Can I tow it without brakes a short distance?

[rightlaneonly]

OK. I just bought a 2007Ford F 150 with the 5.4 V8. Runs like a dream but does not have a 7 pin adapter yet. I have one ordered but want to take a short trip close to home, The trailer is an Econ 14BB and I guess it to weigh around 3500 ready to camp. My question is do you think I can tow the trailer safely without brakes this one time.

[rightlaneonly]

Just to clarify;
I never said I would not have lights on the trailer. There are and I have an adapter to go from four pin to seven pin. Also I know I need and do have a brake controller, just waiting for a wiring kit to come in. I did take the advice of the first poster and am staying home until I get and install the wiring kit so everyone is safe (at least from me) on the road.With the weather we're having here in California, its tough to sit in the sunshine and near 80 degrees and look at the rig just sitting there:(
I truly appreciate all the responses. I do think I could do it but will err on the side of caution and safety.
Happy camping and thanks again.
Lee

[wanderingaimles]

A seven pin plug alone doesnt mean the trailer has brakes. You need a brake controller also.
As far as needing brakes, check your states rules. they do vary some but generally if your trailer is properly lit, and under a specific weight , brakes are not required.
Boats for example are frequently towed in the 3000-5000 lb range without the trailers having brakes.

If you are only looking at tail lights and have a 4 pin connector on the truck, you can use this to adapt to the trailers 7 pin, but it only provides tail and clearance lights.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/47205-4-Wire-Flat-Adapter-47515-Connector-Adapter-Hopkins-Wire-Towing-Trailer-Wiring-Wacky-Covers-Book-Weatherproof-48145-Prewired-Hopkins/636388641

[mat60]

parker.rowe wrote:
GOTTA have trailer lights, but if it were me I would at least give it a test run and try it out.

Back before I new trailer brakes were a nice thing to have, I towed lots of car trailers (with cars) with older half tons than that. Early to mid 90's trucks. The cars were 3-3500 pounds by themselves, plus the trailer weight.

Never had a problem with braking. Even with trailer brakes I give myself way more room to stop though (of course).

That said, sounds like you are fine with holding off. Nothing wrong with that either.

Same here but with my race car. Had a close call when someone pulled out in front of me and it took 4-ever to slow down. Also almost lost it when slowing down in a curve on wet roads. The trailer pushed the back of the truck sideways.

[parker_rowe]

GOTTA have trailer lights, but if it were me I would at least give it a test run and try it out.

Back before I knew trailer brakes were a nice thing to have, I towed lots of car trailers (with cars) with older half tons than that. Early to mid 90's trucks. The cars were 3-3500 pounds by themselves, plus the trailer weight.

Never had a problem with braking. Even with trailer brakes I give myself way more room to stop though (of course).

That said, sounds like you are fine with holding off. Nothing wrong with that either.

[MFL]

valhalla360 wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
Geez I tow that much in my utility trailer a lot and it doesn't have brakes. Give yourself plenty of room.

A big difference with a small utility trailer is other drivers can usually still see the tail lights on the truck.

Not so much with a typical RV.

Honestly, this is probably the bigger safety question rather than brakes.

It is easy to run jumper wires from your 4-pin connector, to the seven pin on the trailer, to get running/stop/turn signal lights. If you at least have stop/turn lights, I would use the trailer, using caution, allowing extra stopping room. Many out there towing heavier trailers have very poor braking ability, even though they do have them hooked up.

You know your ability/experience towing, better than us. You may notice I said I would do this, not YOU should do this. You will feel some push, from a 3,500 lb trailer with no braking, while towing with a 150 truck.

Jerry

[Lantley]

If it were a life or death situation maybe go for it. But otherwise wait until it's hooked up properly. There is really no valid reason for not having it connected properly for a normal trip.

[midnightsadie]

my boat trailer doesn,t have brakes ,and comes in at #3k. never had a problem stopping it. same truck. but a boat is not a rv.I think its a toss up. hook it up go for a short test and then think about it.

[BarabooBob]

If anything happens, the lawyers will make a lot of money. Your money. You will be driving an illegal vehicle, will your insurance cover the bills?

[Tvov]

Wait... is it just that you won't have brakes, or also no trailer lights?

[garyemunson]

I'm sure if you take it easy, you can do it......BUT if ANYTHING happens, not having brakes (or brake lights) on the trailer will morph the accident into completely your fault and the lawyers will go on a feeding frenzy.

[Ralph_Cramden]

Legally most states require brakes on trailer over 3K GVW but a couple require it over 4K GVW.

Of course on this and other RV boards, if you move 10' without them the Earth will come out of orbit and spin off into deep space. Someone along with their whole family will die, and you'll get life + 20 in the state pen LOL.

[valhalla360]

goducks10 wrote:
Geez I tow that much in my utility trailer a lot and it doesn't have brakes. Give yourself plenty of room.

A big difference with a small utility trailer is other drivers can usually still see the tail lights on the truck.

Not so much with a typical RV.

Honestly, this is probably the bigger safety question rather than brakes.

[old_guy]

so you are wanting us to say it is safe for you to be unsafe. and if something were to happen then you will say it's our fault and want to sue us. forget it. stay home or get a 7 pin set up

[goducks10]

Geez I tow that much in my utility trailer a lot and it doesn't have brakes. Give yourself plenty of room.

[Bionic_Man]

Probably not the popular answer here, but I would do it if the trailer truly is only 3500 pounds.