even occur to me to drive a trailer with more than half the weight of the tow vehicle in hills. ..