No BRAKES!

[Prefect]

I am purchasing a TC 30, Rotary Cutter, Box Blade, and Trailer all as a package deal. The concern I have now is that when I inquired about what kind of brake control module I needed to have for my truck (F150 with towing package and upgraded suspension), they told me the trailer didn't have brakes. I told them that it was state law that anything over 3k lbs had to have brakes. Their response was that ag equipment was exempt from that. That's great, but how am I going to stop the thing? They told me that it is rare that anyone who buys compact tractors with a trailer from them gets brakes on the trailer. I called a couple of other dealers, and got the same answers. I was told that my truck was fine and if I had the towing package, the brakes on my truck would be plenty. They are pretty big drums in back.

I'm a little nervous about pulling this thing. I have to pull it from Springfield, MO to Eureka, MO (191 miles most all interstate). Pretty much a one time deal, then I can put brakes on the trailer at my leasure before the next haul.

What do you guys think? Should I turn the pucker down a notch or two?

 

[hazmat]

GET BRAKES!

I tow my TC18 (1,000 lb lighter than TC30?) behind my F150 supercrew on a 16' car hauler with electric brakes on both axels. Even with the brakes the stopping distance i substantially increased.

Get brakes & get them on both axels. My trailer (load trail) only cost $1600 with the brakes. If the dealer won't sell you the trailer with brakes - get a price to deduct it from the package. A couple hundred extra bucks is worth it if you have to get the trailer elswhere.

It doesn't matter how carefully you drive - all it takes is 1 idiot to cut you off & ruin your day.

I've never heard of an exemption for ag equipment. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist - check your with your state DOT. Probably means a tractor can tow trailer over 3K lbs. w/o brakes (load of hay?)

PS since you metioned which controller - I have a prodigy controller. Works great.

 

[Soundguy]

While I would love to have brakes on all heavy loads... A full sized pickup and some 'safe' driving tactics should be ok.. especially for a one time trip. Just plan your stops and watch for brake fade. One thing I do like about e-brakes.. is that if you get some sway or fishtailing going.. you can hit the brake button on the controller and it generally helps quite a bit.

I pulled my first tractor ( yanmar 1700 ) home on a single axle very short trailer. I had a ranger with the small 6cyl ( 3l ) and no trailer brakes. it was'nt a problem to stop.. the single axle trailer was the problem.

If you have a manual tranny.. that will help too.

You are on the right track.. trailer brakes ARE the best way to go.

EDIT:

Hazmat brings up a good point.. investigate with DOT exactly what that exemption applies to.. may NOT apply to a vehicle pulling a tractor unless you have FARM VEHICLE endorsement
or plates.. might only apply to tractor and trailered loads.. etc. Also.. are they not offering to swap you a trailer with brakes for a few hundred more? I also bought my car hauler 16' with brakes for 1700 tax tag title.. etc.

be careful

Soundguy

 

[BillG_in_TX]

<font color="red"> Trailer Brakes - Trailer brakes are required on trailers coupled by a fifth wheel and kingpin and on trailers hauling hazardous materials with a gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds. </font>

From the Missouri trailer regulations page.

I like this one, too (in case you want someone to ride the tractor home with you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif):

<font color="red">Riding in a Trailer or Camper - Missouri has no restriction to prevent persons from riding in a trailer or camper while in motion on the highway. </font>

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Give back the trailer and get one with brakes unless they can retrofit the axles with brakes. I have a 98 F-150 with the heavy service and towing package and it will handle the trailer fine but you will have to be extremly careful around any hills. If you don't have any hills then it might not be a problem unless someone cuts you off. Trailer brakes are a very good thing to have.

 

[jayhawkRoy]

The best answer is to get the trailer with brakes. I have an 18' trailer and I think brakes are absolutely necessary for the size of trailer and max weight I can carry (5000 lbs load). Definitely ask around and find out if electric brakes can be retrofitted. If not, find another trailer. There are several trailer dealers in the Springfield area who may have a trailer with brakes in stock, if you find out S&H cannot supply one with brakes. Let me know and I can send you some addresses and phone numbers. In the long term, you will need the electric brakes, anyway.

On the other hand, you can pull the trailer safely to Eureka by being careful. I would consider going around 55 or so on I-44 and just let everyone else pass me. That way you retain control, for sure.

 

[higgy]

I agree with sound guy, he has given you good advice as normal.

Be careful, but a one off trip sould not be a problem, as others indicate drive slowly and with defense and let the world go by on the day.

Watch you load on the toung and tie down well.

Once you get home, put breaks on the trailer.

 

[thcri]

Being the owner of a large company and knowing what attorneys and lawsuits can do! I would not get a trailer without brakes, I don't care if it is agriculture or not. Common sense says you should have brakes.

murph

 

[Bird]

Prefect, I agree with the other guys that you should have trailer brakes, but I'm not surprised that the dealers told you what they did because I'll bet you couldn't find one in ten trailers hauling tractors of that size with brakes, at least in my part of the country. A driver who is experienced in trailer pulling wouldn't hesitate to use the trailers the dealers are selling there, but if you're new to trailer pulling, it can certainly be scary.

 

[twabscs]

I'm not so sure that the law requires brakes for tailers over 3K. If you parse that sentence, you'll see that it says that brakes are required for trailers over 3K that are hauling hazardous materials.

I'm still researching this, but most trailer sites say Missouri's brake requirements are N/A or not listed. If someone has a direct link to a better explanation, please post it.

I'm not advocating getting a trailer without brakes, it's just that I'm from Missouri (show me!) and am looking to purchase a trailer to haul my TC40D and I'm looking for the full details of Missouri's laws.

Thanks,