Community Forums

Bob_C · 08-28-2019, 03:49 PM

Got a U Haul place around.......usually they wire up whatever....

TXiceman · 08-28-2019, 05:00 PM

Short answer is you need a 7 pin plug and a brake controller installed on your tow vehicle.

Ken

LETMGROW · 08-28-2019, 05:10 PM

While not having the trailer brakes operational may be legal I question if it's safe? If the trailer weighs 1200# empty you could be easily towing 1600# plus when you add in the weight of your camping gear, clothes and ETC.
What are you using for a tow vehicle? If it's a full size SUV or a mid to full size pick up you may be alright. However if you are towing with a downsized SUV, pick up or sedan you might be on the brink of disaster if you have to make a sudden stop.
This would be especially true on wet pavement or in the apex of a sharp curve.
Lynn

LETMGROW · 08-29-2019, 04:54 AM

I'd like to also add: Braking depends on the way you have your tow vehicle loaded as well as the condition of the brakes and tires on your tow vehicle.
Sure, you could probably tow a much larger and heavier trailer down the highway and be able to come to a stop at every stop sign and light. However there is always that chance someone pulls out into traffic in front of you or an animal runs out into your lane and you need all the braking power available to you.
Lynn

**Spdracr39** · 08-29-2019, 05:41 AM

I would verify that the rental actually has electric brakes before taking any drastic actions it may be that you only need an adapter.

NewtoTrail · 08-29-2019, 08:06 AM

Update: Managed to get the adapter from Home Depot late last night and it works! So good news there.

As far as the electric braking - I did some research on our state law and according to the RCW, brakes on the trailer or electric brakes are only required if the trailer weight exceeds 40% of the gross vehicle weight.

In my case, I'm around 33%. That said, I will be driving over the mountain pass and going down some fairly steep grades. I'll make sure to keep distance and downshift to avoid running the brakes too heavy.

I did crawl under the trailer in the middle of the night last night to verify if it has electric brakes or not as someone mentioned, but I still don't have the eye for it. Need to look up exactly what I'm looking for. It does appear that the camper/trailer has them though.

NewtoTrail · 08-29-2019, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdracr39

I would verify that the rental actually has electric brakes before taking any drastic actions it may be that you only need an adapter.

Confirmed no electric brakes on trailer.

I should be good to go. Although I'm not completely level as shown in the attached.

Thanks all for your help everyone

**pasdad1** · 08-29-2019, 12:26 PM

I would try to shorten the chains a little bit so no chance they will drag on the ground. The car will get lower to the ground when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, etc.

NewtoTrail · 08-29-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I would try to shorten the chains a little bit so no chance they will drag on the ground. The car will get lower to the ground when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, etc.

I tried to go up one notch last night but it seemed a bit tight. I'll adjust it again and upload a picture shortly. Your feedback would be appreciated

NewtoTrail · 08-29-2019, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I would try to shorten the chains a little bit so no chance they will drag on the ground. The car will get lower to the ground when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, etc.

Think this is enough slack?

**pasdad1** · 08-29-2019, 02:02 PM

I think that works. [emoji106]

NewtoTrail · 08-29-2019, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I think that works. [emoji106]

I'll test it before we take off. Thanks again

1st-tt2018 · 08-29-2019, 02:09 PM

Please go slow and be safe.....easier to enjoy when you make it there in one piece.

wildcatter · 08-29-2019, 02:13 PM

You don't need a drop hitch, I would get a hitch with out the drop, that will help your chains, I also use some springs over the tongue to help hold the chains up. As far as breaks, any trailer 3k or more needs breaks, they probably use a 7 pin to help keep the battery charged. I have a cargo trailer with a 2990 lbs capacity, it has 4K axles on it, it doesn't have brakes on it.

per https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/

"Brakes are required on all wheels for all trailers or semitrailers with a gross weight over 3,000 pounds; provided. The gross weight of any such trailer without brakes shall not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle."