TugCE
Leesburg, Florida
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I have had issues with friends over tires on TT and also on motorcycles. I got so tired of hearing "I know they are old and cracking but I will be fine" that in one case I made sure that the tires no longer held air. It's amazing what a sharp object will do to a old tire. 
What might work is have him go for a ride with you, while you are towing a trailer, on a safe road and hit the brakes hard. Then I would disconnect the brakes and so it again. See what he says afterwards. If he still will not listen to reason I would not let anyone ride with him!
Good Luck,
Tugs
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Need-A-Vacation
Mi
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Skid809,
There isn't anything else I can add to this thread that hasn't been mentioned, except maybe Good luck tomorrrow at dinner!
We had a 2k Chevy 1500 ECSB 4x4 4.8/4spd/3.73 w/ tow pkg, and towed our tt, which weighs about 6k loaded (scaled weight, not a guess), it pulled it. We didn't win any races, but no way would I want to tow that WITHOUT trailer brakes! Also, I don't think the newer GMT-900 trucks with the 4.8 have gear ratio even close to that anymore (could be wrong though). And if I remember correctly, only have about 5k towing limit according to GM (from when we bought our 2010 Chevy 1500 CCSB 4x4 5.3/6spd/3.42 w/ tow pkg)
Hopefully your FIL will chancge his position on the trailer issues.
Our trailer sat for a few years without being moved at all, and the tires were shot being about 6 years old.
Dare I ask what part of Mi are you in?
Good luck!
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jacksand5
Southeast MI
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My thought and probably a repeat.
1) Don't let the kids go, I wouldn't let mine go.
2) Convince your mother in law of the safety problem and let her do the dirty work.
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Ron3rd
Upland, CA USA
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If the FIL does not think the trailer needs working brakes and good tires, he is not qualified to tow anything and is a danger to his passengers and others on the road.
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Camper JamesB
Wichita
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Any updates from the OP?
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MM49
Brighton, MI, USA
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Skid809 wrote:There may be no answer to this and i really wouldnt get involved, except now my kids may take a trip with my in laws this summer.
They have a early 80's Coachmen 28ft TT. No idea what weight is. I know it weighs all of what our 30ft Gulf Stream weighs, and they pack this thing HEAVY.
Trailer has been sitting about 6 years, since they sold their 05 F-350 V10, now they have newly acquired a 2009 Chevy X-cab 4x4 with the 4.8.
Looking at the both without numbers it looks dangerous to me.
Now on to the issue:
He doesnt think he needs weight distribution AND trailer brakes. Says he will put new pads on the truck and that will stop it "i dont go over 55" is what i get. He doesnt want to buy a brake controller.
I have been arguing with him for months now, and campin season in Michigan is growing near. How do i convince him he is a mobile accident waiting to happen? I am trying to keep it peacefeul. My wife is on my side. But he is getting very upset that I have challenged his decisions. i have even offered to buy the controller and WD set up, he said he would take it off.
Very frustrating and i WILL NOT put my kids in jeapordy.
Anyone else ever had an issue like this? Time for YOU, YOU to fix his trailer. You sound like a woman tring to fix this problem with talk. Man up do the work.
MM49
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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vesh1717 wrote:I can totally relate to this. First of all, I would simply not allow my kids to go. And to prove that I am serious, my wife and I don't allow ANYONE except us to drive our kids AT ALL. lol nevermind in an unsafe towing situation. Yes, call us control freaks, but in order to feel comfortable this is what we need to do.
A suggestion might be to actually show him why it is dangerous on paper, and to link to videos/news articles of ppl who have gotten themselves killed in similar situations.
Like I said, there is no chance I would be allowing my kids in that vehicle, but that's just my opinion.
You will not convince him.
Save yourself (your kids).
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Skid809
Michigan
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Sorry for the slow response, wife and kids have all had flu for the past week, what fun that was!
So we had our discussion, it turns out my brother in law was there to help along. He is a county sheriff (forgot to mention that earlier). He laid down the law to his dad, stated how illegal it is and the safety hazard it creates not only to him but every other person on the road. My bro in law has the same truck but with a 5.3 and CC. So he knows the capability of that truck. this actually went pretty smooth. I really think he just needed to hear it from all of us.
Just so turns out today that I upgraded my standard chain-trunnions with friction sway WDH to an Equalizer E4. (another topic in itself!) so I am giving him his fathers day present in the form of my hand me down WDH. My brother in law is getting him a brake controller.
And they all lived happily ever after. You are all safe to travel in lower Michigan again!
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msjdbman
SW Michigan
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This is a fabulous outcome. Many of us had been following this in earnest hoping for the best. Hope that everyone has a great time on the upcoming trip.
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MickeyBrennan
Lancaster County, PA
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Now get the tires fixed and the kid can go.
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