Can I tow it without brakes a short distance?

Some people over think things sometimes and I often wonder how they are even able to step outside for fear. I would put money on his f150 pulling a 3500# trailer out stopping half of the commercial trucks on the road. I'd bet he could out stop Cummins' big mighty drw 3500 with the B&W hitch and 28,000# trailer. Just amasses me at the people that are looking to sue over a drop of the hat.

As with most questions controversial in nature, if one waits long enough, they will receive an answer they want to hear.

You've heard both sides, you have to decide. Unfortunately, the decision you make may affect more than just yourself.

I think you made the right decision.

Mike

OP, I would hook it and roll out and enjoy the trip. Just remember, the rig is only as safe as the operator that's controlling it meaning drive to the conditions and the trucks capabilities. That truck would have no problem stopping a 3500-4000# trailer. Will it stop like its empty? I think everyone knows the answer. Drive defensively and take your time and you will enjoy the trip.

Yes, you can always do a dumb, illegal thing for short distances since nothing will happen in a short distance tow.

Probley should wait until propoerly equipped. If the unexpected happens you could be putting others at risk and your insurance would not pay out citing neglagence. Better safe than sorry

fj12ryder wrote:
To me it would depend on where, how far, and what time. A back country road trip of 20-25 miles during the day would probably be okay, but not freeway or during dusk or night. The bad part is no lights, that would be the only reason I wouldn't do it, although I might avoid very steep grades too.

[COLOR=]"I never said I have no lights"
I have lights :S, that is not a problem, I just don't have all the parts to hook up the brake controller.

rightlaneonly wrote:


Truck has had a class four hitch installed and does have a transmission cooler.

You should also check for the additional fuses/relays for the 'tow package' as well. I think there is a 30a one for the brake controller and a relay for the 12v charge line to the trailer battery. These are found in the fuse box under the hood.

Good luck! Mitch

" Really the only thing the trailer brakes will do is stop the trailer if it becomes unattached to the truck"

Someday you will have someone cut in front of you brake hard to exit the freeway and you will be braking to the point your ABS takes over then you may find your trailer leading the way to possibly a very bad day.

You have lights, some apparently missed that.
How did you get the trailer home to start with?
I towed close to 3500# in a loaded 10x6x6 cargo trailer, no TT brakes, with a 1998 Ford Expedition with tow package. Pulled and handled it fine, porpoised at times, had to allow A LOT for stopping, no fun, it was definitely work towing that. If I was stopped and weighed I would have been illegal, trailer legally limited to 2990# by sticker, 3.5K axle equipped. Band and sound gear. Waiting is a good decision. Amazon Prime would have gotten you what you need in two days ;)
While you may not need it, a weight distributing hitch would make your towing much easier and keep you truck level for proper lighting and better handling.

Certainly get your brake controller and trailer brakes working but in the mean time go have fun camping. If I am picturing the correct trailer it is @16' long and single axle. I doubt you will see much difference in performance with or without a single axle brake. Really the only thing the trailer brakes will do is stop the trailer if it becomes unattached to the truck. At that point I think the trailer tongue digging into the asphalt will have the same affect as the brakes.