Trailer Brakes

[Marty D]

Hi everyone. I know this topic has been beaten into the ground, but I'm still not sure which way to go as for putting brakes on the ct that I'm restoring. Two different trailer shops say that the ct is not heavy enough to warrant the use of brakes on it. They tell me that the trailer would slide more than it would aid in it's stopping. I've ordered new running gear that will be install in about 2 weeks, sans brakes, but with the flanges, drums, etc. in case I want to add them later. Normally, I would think that these shops would give me the "hard sell" for the higher price gear. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Pros / cons.

Marty D

[RSchleder]

Trailer brakes are designed to help stop the trailer, not aid in stopping the tow vehicle. IMHO, trailer brakes are a good thing and can't hurt as anytime you can minimize/stop the trailer from PUSHING the tow vehicle through the intersection, it's a much safer situation. A properly adjusted brake controller in the tow vehicle will eliminate trailer sliding so I'd be putting brakes on your trailer. I have them on my 13' Scamp and have been pleased with their performance. Good luck, Ron

[Liz&Kev]

I put trailer brakes on our 13' this year, and the difference is night and day. I've been towing trailers for years, and this is the first time I ever thought of trailer brakes. First trip out with them, had to make a somewhat quick stop from 80KM/h and it felt as if the trailer wasn't there. Whereas before I would've been in a burn-out-the-TV brakes stop.

Kev

[Marty D]

I put trailer brakes on our 13' this year, and the difference is night and day. I've been towing trailers for years, and this is the first time I ever thought of trailer brakes. First trip out with them, had to make a somewhat quick stop from 80KM/h and it felt as if the trailer wasn't there. Whereas before I would've been in a burn-out-the-TV brakes stop.

Kev

Thanks guys. I've had brakes on the bigger units that I've owned, but never did on the small popups or the Scottie that I had. It kind of made sense about what the trailer folks said about the smaller trailers (not enough weight), but I do feel the CT "pushing" a bit when I stop (I'm pulling with a S10 crew cab). I think that it may be safer, so I'm going to opt to go ahead and add them.

[RSchleder]

Thanks guys. I've had brakes on the bigger units that I've owned, but never did on the small popups or the Scottie that I had. It kind of made sense about what the trailer folks said about the smaller trailers (not enough weight), but I do feel the CT "pushing" a bit when I stop (I'm pulling with a S10 crew cab). I think that it may be safer, so I'm going to opt to go ahead and add them.

Marty- Excellent decision. You requested advice, received it, and acted on it. Impressive