Unbraked trailer, towing limitations
Hey folks, I’m looking for a new tow vehicle for a rig coming in at 2700 lbs, loaded, per the scale. I decided to trade down to a more modest unibody suv like the highlander, telluride or similar wit...
Forum Discussion
OP wrote:
With these low limits in mind, it would be interesting to start paying attention to all the F150s, towing 2000”-4000 pound trailer around and I bet most of them won’t have trailer brakes. I don’t say that to say it’s right or to justify anything I just think it’s the reality of how uninformed people are given all the hype the manufacturers place around the top rated tow numbers with no Asterix to prompt people to dig deeper. The F150 for example Has a unbraked limit of 1500 lbs.
Not all F150 same year models have the same braking performance/specs.
Looking at 2022 Fleet Ford brake specs shows two different braking systems (rotor dia/rotor thickness/sweep area) on the various F150 models... which we can't tell just by looking.
And of course older year model F150 brake systems may not be as robust as newer gen models.
I'm always surprised how quick the wifes '16 1500 chevy crew cab 4wd stops my 2540 lb empty 10k car hauler without the trailers brakes plugged in
JMO but our LDT mfg's may recommend a certain limit on unbraked trailers but I sure wouldn't assume, without knowing that particular trucks brake specs, exceeding that number is a danger.
I started towing in the early '60's. Trailer brakes and especially LDT's have come a long long way in braking performance.
