Safe to tow 2600lb trailer without brakes?

Just purchased an 81 remodeled sunline travel trailer. Weighs approx 2500-2600lbs, and is 17.5 long. Planning on towing it with my 04 Tacoma, from Mass to New Orleans. Not sure yet trailer brakes work.
I am new to towing and will be driving with two toddlers...would love advice on whether it is safe or reasonable to tow without brakes?

 

The fact you never towed before working trailer brakes are a good idea.

Also don`t forget weight adds up quick a empty weight can gain 1000 pounds real quick.

Practice your backing skills before your in a place you really need them

 

No way!

That's a long trip. Do you have any idea how many opportunities there are for some other driver to put you in a panic situation? With brakes on the trailer, you increase your odds of saving the situation.

If it was remodeled, why were the brakes not rebuilt?

Lastly, does your '04 have the electric brake controller and trailer package?

I own an "04 V6. I don't think I would enjoy towing that much weight for that kind of distance. The truck would be fine for a 50-100 mile trip if set up properly, but not for long trips.

Please consider leasing a full sized truck to do this. The safety of the youngsters kind of requires you to go with a heavier vehicle.

 

There may not be a Brake control installed in the truck yet.

 

I'm just going to suggest this first: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/
Max for your 1st gen is 5,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 500 lbs.
You can tow without trailer brakes but its pretty unsafe and having to deal with two children too may put you in some sticky situations even with trailer brakes. I would rent a full size truck with trailer hookups and call it a day. Are you taking a trip or is this a moving trip?

 

Visiting family in mass (bought the trailer in RI) driving back to where we live in Nola. I thought abt renting another vehicle, but can't really afford it currently. Would possibly save, to get it at a later date if not smart to do without brakes...

 

I have a hitch installed and was planning on getting the brake controller installed tomorrow, there is a possibility the brakes work, but I think unlikely. the inside was redone, but not much to the exterior.
Only thing I've towed before was a 13 ft Scamp, from New Orleans to Cali, but much lighter weight and only my dog, no toddlers.
Sounds like no brakes is a bad idea:/.

 

I would suggest against the idea. Are two family members willing to take the drive down there for you or maybe drive with you and fly back?

 

Nope.

Not only because of the weight, but also because of the length and lack of experience. Don't take an unnecessary risk especially with your family on board.

 

Agree with all comments about needing operational trailer brakes with a controller on board the truck. Safety is the utmost reason but in most states it's the law. States vary but you can bet most require them on trailers over a certain weight. BUT, check the laws for any state you will pass through. Weight distribution hitch / Anti-sway bars are also required depending on trailer weight. Safety first. Another thing to consider is whether you have a tow package on your truck. You stated you had a hitch installed which hints that it does not have the required transmission cooler, oil cooler, and better alternator and battery. Lots to consider when towing.

 

I tow right around 2500 lbs all the time in the snow and ice without brakes. My inline enclosed sled trailer is GVWR 2999 lbs and is a single axle with no brakes. It's definitely not ideal when there is weather, but I wouldn't hesitate in the spring-fall. If it rains, just reduce speed and increase travelling distance.

As far as the law, it is often mis-stated on this forum. Very few states in the nation require trailer brakes for a vehcile with a GVWR below 3000lbs. Some states have emergency break-a-way requirements for brakes, but not many require a braking system under 3000lbs GVWR. The fact that your trailer has brakes tells me that it likely has a GVWR higher than 3000lbs. So even if your trailer actually weighs less than 3000lbs, if the GVWR is higher than that, you'll need the brakes for compliance.

You can check the laws in all states for auxillary braking systems here: http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws

 

No brakes?

No way!

That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

And, according to that chart, if you are traveling NY (almost certain), or NC (quite possible) you will need aux brakes if the trailer is over 1K.

 

You said you will have 2 toddlers with you. No.

 

Nope.....I wouldn't

 

Agreed. Even with brakes, things can get hairy- traffic is unpredictable.

Also, nice avatar.

 

I would highly discourage towing that without trailer brakes. Not only for your safety, but also the kids. Imagine how you would feel if you got in accident because you didn't have trailer breaks and one of the kids was injured. Even with my towing experience I wouldn't feel safe towing that much without trailer brakes.

 

So how much do you guys think that you can tow without trailer brakes?

 

As I said above, I tow regurally 2500lbs easy without trailer brakes. I do this all winter in snow and ice, literally thousands of miles a season. This is my single axle, no brakes trailer with a 2999 GVWR:


The trailer weighs 1450lbs alone and two sleds put it likely around 2500 lbs. Maybe a bit more. I would not want to tow more weight than that without auxillary brakes and even my setup, if there is weather you better be experienced. It's simple, you just drive slower and give more following distance. But over 2500lbs I would definitely want trailer brakes and as a matter of fact, I am considering adding them to my trailer just because in the winter it can be a bit white knuckle.

 

Most states require brakes above 3500 lbs. I've been towing 3000-3500 lb trailers with no trailer brakes for 30 years without a single issue.

 

Most states- almost all of them actually- are GVWR 3000lbs. Some are 1500 and two are 1000. In fact, there are only 3 states that allow you to tow over 3000 lbs without brakes. Texas and Alaska (both 5000 lbs) and Mass. (10000 lbs). North Carolina is weird, they allow you to tow 4000 lbs without brakes, unless it's a house trailer then it's 1000 lb required. Check your state here: http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws