Boler

[Possum]

I have been asked to install electric brakes on a Boler Trailer. It has the rubber torsion bar style suspension. Are there units adaptable to trailer brakes? The woman who asked me has a little bit of a problem on steep mountain roads when it comes to stopping and regaining control if the trailer starts to sway. BTW she is pulling with a Ford Focus.

[dlovitt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum I have been asked to install electric brakes on a Boler Trailer. It has the rubber torsion bar style suspension. Are there units adaptable to trailer brakes? The woman who asked me has a little bit of a problem on steep mountain roads when it comes to stopping and regaining control if the trailer starts to sway. BTW she is pulling with a Ford Focus.

How much does the trailer weigh? Focus has never been rated to tow over 1,000 lb. Newer ones aren't rated to tow anything.

[Possum]

It weighs 1050 pounds. She was told by the moron who sold it too her that her Focus was capable of pulling it. I followed her down a hill on our way to a group camping trip and even though she was on the brakes her unit sped up. She has now decided that before she goes on any trips out of this valley she wants to have brakes installed.

1977page3 hopefully you will be able to see the whole brochure.


Edited to add.... I just finished reading the brochure line by line and it does claim there was a braked option available. Sorry for the misleading post.

[Tsronco]

What year is the focus as the above poster stated the newer models can't tow a skateboard let alone a loaded trailer

[Possum]

Not sure but the dealer she went to said it was capable of puling this trailer.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum Not sure but the dealer she went to said it was capable of puling this trailer.

Well, he's partially right
Yes, it's capable of pulling it, just not STOPPING it!!!

[bikendan]

IMHO, you'll be liable for installing brakes on something that Focus was never meant to tow.
if she kills someone, they'll sue you before the moron.

[Possum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan IMHO, you'll be liable for installing brakes on something that Focus was never meant to tow. if she kills someone, they'll sue you before the moron.

I'm not too overly concerned about liability as I am not being paid to do this job.

A few years ago I saw one of these Boler units being pulled by a beetle (air cooled version) so the pulling isn't the big issue but stopping is. Hence the request for the installation of brakes.

I am sure that if she continues to tow, sans brakes, she is more liable to get into trouble. I will do the job once the weather warms up a tad.

BTW it is a 2001 Focus.

Info from

http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl.../russ0052.html

CONCLUSIONS: The Ford Focus Wagon combines radical styling and functional space.

SPECIFICATIONS 2001 Ford Focus SE Wagon
Base Price $ 16,235
Price As Tested $ 17,795
Engine Type dual overhead cam, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder
Engine Size 2.0 liters / 121cu. in. Horsepower 130 @ 5300 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 135 @ 4500 rpm
Transmission 4-speed electronically-automatic,
5-speed manual available
Wheelbase / Length 103.0 in. / 178.2 in.
Curb Weight 2717 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 21
Fuel Capacity 13.2 gal.
Fuel Requirement unleaded regular, 87 octane
Tires P195/60 R15 Firestone Firehawk GTA
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / drum, antilock
optional Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut / independent multilink Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 25 / 31 / 26 0 to 60 mph (est) 11 sec Towing Capacity 1,000 lbs.

[dlovitt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum It weighs 1050 pounds. She was told by the moron who sold it too her that her Focus was capable of pulling it. I followed her down a hill on our way to a group camping trip and even though she was on the brakes her unit sped up. She has now decided that before she goes on any trips out of this valley she wants to have brakes installed. 1977page3 hopefully you will be able to see the whole brochure. Edited to add.... I just finished reading the brochure line by line and it does claim there was a braked option available. Sorry for the misleading post.

That's 1050 pounds before she puts ANY of her "stuff" in it. Do the lady a real favor and advise her to either get a more capable car or start camping in a tent.

[dlovitt]

Not so sure about Canadian liability laws but, in good old USA, wouldn't make a bit of difference if you got paid or not.