I've never had a trailer with brakes before as I only towed lighter trailers - my current two place open snowmobile trailer weighs in under 1700 pounds combined for the trailer and snowmobiles. As I understand it, surge brakes are completely self contained on the trailer and don't require any mods to the vehicle. Is that right?
Trailer towing and trailer brakes?
I just bought a brand new 2010 Escape Limited with 3.0L V6, Auto, and 4wd. In the winter, I'm going to be pulling a two place snowmobile trailer with it and I'm looking at upgrading to an enclosed trailer. The total weight of the two snowmobiles assuming they each have a full tank of gas is about 1200 pounds. The two trailers I'm looking at are 1065 pounds and 1325 pounds respectively which would make my total weight to be towed 2265 or 2525 depending on which trailer I pick. Ford says my towing capacity is 3500 so I should be OK with either of these two setups. A third trailer which is also a possibility is a two place Triton XT series which is 1550 pounds and would put total towed weight at 2750.
The question I have is on weather or not I will need trailer brakes. The Ford towing guide is not much help as it just says brakes are recommended for ALL trailers. State law in my state says they are required for trailers exceeding 3000 pounds so I'd be well under the legal limit. So at what weight should I be really concerned about having trailer brakes? My inclination is to just get them but if its just redundant it might be a waste. Also, has anyone used electric trailer brakes? If so how much did it cost to modify the truck for them?
PS: I did get the factory installed Class II towing package.
The question I have is on weather or not I will need trailer brakes. The Ford towing guide is not much help as it just says brakes are recommended for ALL trailers. State law in my state says they are required for trailers exceeding 3000 pounds so I'd be well under the legal limit. So at what weight should I be really concerned about having trailer brakes? My inclination is to just get them but if its just redundant it might be a waste. Also, has anyone used electric trailer brakes? If so how much did it cost to modify the truck for them?
PS: I did get the factory installed Class II towing package.
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Hmmmm....Since its for snowmobile season I guess electric is the way to go. Any idea how much it would cost me to get the Escape wired up for that? I'm not mechanically inclined so doing it myself is definitely out.If your on a slippery surface, the tow vehicle may not generate enough stopping force for an emergency situation
minnesotaart - from your handle I assume you are from the same neck of the woods as you (Minnesota???). I'm in Wright county - is your recommended shop anywhere near me? O course I havn't really even started looking at trailers yet and probably won't be buying before October or November as I won't need it before then.
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