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How heavy would a 2" ball-towed trailer need to be before it would need its own brakes wired in (pulled by a half-ton pickup truck)...???
When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
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When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
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- horsesoldier03
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Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
Texas requires trailer brakes at 4500 # total trailer weight. I have a trailer that weights 1500# curb weight (tare), it has a brake axle on it but I have not added the sending unit to my vehicle. I prefer to have a trailer brake anytime I get over 2500# especially if it will be at highway speeds. I think Indiana requires a brake whenever total weight is over 3000#.
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Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
Ideally, BEFORE you need to be able to stop it reliably.
Sorry, no help -- but it is technically correct...
Old No7
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- Levergunner
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Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
As a long time farmer the rule of thumb is any time the trailer and it's load weight more than what you are pulling it with you need brakes.... John
- GunnyMack
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Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
When trying to stop
Sounds like you are looking to move something big Doc?!

Sounds like you are looking to move something big Doc?!
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- horsesoldier03
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Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
We call that when the tail wags the dog!Farmerjohn wrote: ↑Sat Jun 14, 2025 9:04 am As a long time farmer the rule of thumb is any time the trailer and it's load weight more than what you are pulling it with you need brakes.... John
Gun Control is not about guns, it is about control!
Re: When do you need to add trailer brakes..?
Thishorsesoldier03 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:03 pm Texas requires trailer brakes at 4500 # total trailer weight. I have a trailer that weights 1500# curb weight (tare), it has a brake axle on it but I have not added the sending unit to my vehicle. I prefer to have a trailer brake anytime I get over 2500# especially if it will be at highway speeds. I think Indiana requires a brake whenever total weight is over 3000#.
Kind regards,
Tycer
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