Trailer without onboard brakes???? It depends on the local laws, it depends on what size of Tow Vehicle you use and it depends on how much "loaded weight" your trailer is. As they say, "3 depends doesn't make it right...".
If two same size trailers sitting side by side and one has onboard brakes, get the trailer with brakes. Period. Once your trailer has them, it has them for life.
If wondering, I had the opportunity to pull a PU with and without onboard brakes. Also pulled 6x10 utility trailers with and without onboard brakes as well. Today, I ensure my trailers have brakes (regardless of my Tow Vehicle), they are properly maintained and they are properly adjusted. Today, I don't leave home without them. Comparing a trailer with NO brakes against a trailer with onboard brakes really is like comparing "night and day". Or should I say, "no comparison at all". Get the trailer with onboard brakes - and have them for life. Do the safe thing - regardless of local laws...
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* This post was
edited 06/23/08 08:53pm by spike99 *
Go Dogs: I'm sorry, but this just can't be emphasized enough - you really should have brakes on your popup. I have a 2007 Pathfinder and a popup with electric brakes. I pulled my popup once without the trailer brakes - it makes a huge difference in the stopping distance. If someone slams on their brakes in front of you, or a deer runs out - you are going to be sorry if you didn't get the brakes installed.
From what I have heard; they are not that expensive to install - even if you have to replace the entire axle.
Jeff
I have pulled both with and without brakes and I must say it really does make a huge difference. If you are in a position that you can afford to add them to your pup and put the controller in your tow vehicle then I would recommend it to you. Some pups that do not have brakes on them do already have the proper axles to where you can add them to it. Others you will need to replace the whole thing. Either way you go be safe and good luck. I wish more manufacturers would just make them standard on all pups. It really never hurts to have them.
MattC from MO
2003 Grand Caravan
2008 Palomino Yearling 4102
Wife and 4 kids
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