Do I really need trailer brakes??

[zachv]

I just converted from towing with a '96 Grand Cherokee and had the brake controller inside to an '02 2500 CTD. I am wondering if I need to get a brake controller for the Dodge? I want to keep the one in the GC in case I have to use that for some reason.

Basically, if I am only towing 7K lbs. do I need the trailer brakes to be operational?



Thanks.

 

[Thomas]

Yes. A new brake controller is quite inexpensive and easy to install. Your 7000 pound trailer weighs more than the 2500.

 

[RustyJC]

Dodge requires trailer brakes for towed loads over 2,000 lbs.



Rusty

 

[GWHaley]

I did it.....for awhile

My 5'er weighs about the same as your trailer and I ran without trailer brakes for a short time. It seemed to work ok, never had a panic situation though. Put the controller in and that made a huge difference, the rig stops now I'm really happy I never needed to stop quickly before.

 

[klenger]

The brake controller will cost less than your next brake job, which will be sooner than you think w/o the brake controller.

 

[IWeiny]

South west wheel

Has the Prodegy for $125 and there is a harnes for another $10 so it plugs right into the Dodge. That is cheap, easy, and good insurance. The Prodegy is one of the best controllers on the market and that is an excellent price.



http://www.brakecontroller.com/



Got mine in 2 or 3 days with standard shipping if I recall.

 

[Joe G.]

Let me know when and where you will be towing so I can make sure I'm not around.

 

[y-knot]

good god man! you laid down the money for a real truck, but you can't come up with enough for a contoller???

1. You should consider the saftey of your family AND everyone else that has to drive arround you.

2. Most states it the law... . here any trailer over 12'long... . or any trailer with a capacity over 2000 lbs, needs brakes.

3. The cummins is only good to keep you going, brakes make you stop!

 

[IWeiny]

Not to bum anyone out but here is a story

I lost a cousin to a trailer towing accident. He happened to be riding in the back of a truck with a shell, many years ago. The boat they were towing got out of control swaying and landed on the back of the truck. He died in my uncles arms.



When I started flat towing my jeep ~3-4K# and it would start to sway I went out and bought a trailer with brakes on both axles. If the trailer starts to sway you can reach down and use the controller to straighten it out. Without brakes back there you are asking for trouble. When we added the extra weight of the camper I went out and did the exh brake to make sure that all my brakes would be there when I need them. I am more worried about stopping than I am about going up the hill! Of course I am looking at injectors to add to the EZ box (well maybe not right now. )



I did not want to bum anyone out or look like the towing police but the controller really is cheap. In fact with the Prodigy I mentioned you can easily swap from car to car with their extra "pocket" mounts.



Just some sober thoughts.

 

[zachv]

OK, OK. I am buying a controller. I just figured that since the CTD is so much more substantial than the GC it may be OK. I have no problem laying down the $$$ for the controller, but I thought that I may be going to a 5th wheel and may need a different one for that, but I will deal with that then.

 

[Thomas]

One controller will work with either.

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by y-knot



3. The cummins is only good to keep you going, brakes make you stop!

Speed doesn't kill, it's the s****y brakes. Saw that on a shirt once.

 

[DIESELMAN]

#ad

 

[Fireman]

I like Dieselman's reply :-laf :-laf



Fireman

 

[cstone]

I too installed the Prodigy brake controller. What a great unit. It took only about 15 min to install and set and I love it. I can tell when the trailer has a good connection by a light that is lit, and it has a really cool digital display to let me know how much braking force is being applied to the trailer (a 33' fifth wheel). I did a few emergency brake checks on I-5 (you know in LA when you are doing 55 and traffic stops all of a sudden for no reason). At those times that thing was worth about $80,000 because I would have totaled the rig and then there is the risk of putting my family and others at risk which is priceless. Get the best brake controller out there and have the best brakes money can buy for all your vehicles and have one emergency stop. You will never look back at the money you spent, other than think what a deal you got on the unit.

 

[CPG]

If your ever in the mountains with rain,ice or snow coming downhill with curves, you'll find out fast if you have to make a quick stop.



Chuck

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

A while ago I was towing about 5000 lb trailer in Colorado. I got a short in the trailer light wiring and that blows the fuse in the power distribution center (under the hood) that also controls the trailer brakes. You will really be unhappy in the mountains without trailer brakes. I recommend carrying extra fuses--they are an odd type that is not stocked everywhere.

 

[IWeiny]

Do you have a part number on those fuses

Joseph,



Do you have a part number on those fuses? I never knew they were anything but standard ones.



Thanks,

Ira