question re:need for trailer brakes

titandoc · 02-07-2006, 06:02 PM

This is the situation.
I am possibly purchasing a boat/trailer this week. 18 ' I/O fiberglass. The boat weighs ~2100, the trailer possible 8-900 lbs. Combined with fishing gear, cooler filled with beer and the dog we are looking at > 3100 lbs.
I just had my front rotors replaced 1 month ago.
I'm afraid of ruining the new brakes if I do not purchase trailer brakes.
The boat dealer will install for 500 bucks, but he states I do not need them with that kind of weight.

Not so sure 'bout that.

Any suggestions. Would you get it?
Has anyone installed a brake kit on their trailer? Cost, ease, source.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 02-07-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titandoc

This is the situation.
I am possibly purchasing a boat/trailer this week. 18 ' I/O fiberglass. The boat weighs ~2100, the trailer possible 8-900 lbs. Combined with fishing gear, cooler filled with beer and the dog we are looking at > 3100 lbs.
I just had my front rotors replaced 1 month ago.
I'm afraid of ruining the new brakes if I do not purchase trailer brakes.
The boat dealer will install for 500 bucks, but he states I do not need them with that kind of weight.

Not so sure 'bout that.

Any suggestions. Would you get it?
Has anyone installed a brake kit on their trailer? Cost, ease, source.

Nissan requires trailer brakes while towing anything over 2000 LBS. I wouldn't push it personally.

Frequen.C · 02-07-2006, 07:45 PM

I pull a 17 ft bayliner, not sure about the weight. Trailer brakes are always good, but not needed for your weight. if brakes go again, take it back, 3years unlimited miles

BCTitan · 02-07-2006, 08:19 PM

I have ALWAYS had trailer brakes for any boat 18 foot or bigger. It is more peace of mind than anything else. BUT it does come in handy on rainy days, when stopping becomes a problem. I tow a 19' BassCat with 200 hp and tandem trailer. 3 batteries, 30 gals of gas (can hold 52 gals but can't afford it!!!) fishing gear, etc, looking at 4-4500lbs.
If you do a lot of stop/go to get to the lake, it will be less wear on your truck brakes.
Better safe than sorry-and if it is recommended for towing over 2000lbs, I wouldn't want to push it, have some thing go wrong, and have "driver error" void warranty, if any. Just my $.02 worth

**loufish** · 02-07-2006, 08:56 PM

If you don't get them, give yourself plenty of stopping room...If you do get them, you'll be glad.

NKYTITAN · 02-08-2006, 05:12 AM

The answer depends on how much you are going to tow....

I bought a 19' boat used (great deal that I couldn't pass up) and unfortunately it didn't have trailer brakes and weighs about 3000#. I used to tow it about 250 miles one way with an 03 Xterra, and man did I wish it had brakes. I thought about putting brakes on myself because that's all I could afford and decided not to because of how much of a PITA it would be. I also decided to not put brakes on it because I always went to the same lake where I rented a covered slip and bought a used hydrolift (another great deal). Now I only tow my boat twice a year and the rest of the time I can haul arse on down to the lake. But, when towing I just leave some extra space and don't get in any hurry and the Titan does great!

So... If you plan on towing alot get the brakes. If your going to go to the same lake all the time, look at storage/slip rental fees around the lake and maybe pass on the brakes.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you get as much use and enjoyment out of your new boat as I do mine!

Mark

cttitan · 02-08-2006, 05:58 AM

Most states require brakes on trailers over a certain weight. I know in Connecticut we need an independent braking system for trailers with a gross weight of 3,000lbs or more.

QWIKWHIP · 02-08-2006, 06:32 AM

$500 is a small price for your safety and piece of mind. Like others said, you would probley be ok without them, but you will be much better with them.

JefeCinco · 02-08-2006, 06:56 AM

Yes, you need the brakes.

JAFCO · 02-08-2006, 07:36 AM

For normal towing you don't need the trailer brakes... but for emergency stopping they are a must. Braking is all about speed and weight.. .the more of each the longer it takes to stop.

Personally I wouldn't hesitate

PhatSami · 02-08-2006, 07:53 AM

Let me tell you a story the owner of the RV store told my dad. The RV store sold some guy a huge Class A motorhome that was well over $100k. The guy was flat towing a little honda car behind it. The guy was involved in a pretty serious accident where the people in the other car got hurt very bad. Even though the Honda was well within the 5,000 lb tow rating for the RV and under the 3,000lb brake requirement for PA, the guy's insurance company didn't cover anything. The state he was in required brakes on anything being towed. The RV, the Honda, and the other car were all totaled. The guy ended up losing his house because of all the medical bills, fines, and having to pay for all 3 vehicles involved in the accident. It ruined his entire life. Everything he worked so hard to get was lost. It could have been prevented by buying a brake buddy system for his Honda. I would spend the extra cash just to be safe. Insurance companies will look for any way out of paying a settlement.

titandoc · 02-08-2006, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the advise. It is well recieved. As someone stated: 500.00 bucks is a low price to pay for piece of mind. I'll be heading to the dealer tomorrow to sign the adoption papers for the new baby.
Just wanted to let you know what she looks like.
She was born a Bayliner in 2005. White with a blue stripe. She's about 18'2" long and 2100lbs. In her gut beats a 3.0 mercruiser( Chevy) I/O with 135 hp. Top speed 42mph.
She's not the fastest, pretiest, biggest or fanciest, but she has the best trait of all: she's mine. Ahhh.
Now, cant wait till snow melts.

FLA-Titan · 02-09-2006, 07:24 AM

On my trailer, I just have surge brakes, which is fine for a small trailer. Works great. Only pain with surge is the backing up part. Make sure your pin the the brake release in.

Frequen.C · 02-10-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titandoc

Thanks for the advise. It is well recieved. As someone stated: 500.00 bucks is a low price to pay for piece of mind. I'll be heading to the dealer tomorrow to sign the adoption papers for the new baby.
Just wanted to let you know what she looks like.
She was born a Bayliner in 2005. White with a blue stripe. She's about 18'2" long and 2100lbs. In her gut beats a 3.0 mercruiser( Chevy) I/O with 135 hp. Top speed 42mph.
She's not the fastest, pretiest, biggest or fanciest, but she has the best trait of all: she's mine. Ahhh.
Now, cant wait till snow melts.

sounds alot like mine. Is it a 175?

titandoc · 02-10-2006, 08:23 PM

No, it is the bayliner 185. I thought 185 stood for 18.5 feet, but it is actually 18' 2".