9K Lbs...trailer brakes?

[jmeehan]

I have a chance to borrow a 9,000 Lb. costruction compresor to work my truck a little.

I have 11,500 miles on the truck so I doubt if I'll get any break-in from this, I'd just like to work the truck hard at least once.

My question is, should I have trailer brakes for a load this heavy? It outweighs the truck by 2,000 Lbs. I have visions of being pushed down the road sideways.

I do have a BD exhaust brake for some help on hills, and I'll be on rural roads at around 45 to 50 m. p. h.

Any advice is appreciated. If you've done something similer and didn't have trailer brakes how'd it handle?

 

[DennyDay]

Brakes

Most construction compressors do not have brakes! Add that weight combined with a pintle hitch and will have a handful for a single rear wheel truck. The e-brake will help if the roads are wet. Be careful!!!!!

Denny

 

[CFarlow]

That sounds very dangerous to me. In most states the law is for trailers over 2,ooolbs. to have brakes. There is no way you are gonna be able to stop this much weight and feel comfortable. If somebody cuts you off in traffic you will definatley have your hands full. Be very careful out there.





Chuck

 

[jmeehan]

Thanks for the replies. I checked the towing section of the owners manual and found the recommendations for trailer brakes.

It'd be cool to pull that load, but if that's the first and last load I pull with the truck it'd be pointless. I'll check to see if the compressor has brakes, other wise I think I'll pass on the offer.

 

[tgbol]

A while back I towed a 6000 trailer for about 1000 miles without brakes on the trailer. The truck didn't seem to mind, but I wasn't comfortable about it. I kept waiting for the tail to wag the dog.