When do you need to add trailer brakes..?

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Fri Jun 13, 2025 7:04 pm

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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)...???

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » 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#.

Old No7 · Post by **Old No7** » Sat Jun 14, 2025 8:17 am

AJMD429 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 7:04 pm 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

Farmerjohn · Post by **Farmerjohn** » 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

GunnyMack · Post by **GunnyMack** » Sat Jun 14, 2025 9:56 am

When trying to stop

Sounds like you are looking to move something big Doc?!

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Sat Jun 14, 2025 10:26 am

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

We call that when the tail wags the dog!

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sat Jun 14, 2025 11:39 am

horsesoldier03 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#.

This

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Sun Jun 15, 2025 7:24 pm

If your tow vehicle doesnt already have a brake controller, check to see if its already pre-wired. I was looking for a controller online for my 05 4runner, the info I discovered was the controllers were plug and play, plug into existing wiring harness provided by the factory and mount the unit. Hugely simplified adding a brake controller.

I dont know laws or numbers, but would suggest any time you cant panic stop quickly enough to suit you you probably need brakes on the trailer.