Seeking towing advice.

Hello TW!

Im planning to tow no more than 3k pounds (enclosed trailer, single axle) for 500 miles through mountain passes.

My truck is on 33s, 2” lifted and will be carrying about 400 pounds of constant weight.

Would I be ok without trailer brakes? There are a lot of long hills on the way to my destination.

TIA

 

I wouldn't. I use them on a 1200 pound camper and it makes a difference.

 

No. Get them. The first time you have to slow down or stop faster than you’d like you’ll be grateful.

 

You need at least a surge brake. Take my word for it.

 

Sorry bub, I'm with the others. You need brakes.
You'll be skirting the line of legally required. Even below that, you will notice the difference.

 

Definitely add trailer brakes. It’s a nice trailer and worth the upgrade. It’s not just about saving the brakes on your truck, it helps in an emergency situation, think of that trailer pulling,,, to keep them both straight, rather than momentum pushing it around your truck.

 

That's a single axle 6x10 trailer. Is it even equipped with brakes?

 

No way would I ever tow that much without some sort of trailer brakes. Imo, 1500 lbs is about the max you can safely tow without trailer brakes for that truck.

 

i would guess not.

 

That's what I figured also. I've had two different utility trailers, a 6x10 and a 6x12, both single axle. Neither came equipped with brakes. Here in FL they aren't required to be equipped with brakes below a 3,000 lb GVWR.

The OP may not have a brake option. Take it slow, leave a good distance between you and vehicles in front of you, and use S mode and engine braking on the downslopes in those mountains.

 

It’s not the trailer with no brakes that’s the problem it’s the truck.

 

So you're saying the trailer has brakes but the truck has no trailer brake controller?

 

lol that too. Truck is barely adequate for towing in power and braking. Brake controller and trailer brakes will come in handy when you are having a “OH SHIT” moment while towing.

 

Legally, trailers with GVWR less than 3k don’t need to be equipped with brakes over here.

 

Thanks guys! I guess I will be adding brakes or will be looking for a trailer with brakes.

 

I’ve towed a lot of boats with my Tacomas in the 3000lb range without brakes and never ran into problems.

 

Personally, I'd look at a 6x12 double axle with brakes. More stability.

 

Good choice, Serge. Better to have and not need than to need ….

 

On page 16 of this PDF is the towing capacity and tongue load numbers from Toyota.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf

 

3k lbs is the legal limit for trailer brakes where I live too. I had surge brakes on my boat trailer which with the boat was about 2300 lbs. However, after several tows I discovered the brakes were non-operable (went to check the reservoir and found rusty goop). So I would say that you could pull it off with no brakes, but you might not want to. I don't think I would go as far as electric brakes. I'm guessing surge brakes would be fine. CAVEAT: I have never towed in the mountains.