Xesvuli420 wrote: I bought a popup with electric brakes and I have no use for them, so I was hoping I could hook up a standard hookup end to fit the hookuP on my truck.
Anyone done this? Anything I need to know?
I've already hauled it a couple times with no hookup at all, and the truck brakes just fine, and as I see it, instead up hooking up a brake module to the truck, I could just convert it to standard and be just fine.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks friends
When you say "standard hookup end", what does that mean, and what type of plug is on the trailer now? (5 way,6 way,7 way round/flat)?
If all you've got on your tow vehicle is 4-flat and that's what you want to adapt to, be aware that besides giving up the brakes, you will also lack the 12v trailer battery charging line that's usually associated with towing recreational trailers.
That having been said:
I'm also of the opinion that brakes are a necessity, and if the manufacturer provided them on the pup you bought you may be legally required to use them.
" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies toJ.R.R. Tolkien
Xesvuli420 wrote: I was indeed referring to going "no brakes".
I am confused tho...
My boat has no trailer brakes and it's around 2500 lbs, and ive never had any issues... Sure when I stop you can feel something wants to go forward, but I've had a few times I've had to stop abruptly, and didn't get pushed to the point I've needed "help"
I just don't know if it's really a necessity, I understand it's not the safest option, but is it really that ubsurd?
Thanks again guys
To be really blunt it is really that absurd to think you don't need brakes. Brakes are required by law and the manufacturer put them on, yet you are asking are they really necessary?
yes they are. get a brake controller and enjoy your new trailer.
In the past trailers came with no brakes, but that was because we did not know any better. Advancements have been made and we have gotten smarter. Sort of like air bags and seat belts.
Society went a long time without using seat belts, lots of injuries later we decided to start mandating seat belt use. The same phenomenon applies to trailer brakes. We now know better and have mandated their use
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If you have the brakes use them, safety first for you and the family. Most states do require trailer brakes, please check with your state for the requirements and then you'll know.
Check the laws in "Somewhere, USA" as to the legal requirements for trailer brakes. Usually it is based on the GVW of the trailer.
It is unclear what you are calling "standard". Are you wanting to adapt a 7 pin connector on the trailer to a 4 pin connector on the tow vehicle? It can be done but you will also be losing the charge line in addition to the brakes.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard
If your life and safety isn't of concern, at least think of others, if being able to stop short of a tragedy for someone else is simply prudent and not cost prohibitive. If the brakes are on the camper, they are there for a reason, as these manufacturers really tend to not put anything on that they don't have to, dollar-wise.
As mentioned above, when the lawyer asks:
Quote: So, you actually took steps to not provide for an active braking system on your camper?
Turning to the jury box...
Quote: So, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I think you can see clearly why you should rule in favor of the surviving family's...
I just checked with my local dealership and it would cost 400$ to install the module
I don't have a battery on the camper, so as far as a charge line, it's unnecessary
Under my sink is a kill switch, at least as far as the lights go when the sink is flipped for tow, and the previous owner said that the only thIng the camper will do if I installed the module is start the refrigerator cooling... If it even does that.
I can relate to what the OP is thinking... I thought same way too until my DW advised me to spend a few dollars for the hookup with a brake controller. I'm glad I did. You have the brakes on the PUP, right? The manufacturer probably had good reason to include them.
IMO, I would go with the brake controller. If you have to stop quickly with no controller, you might experience a situation when the trailer will "jack-knife" behind you. Not a fun thing to witness. I've seen it.
Another thing to think about, is to get a break-away switch (if not included already on the PUP), so that if the trailer should become unhitched, the trailer brakes will activate. Your trailer might already have one. But, I believe you need a battery on the trailer so the brakes will activate in those conditions. If not a regular RV battery, at least a system where a smaller battery will do the job of activating the brakes. Some trailers have a such a system.
Do some shopping around. I got some bids in my area for adding a controller and wiring for a 7 pin connection. The 3 bids ranged at a low of $320 to a high of $810.
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