Do i have trailer brakes?
12-13-2018, 04:00 PM
#11
Senior Member
No you will not be fine without it. If you were towing something light you would be fine without it but a Tahoe on a trailer is probably something over 6000 lbs and maybe over 7000 lbs. I can't remember the exact number but in Illinois its the law if you tow over something like 2500 lbs you need trailer brakes. Most states have similar numbers.
12-13-2018, 05:51 PM
#12
Senior Member
Most states require trailer brakes over 3000 lbs, period. Not cool or a good idea to do without.
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...
Last edited by MNgopher; 12-13-2018 at 05:55 PM.
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Ricktwuhk (12-14-2018)
12-13-2018, 05:57 PM
#13
Yeah, i have towed up to 5k lb's my whole life with numerous boats and trailers.. i was just all excited to have the brakes on my new truck 
this is a one time thing for the brakes as i am borrowing a buddies car hauler to move the Tahoe around. Im sure i will be fine without it..
this is a one time thing for the brakes as i am borrowing a buddies car hauler to move the Tahoe around. Im sure i will be fine without it..
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Ricktwuhk (12-14-2018)
12-13-2018, 06:41 PM
#14
Senior Member
If the trailer only has surge brakes then the controller is 100% useless for this task. Most rented trailers will be surge brakes for this reason.
Last edited by stowaway; 12-14-2018 at 05:24 PM.
12-14-2018, 02:42 AM
#15
Senior Member
The OP needs to check to see if his buddy's car hauler has surge brakes. If it does, he's fine.
If it doesn't, not only will he need a brake controller to be legal, but to also be safe. Even with a light aluminum car hauler, he's going to have at least 6800lbs back there, 7800lbs if it's a regular car hauler.
OP ~ If your buddy's car hauler has electric brakes, you can rent a uHaul car hauler with surge brakes for $45/day. If you have time, though, I'd suggest installing a brake controller, it is indeed 'exciting' to be able to hook up to any trailer and go.
12-14-2018, 11:52 AM
#16
Senior Lurker
Most states require trailer brakes over 3000 lbs, period. Not cool or a good idea to do without.
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...
And you are only missing the controller. It is a relatively inexpensive add-on, either Ford or aftermarket. If you need it, you should add it. Looking at around $200 bucks if you buy the part yourself, install it, and pay a dealer to turn it on - all factory ford parts.
Of the soap box...
Edit. Somehow I missed the 2 posts above.
Last edited by fordxlt; 12-14-2018 at 11:54 AM.
12-14-2018, 12:01 PM
#17
Can't believe nobody has been preaching that he needs a weight distribution hitch. You guys are going soft.
12-14-2018, 12:22 PM
#18
Senior Member
Surge brakes count.
Not jumping on the OP, just pointing out that for around $200 all in, he's legal AND safe if electric brake control is needed.
Seems like a no brainer to me...
Not jumping on the OP, just pointing out that for around $200 all in, he's legal AND safe if electric brake control is needed.
Seems like a no brainer to me...
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Ricktwuhk (12-14-2018)
12-14-2018, 12:25 PM
#19
Senior Member
12-14-2018, 01:36 PM
#20
Senior Member
Same here. I'm not trying to be harsh on the OP, if he was towing something that weighed 3 or 4 thousand pounds, I'd say not a big deal. Yes if the trailer had surge brakes, that would be fine. I got the idea he wasn't renting the trailer but getting in from a buddy, so it most likely has electric brakes.