Quote:
Originally Posted by cbale2000
We've towed our teams trailer with a variety of vehicles over the years (including mini-vans) without any issues (other than driver skill). Unless you have a LOT of stuff, you don't need to go crazy on trailer size either.
Our trailer is a ~6'x12' single-axle without any sort of trailer breaks, and it has more than enough room to fit all of our pit equipment plus space for up to 3 robots, and, on top of that, the rear door doubles as a loading ramp (swings down instead of out). In the 12+ years we've had it, we've never had any issues driving cross-country (and into Canada) in all kinds of weather with all kinds of vehicles pulling it.
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I know you haven't had an issue without trailer brakes, but the one time you need them you will really, really need them. I can give you several for-instances that have happened to me - I've towed large weights long distances my entire life - the benefits of spending my childhood on a farm I suppose.
Within the last 3 months, I had a trailer detach from the ball. The latch inside the hitch failed. The S-hooks did not stop the trailer (one snapped a link and one bent the S straight) and it came fully loose from the vehicle. If not for the trailer brakes that have an automatic engage feature when the trailer detaches the trailer would have gone into a house.
While towing a boat (7,000+ lbs) through Ohio early in the morning, we went under an overpass. The shadow from the overpass had prevented the salt from melting ice on the road. Instead of following nicely behind, the trailer swung to one side and before I could react I was sliding at 45 degrees to the road. Gently holding the brakes yanked the trailer back behind me and allowed me to pull over and clean out my underwear.
That one time you need trailer brakes will be the only time you ever need them. Especially on snow and ice where the trailer can push the truck very easily. I can't emphasize it enough.