Trailer Brake Controller

c0boy · April 18, 2011

Is this something that would be considered necessary to trailer a 3000 lb. car across the country once in a half ton? I have no experiences using a trailer brake controller and my new truck does not have one.

Thanks

Dtaylor! · April 18, 2011

It will definetely help on the slow down. If you need to stop real fast once it will pay for itself. I am not sure of the laws in the states you will be traveling through but may be required.

Stevens03 · April 18, 2011

Yes, it's necessary

pwall · April 18, 2011

Some car trailers may come with surge-brakes already on them. Check the trailer and see.

If the trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller.

Towing that much weight without a braking system on the trailer is just asking for trouble.

c0boy · April 18, 2011

Thanks for the information, I will look into one before we move.

terzmo · April 20, 2011

Some car trailers may come with surge-brakes already on them. Check the trailer and see.
If the trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller.

Towing that much weight without a braking system on the trailer is just asking for trouble.

I agree completely. I towed a 1 car trailer with and without trailer brakes and would NEVER tow a loaded 1 car trailer without them. You are not going to stop very well without it and people are always cutting in or stopping short. I have brakes on all 4 wheels on the trailer and recommend this. In NY State, all wheel brakes are mandatory now. Plus the cost of a brake controller will be offset by the longevity of the tow vehicle brakes in the long run.

nickvrebel · April 20, 2011

it's a worthwhile investment.

I don't tow large trailers often. I bought and installed mine when I bought a travel trailer. The plan was to tow it one time up to my hunting lease (150 mile trip) and I never intend to hitch to it again. It (along with the 6 speed transmission w/ grade assist engine braking) made it a pleasurable trip.

Since then I've towed a friend's utility trailer with brakes and I may tow other borrowed trailers with electric brakes in the future. I don't own a trailer with electric brakes with the exception of my travel trailer, but I think it was a good investment. I even opted for the highest end model I could find, the Prodigy P3.