Is a 5th Wheel Possible for me?

thomasmnile wrote:

Dayle1 wrote:


The truck brakes do not stop the trailer.

Seen this statement posted on this thread 2 or 3 times. Really, the truck brakes play no role in slowing the forward momentum of a trailer that may weigh as much or more than the truck towing it?

That's an awful lot of faith in 12x2" or whatever size electric drum brakes over 4 wheel hydraulic disc on the TV..........Just sayin.............

First, if a trailer manufacturer built a unit w/o sufficient brake capacity, they would be liable for accidents involving their trailer and they would have to stop selling them. But second the fundamentals of safe stopping require that the trailer does not push the tow vehicle, otherwise the momentum of the trailer can push the tow vehicle in a direction different than the driver's steering input and taking the rig off the road or jack-knife. So it is very important that the trailer brake controller be set aggressive enough that when braking you actually feel the trailer dragging on the truck rather than pushing on the truck. Finally, no truck manufacturer uses brakes sufficient to safely stop the claimed GCWR, they are sufficient for the truck's GVWR only, and no truck manufacturer would be liable in the event of an accident. Most states require trailer brakes on any trailer over 2000 lbs and it is the owners responsibility to maintain trailer brakes to stop the trailer. If you feel the trailer pushing the truck then you are unsafe and carry the liability. Hope this helps.