Choosing between two 31 foot RLDS trailers

proxim2020 wrote:
Truck brakes are designed to stop the full GVWR of the truck. The trailer's brakes are designed to stop the GVWR of the trailer. When you're within your limits and everything is setup and functioning correctly, braking is not a problem.

On "paper," the braking limitations set by the manufacturer under "ideal" conditions look pretty good, don't they? However in reality they don't seem to really live up. Especially when the lighter brakes on a 1/2 ton heat up quickly from down hill driving and with an "8,000 lb" load as you claim. When driving down a steep grade, even with brakes working properly, you'd discover the braking difference between a 3/4 ton, vs a 1/2 ton truck and with your "8,000lb" trailer load. At times, the trailer seems to control the tow vehicle, especially when one loads up the trailer too heavy. Personally, my own feeling is an 8,000lb trailer load is way over the capabilities of a 1/2 ton truck, except maybe for flat surfaced streets without hills or steep mountain roads. You're just asking for it if the trailer/truck get ahead of you downhill.

proxim2020 wrote:
My trailer routinely exceeds 8000 lbs and braking is uneventful in my 1/2 ton.

"Exceeds." There's another key component buzz word to this equation. Sorry, but in the interest of safety, I wouldn't take your advice on towing,

proxim2020 wrote:
By the way I know for a fact that my truck is capable of stopping my trailer without the aid of trailer brakes. More effort is required, but it got the job done just fine.

Why did it come to that condition in the first place? Mechanical failure with the trailer's electric brakes? "More effort" ...more buzz words here that stand out and supports my original point about heavy duty truck brakes. Again, another reason to have good heavy duty brakes vs the lighter brakes of a 1/2 ton, especially for your "8,000lb" trailer.

I have no doubt a 1/2 ton can tow plenty of trailers, but very light weighted ones at best.