Another Towing Thread - Does a 2000lb trailer need electric brakes?

[bass-o-matic]

I'll try to keep it simple.

3rd Gen 2002 with 231 MM Brake upgrade

Trailer = 2000lbs loaded

Should I install electric trailer brakes on the trailer and a controller in the truck?

 

[TXLX1]

I'll try to keep it simple.

3rd Gen 2002 with 231 MM Brake upgrade

Trailer = 2000lbs loaded

Should I install electric trailer brakes on the trailer and a controller in the truck?

It's not required in Texas for that weight. You certainly can, but if I had a stock rig with a brake upgrade, 2k lbs wouldn't bother me at all.

 

[Rocky5000100]

Nope you're good.

With my 7x12 enclosed that weighs about 3200lbs loaded, however, I wouldn't tow without brakes (which I have).

 

[alumarine]

I wouldn't worry about 2000 lbs at all unless the jurisdictions I towed in required brakes.
Some do.

 

[bass-o-matic]

Great.

Well, would any of that change if I where going up and down mountain passes? I do plan on seeing the country some day.

 

[pauldub]

If you drive like everyone around here (1 car length behind) you'll need trailer brakes. If you did well in your physics class and apply what you learned, you can get by without. It's really the panic stops when the brakes will help you. I see that you're from the flatlands but if you know how to drive in mountains, you won't use your brakes much on downhill grades.

 

[nevada]

Great.

Well, would any of that change if I where going up and down mountain passes? I do plan on seeing the country some day.

2k doesn't sound like much, but it is roughly 50% of the vehicle towing it.

you wouldn't need them it, but they certainly wouldn't hurt. if you plan to tow a lot, trailer brakes will cut down on a lot of unnecessary wear on the 4runner brakes.

 

[Myrunr2010]

to piggy back what everyone else has said, I don't think they're really necessary, but, if you tow all the time, it could be a really nice upgrade

 

[bass-o-matic]

thanks everyone!

 

[Arnezie]

I would in a T4R just because the brakes are hardly enough to stop the 4runner in an emergency. Definitely wouldn't trust it to stop with 2.000lbs pushing you.

 

[kolelt]

I would in a T4R just because the brakes are hardly enough to stop the 4runner in an emergency. Definitely wouldn't trust it to stop with 2.000lbs pushing you.

I agree. Out brakes suck!

 

[Chrisw05]

If you are pulling short distance only a few times then I wouldnt worry too much about it, drive a bit slower and use caution. If you will be towing a lot more, brake upgrade!

 

[IBallEngineer]

It's not required in Texas for that weight. You certainly can, but if I had a stock rig with a brake upgrade, 2k lbs wouldn't bother me at all.

California requires brakes on anything over $1500.


Edit: Haha, I mean #1500

 

[Dropzone]

Well, would any of that change if I where going up and down mountain passes? I do plan on seeing the country some day.

I have been towing stuff for 30+ years...Trailer brakes never hurt. Especially downhill in a pass.

 

[euser]

Great.

Well, would any of that change if I where going up and down mountain passes? I do plan on seeing the country some day.

I've towed a 20ft boat around fine without trailer brakes for years. However, I wouldn't tow it around in mountainous areas. I doubt a 4Runner can even make it up a mountain with more than 4 people and some gear unless you want to spend a week and 4 tanks of gas lol.

 

[TXLX1]

California requires brakes on anything over $1500.


Edit: Haha, I mean #1500

California just wants you to be extra safe. I think it depends what you are towing with and terrain. In Texas, I think it's required around 4000lbs. But if you are towing with a vehicle that has max 4000lb capacity and trailer weights 3999 lbs, I would definitely want trailer brakes.

I towed a pop-up camper for a while that weighed around 2k, and it never gave me any cause to hook up the trailer brakes on it.

 

[DRCTRD]

I have electric trailer brakes. I tow anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500lbs with my atvs.
It makes it so nice to tow and you don't feel the weight of the trailer when coming to a stop.

 

[IBallEngineer]

California just wants you to be extra safe. I think it depends what you are towing with and terrain. In Texas, I think it's required around 4000lbs. But if you are towing with a vehicle that has max 4000lb capacity and trailer weights 3999 lbs, I would definitely want trailer brakes.

I towed a pop-up camper for a while that weighed around 2k, and it never gave me any cause to hook up the trailer brakes on it.

I use this line every time someone talks about towing.

:Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!"

 

[trook]

2k lbs is relatively light for a trailer. Just go slow and leave extra room for braking.