Towing ?

beano · 03-05-2006, 08:36 AM

Just bought new camper weight is 2800 lbs, Can it be safely towed home untill I add brake controller on at a later date(20 Mi. one way)? Have big tow and 4 wd Also brake recall done.

Canada0937 · 03-05-2006, 09:02 AM

Yep, no problem.

Old Speed · 03-05-2006, 09:47 AM

yea dont worry about it on the way home. just make sure you allow more stopping distance thats all.. If the trailer has brakes then i would, in the near future add the brake controller its inexpencive and easy to do your self.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 03-05-2006, 10:05 AM

I've towed ATV trailers with 5 ATVs and no problems. It weighed way more than 2800 LBS too. Just, as mentioned already, leave room for stopping and do get the brake controller hooked up ASAP. Huge difference when the trailer can stop itself. Good luck

*Mike Up* · 03-05-2006, 12:30 PM

Don't know what your state laws are, but Indiana requires trailer brakes if that trailer has a GVWR 3000 lbs or more. My Pop up is 3141 lbs GVWR so the brakes were standard.

Now when I pulled with my late Titan, I usually had it loaded quite a bit say ~2700 lbs. The camper did push the Titan with the brakes disengaged. I was just testing to see how much it would push and I was quite surprised.

So as other's have stated, give yourself a lot more distance and be cautious.

BTW, in all Nissan truck owner's manuals, Xterra, Armada, Pathfinder, Frontier, and Titan, they recommend trailer brakes when the trailer weighs more than 1000 lbs. Makes sense as the truck's brakes were designed to stop it and a bit more. The brakes weren't designed to stop the truck and a heavier camper.

Good luck on the ride home and have a good one.

beano · 03-05-2006, 02:16 PM

Thanks Guys,Heres a pic its the smaller one. It does have elec brakes.

*Mike Up* · 03-05-2006, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beano

Thanks Guys,Heres a pic its the smaller one. It does have elec brakes.

WOW, I thought you had a Pop Up. That hybrid looks to be a 19 - 21' model which usually have a no option DRY weight starting around 3200 lbs. Loaded with only options, it may be up to 3500lb at a very minimum.

Now that I see what you have, I'd have to question the 2800 lbs seriously. Going by your hybrid camper, I'd say don't pull without a brake controller. Plus if your pulled over and aren't using a brake controller, you'll be ticketed.

Get a Prodigy, they're easier than crap to install and are inexpensive under $150. Besides, they're the best electronic controller on the market.

Good luck and have a good one.

**helomech** · 03-05-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Up

WOW, I thought you had a Pop Up. That hybrid looks to be a 19 - 21' model which usually have a no option DRY weight starting around 3200 lbs. Loaded with only options, it may be up to 3500lb at a very minimum.

Now that I see what you have, I'd have to question the 2800 lbs seriously. Going by your hybrid camper, I'd say don't pull without a brake controller. Plus if your pulled over and aren't using a brake controller, you'll be ticketed.

Get a Prodigy, they're easier than crap to install and are inexpensive under $150. Besides, they're the best electronic controller on the market.

Good luck and have a good one.

Has anyone ever been ticketed for this? I always get out of the vehicle and lock my doors, so the cop won't even see if I have a brake controller. I am not saying to pull a heavy load without one, but I have never had a cop ask me if I was using a brake controller.

*Mike Up* · 03-05-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

Has anyone ever been ticketed for this? I always get out of the vehicle and lock my doors, so the cop won't even see if I have a brake controller. I am not saying to pull a heavy load without one, but I have never had a cop ask me if I was using a brake controller.

All he/she has to do is ask to see it if they feel like doing an inspection. I've never been pulled over pulling a camper but the possibility exists. To be honest, they most likely wouldn't even ticket you, but wouldn't allow you to drive any further. This may even involve a tow of the trailer. It's all in how the cop handles it.

Also getting out of the vehicle is a no no. I've know people who were drawn on for doing that. Technically you're suppose to stay in the vehicle.

Have a good one.

**helomech** · 03-05-2006, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Up

All he/she has to do is ask to see it if they feel like doing an inspection. I've never been pulled over pulling a camper but the possibility exists. To be honest, they most likely wouldn't even ticket you, but wouldn't allow you to drive any further. This may even involve a tow of the trailer. It's all in how the cop handles it.

Also getting out of the vehicle is a no no. I've know people who were drawn on for doing that. Technically you're suppose to stay in the vehicle.

Have a good one.

I keep my insurance, registration, and license handy just so I can get out of the vehicle before he gets there. Not trying to hide anything, just like my privacy. I always lock the door, and no cop is getting in without a warrant. You are not breaking any law by getting out of the vehicle. I let some cops search my car before, and the left it all torn apart. That will never happen again. I also carry my camcorder in the car and when I get pulled over I always turn it on.

*Mike Up* · 03-05-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

I keep my insurance, registration, and license handy just so I can get out of the vehicle before he gets there. Not trying to hide anything, just like my privacy. I always lock the door, and no cop is getting in without a warrant. You are not breaking any law by getting out of the vehicle. I let some cops search my car before, and the left it all torn apart. That will never happen again. I also carry my camcorder in the car and when I get pulled over I always turn it on.

The laws have changed a long time ago. An officer needs no warrant to inspect your car. Suspicion is all that's needed. Everyone use to keep their 'private items' in the trunk so that a warrant would be needed for a search. That is none existent today and if you don't open your car willingly, they can forcefully get it open. As long as they have suspicion, no warrant is needed.

Have a good one.

**helomech** · 03-05-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Up

The laws have changed a long time ago. An officer needs no warrant to inspect your car. Suspicion is all that's needed. Everyone use to keep their 'private items' in the trunk so that a warrant would be needed for a search. That is none existent today and if you don't open your car willingly, they can forcefully get it open. As long as they have suspicion, no warrant is needed.

Have a good one.

In Louisiana your vehicle is considered an extension of your home, same rules apply to both. They can use probable cause just like your home, that is why I turn on my camcorder. If they say they have probable cause in my vehicle they are lying, and the camcorder will be my proof. They need to be able to see something or smell something for probable cause if you refuse to let them. Then they are supposed to get a dog if they think drugs. Ever since those cops tore my car apart I will go to jail before I let them in my car. They took the doors apart, pulled out the rear seat, pulled up the carpet, and more. BTW you have a good one too.

*Mike Up* · 03-05-2006, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

In Louisiana your vehicle is considered an extension of your home, same rules apply to both. They can use probable cause just like your home, that is why I turn on my camcorder. If they say they have probable cause in my vehicle they are lying, and the camcorder will be my proof. They need to be able to see something or smell something for probable cause if you refuse to let them. Then they are supposed to get a dog if they think drugs. Ever since those cops tore my car apart I will go to jail before I let them in my car. They took the doors apart, pulled out the rear seat, pulled up the carpet, and more. BTW you have a good one too.

I see your point.

**helomech** · 03-05-2006, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Up

I see your point.

Found this on law.freeadvice.com "Can a police officer search my car when I am stopped for speeding?
Generally, no. However, due to the mobility of cars, time does not permit a search warrant to be obtained. As a result, vigilant police are motivated to search suspicious automobiles. However, the police officer must have probable cause to believe that contraband is concealed somewhere.

In essence, merely being stopped for speeding should not allow the officer to search your car; however, if the officer saw you throw an empty beer can out the window, that may be sufficient probable cause to search your car. Or, if the officer smells marijuana as he approaches the car, he may have an articulable suspicion to search.

It is unreasonable to make a search of an automobile when the arrest is for a minor traffic violation (like speeding), as a subterfuge for a search for evidence of a serious crime. Yet, the many automobile exceptions are based on the lower expectation to the right of privacy in a car versus a home and the fact that cars are mobile and evidence can be more readily disposed."

Smoke05 · 03-05-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

Found this on law.freeadvice.com "Can a police officer search my car when I am stopped for speeding?
Generally, no. However, due to the mobility of cars, time does not permit a search warrant to be obtained. As a result, vigilant police are motivated to search suspicious automobiles. However, the police officer must have probable cause to believe that contraband is concealed somewhere.

In essence, merely being stopped for speeding should not allow the officer to search your car; however, if the officer saw you throw an empty beer can out the window, that may be sufficient probable cause to search your car. Or, if the officer smells marijuana as he approaches the car, he may have an articulable suspicion to search.

It is unreasonable to make a search of an automobile when the arrest is for a minor traffic violation (like speeding), as a subterfuge for a search for evidence of a serious crime. Yet, the many automobile exceptions are based on the lower expectation to the right of privacy in a car versus a home and the fact that cars are mobile and evidence can be more readily disposed."

Speeding may not give probable cause, but I would think getting out of your car and locking the doors would. What other reason would one do that other than to try and hide something? I know LA has a reputation for some less than honorable officers but if you are doing nothing wrong and carrying nothing illegal, why go through the bother?