genepup
Florida
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Joined: 08/10/2008
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I have a 2008 Chevy Equinox with a towing capacity of 3500 LBS. I'm looking at pop ups in the 2000 LB range. How important are electric brakes compared to no trailer brakes. On line I've looked at Palomino, Jayco, Forest river, Fleetwood, etc. I don't want to spend over $7,000. Any suggestions?
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rmnpcolorado
Madison, WI
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Joined: 09/01/2004
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The simple way to say it is if you can get them, get them. We traded in our '04 pup for our '07 mainly because we wanted the brakes (and it was a good deal and it had a couple of other nice features). With an Equinox being smaller and lighter than our TrailBlazer, I would want them even more.
Oh, and looking online at pups is fine and a good starter, but you can't get a good feel for the different brands' construction that way. Actually looking firsthand may eliminate a brand or two from your list. And if you're talking about a $7K cap, you may want to wait until RV show time, as that's usually the best deals out there.
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT
2007 Jayco 1008
w/Carefree of Colorado SuperSport awning
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jtbeck
Kentucky
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Joined: 04/23/2008
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The first time you have an emergency stop, you'll understand how important trailer brakes are. They could easily be the difference in stopping in time, or having your PUP push you into the path of another vehicle.
Don't confuse your towing capacity with your stopping capacity. That could make for a lousy day.
I think most trailers come with the brakes nowadays anyway don't they? Most of the Jayco PUPs have at least surge brakes. My Fleetwood came with electric brakes and it's a '95 model. Most likely all you'll have to buy will be a brake controller (and if you get surge brakes you won't even need that.)
All I can tell you is I really like knowing they're behind me and helping me to stop. Shoot, if nothing else they'll save in wear and tear on your TVs brakes. I highly recommend them. They make me feel a lot better while I'm towing.
Me (69), DW (69), DD (95), DS (00), DS (01) and 1 camping toy fox terrier (08)
95 Fleetwood Utah, 02 Ford Explorer Limited (V8)
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scpopupcamper
Lugoff, SC, USA
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Joined: 12/05/2004
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they saved me this weekend...mighty wet road, I was sliding...turned my wheel a little bit as I got close...stopped about 2 ft behind a SCHP trooper!...yeah, get the brakes.
Martin Ray
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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Another "get the brakes" vote. We did not have them on our very light (<2000 lbs GVWR) older PUP, and most of the time were fine, but in the mountains especially, I sure wished we had them!
As long as you keep the trailer's GVWR under your tow capacity, you should be fine. Not sure what you'll find for $7000 or less; you may need to look at used ones.
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Stumps
valley of Virginia
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Joined: 02/11/2004
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your best bet at a camper for under $7000 is to look at 08's or the occassional 07 that is left over on the lot new. I've found some dealerships with prices in that range with leftover models. Oddly enough, I've also found a dealer with 7 Jayco 1207s sitting on the lot, all 2008, and they won't deal on price, go figure.
You'll likely find a camper without a potty/shower at that price, it all depends on what kind of seating arrangement you want.
04 Isuzu Ascender
04 Jayco 12FSO
Pete Rose - 4256 steroid free hits and still not in the Hall of Fame!
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Hiker3
Florida
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Joined: 01/21/2007
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scpopupcamper wrote:they saved me this weekend...mighty wet road, I was sliding...turned my wheel a little bit as I got close...stopped about 2 ft behind a SCHP trooper!...yeah, get the brakes.
Wow! Yeah, this proves brakes are worth it. Nice job on the 2 ft clearance. Whew....
p.s. our camper is only 900 pounds and we installed brakes. Yes, I avoided a collison on the interstate by having good brakes. You never know when an individual (can't call them "drivers") will cut you off and nearly cause an accident at 55 mph. White knuckle event.
Please Get Brakes. 
Livin Lite Quicksilver 8.0 (Folding Tent Camper) only 900 lbs!
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lenmullen
danville, nh
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LOL. I drove my '03 Cheyenne home with the cable disconnected. Didn't even know I had a camper in tow except for an intersection where I changed my mind about a yellow light.
Drive carefully and camper brakes are not an issue, but I'd get them -- driving more carefully.
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NCfun
NC
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Joined: 06/14/2008
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I would definately get the brakes with your vehicle. Not a good feeling when the PUP starts pushing you around!
Jim & Heather
Two Southern Boys '95 & '06
'07 Fleetword Utah
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