Brakes Optional

[ed_wilson475]

The person I bought this TT from says I really don't need additional braking system. He says he went to Texas hunting twice a year with no problems. What do the masses think about that?

[Gene]

A 27' TT DOES need brakes. I am guessing the weight is over 4000 pounds. I think in most states it will be required by law. Something with an actual weight of less than 2000 pounds, maybe a bit more, would be ok without brakes

[GoodoleBob]

That seller sounds like some RV salesmen who will say about anything to get a sale. Don't risk your own safety or that of others believing such a claim?

Bob

[luvrque]

I don't think Anybody on this site will say that you don't need brakes on a 27' TT.......

IMHO Any Travel Trailer even a 12ft. one should have BRAKES.

[nasa42a]

Right! And REAL skydivers don't have to bother with those sissy parachutes, either........................



Frank

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by ed_wilson475

The person I bought this TT from says I really don't need additional braking system. He says he went to Texas hunting twice a year with no problems. What do the masses think about that?

Some states require trailer brakes on any trailer over 1,000#. Most of the others, require trailer brakes on any trailer over 3,000#. But there are a couple that don't require brakes until 4,000# or 4,500#. Texas is the 4,500# state.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

My '99 is roughly 24' and weights about 4,300# dry. GVWR is 5,500#. Sunline put dual axle trailer brakes on it for a reason. Your 27' trailer has to be heavier than mine so even the 4,500# Texas requirement would apply. It has dual axle trailer brakes, too. Intentionally not using them and getting into an accident would almost certainly result in CRIMINAL action in addition to a massive civil law suit.

I can not imagine trying to stop a 1/2 ton pickup towing a 27' trailer without trailer brakes especially in an emergency situation.

In short, without knowing the seller, I would say he's full of hot air and has no clue what he is talking about. I would not want to share the highway with him under any circumstances.

No poll required... The answer is: It needs trailer brakes regardless of some of the state requirements.

[dkasten39828]

Most of the states I've checked on require trailer brakes on ALL wheels if the trailer weighs more than 3000 pounds. I've lived in FL and GA and they both have that requirement.

Our popup (GVWR of 3000 pounds) had 'em. Your 27-footer probably has 'em, too. You just need a controller.

[OPIE]

Massachusetts is listed as 10,000# !!!! That's crazy...but it does explain a lot.

[ed_wilson475]

WOW! You guys are AWESOME! (Oh yeah, I need to buy some of that). I definately purchased the right TT. Thanks for your quick responses. Since this is all new to me, I will be contacting this forum constantly.

By the way:
Ed and Sue Wilson
Charleston, SC

If you've never been to Charleston, you don't know what you're missing.

[MACK C-85]

Where's the smiley throwing the BS flag when you need him???

I have a 28' there's no way in.... I would try to pull it without the brakes hooked up or a damn good weight distributing hitch (Equilizer), either!!

[Gene]

I think that was an excellent question. Lots of first times get told things that could be dangerous, usually by salesmen that should know better.

[MACK C-85]

I think that was an excellent question. Lots of first times get told things that could be dangerous, usually by salesmen that should know better.

I agree, excellent question, it's the original answer he was given that needs the BS flag.

I was with some friends when they were told the followings things by an RV "salesperson":

"You don't have to worry about tongue weight, you'll be using a weight distributing hitch"

"You don't need to pay attention to the gross weight, you'll won't haul that much"

"You won't have anything in your tanks when you travel"

I ran out of things to throw for flags.....

Yes, very dangerous indeed.

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by MACK C-85

I ran out of things to throw for flags.....

Add: "You'll never carry enough gear to reach the GVWR." spoken to me in front of several prospective customers in the middle of an RV show. My reply was: "Who are you trying to kid? Everyone carries lots of gear, and it weighs more than they think it does." I also asked him why he was giving unsafe advice at which point he walked out of the trailer.

[clueless campers]

Too bad these lying salesmen (read idiots) can't be held legally responsible when they send people out on the road in an unsafe rig. Around here, when a drunk driver causes death or destruction to innocent people, the bar that served them is charged and tried too.

BTW, good for you Steve. I hope those prospective customers walked away from that salesman.