Do I need a brake controller?

Crappie Master · 04-15-2009, 01:08 PM

What a truck. Just bought a 2008.5 Titan 4x4 KC on Monday. wow. Anyway, I have a 16' Bass Boat that weighs around 1600 lbs. with trailer & motor. Do I need to have electric brake controller installed?

**Carbeaux** · 04-15-2009, 01:11 PM

Does the trailer have brakes? I think most of the boat type trailers have surge brakes? If it does, you won't need a controller.

**vipzach** · 04-15-2009, 01:18 PM

If your boat trailer has the surge brakes, you don't need anything.

Honestly, with only 1600lbs, you are probably fine without the surge brakes. (if it doesn't have them)

stump_breaker · 04-15-2009, 01:27 PM

Me personally I would go ahead and install a BB but not for that boat.

Crappie Master · 04-15-2009, 01:35 PM

Thank you for the quick responses, I really do appreciate it. The boat will be the only thing towed, unless its a Chevy or Ford.

12glocks · 04-15-2009, 02:48 PM

The owners manual does address this. I can remember the numbers. For a 1600 pound trailer I would not worry about it.

**Irish125** · 04-15-2009, 03:05 PM

Congrats on the new truck. I think if you are properly set up you can do up to about 3500lbs before really needing a brake controller and brakes. Don't quote me on it though.

typerr · 04-15-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish125

Congrats on the new truck. I think if you are properly set up you can do up to about 3500lbs before really needing a brake controller and brakes. Don't quote me on it though.

Maybe true but even with a light trailer brakes are useful for calming down a swaying trailer.

**Irish125** · 04-15-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by typerr

Maybe true but even with a light trailer brakes are useful for calming down a swaying trailer.

Can't disagree with ya there.

jljue · 04-15-2009, 06:14 PM

You should need a brake controller for a boat and trailer that light, but it doesn't hurt to have one for other possibilities. Typically, if a boat trailer has brakes, it is surge brakes since electric brakes could cause issues if they aren't properly sealed and maintained when putting the trailer in the water. As a general rule, 3500 lbs is the limit for not legally requiring brakes on the trailer, but some state vary. Personally, I prefer not to pull more than 3000 lbs without brakes for the safety factor--never know when some dummy will pull out in front of you and slam on his or her brakes. I had someone do that to me this morning, and I wasn't sure if I'd stop in time since I was pulling my 18' Skeeter to the lake. That trailer doesn't require brakes, but when I need to replace the bearings in the hubs, I my just install a surge brake setup anyway.

**loufish** · 04-15-2009, 09:52 PM

Congrats on a fine new truck purchase!...

I believe the state regs dictate minimum trailer brake requirement...I think in Kalifornia anything over 2000 lbs you're supposed to have some sort of trailer brakes.

I've towed under 2000 lbs a lot and I'd not worry too much about it, of course do increase your stopping distance, but I recommend that brakes or no brakes...

**4mula1fan** · 04-15-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappie Master

Thank you for the quick responses, I really do appreciate it. The boat will be the only thing towed, unless its a Chevy or Ford.

Nice!!

Where are you located?