Tow Trailer brakes or Tow WITHOUT trailer brakes

[MakandaFarm]

What would you choose? Tow my 13,500 lb load with Trailer brakes but exceed payload? or Tow WITHOUT trailer brakes with adequate payload capacity?
Here is my unfortunate situation but i need to choose one option that is least dangerous. What is your vote? I have to make a one time short 25 mile trip to job site. I am towing 3000 lb trailer + 10,000 lb skid steer. I have the option to pull this load with option#1) a 2020 GMC 1500 6.2 V8 420 HP with Tongue Weight capacity of 1000lb with a working Trailer Brake or option #2) 2007 F-450 V-8 Power Stroke with max towing of 16,500 lbs BUT the Trailer Brake is inoperative. What would you choose of these 2 options.

 

[mrbb]

neither of your options are any good IMO, your asking for possible issues, both legally maybe and safety wise here, many states(not sure where your from) but once you get to"X" weight, you need a CDL or like drivers lic to tow, , doesn't matter what the vehicle is rated for, or capable of!
its what DOT rules apply! to you and the weight being towed!

So, why not HIRE someone to safely move things for you?
I know money doesn't grow on tree's!,
but should something happen, things will cost way more than having hired someone!

and all the more so after posting this on the world wide web
as God forbid something happen, AFTER you make a post knowing your wrong, doing either option!?/
and them words get used against you!

SO, if it was me, I'd be asking my friends first, (or maybe neighbors, many times a little cash or beer can get things like this done)
But if NOT, I'd hire someone to move it,
like maybe a roll back towing company close by, should be able to do this for a pretty low fee!
, as an example, (I had a local roll back move a machine for me 2 yrs ago about 20 miles, let the guy PICK the time to come get it, so he timed it on a return trip past my way, so not a special trip
and only cost me 50 bucks cash, money IMO well spent, !)

as the old old saying goes, ,
" better safe than sorry!"
and YES I know we all break rules some times, none of us are perfect!
so, not bashing here, just giving advice on the better option IMO!

 

[pr1952]

Is the larger truck yours? If it is, put a brake controller on it. You can get a good one for a few hundred dollars and install it in several hours, then you have a heavy duty truck with a brake controller. If not, as the previous person said, have someone else haul it or rent or borrow a truck that is the proper size and has a brake controller. If you were going a few miles on level ground, I would say use either one and go very slowly, but if you have to get out on the highway either would be a large risk and possible liability. Whoops I just reread and saw the 25 miles, ignore my previous sentence.

 

[MakandaFarm]

I have taken the faulty brake controller out if the dashboard and i am trying to fix it. (Bad solder points on the circuit board) I am in a time crunch. I know the prudent choice is neither 1 or 2 but feeling the pressure to get this job.

 

[700wildcat]

Fix the f450, those controllers are cheap and wiring is simple

 

[gjinc]

If your using a bumper hitch with the 2020 GMC 1500 then that's completely out. That truck is rated for 9000lbs tow capacity with the correct hitch. If it has a receiver hitch and you drive carefully, it will get the job done. Go to Enterprise truck rental and rent the proper truck, test drive a used truck from a dealer...lol
Seems the best would be to just fix the F450, replace the part and go

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[Ster1]

Will this job pay for a new 1/2 T when you take that corner and the trailer drives it into a ditch, or the lawsuit you get when you run into a buss full of nuns with that 450? The reason we try not to do dumb things is for protection of ourselves, other people, our bank accounts, our stuff.

Fix the controller.

And welcome.

 

[Gearclash]

I would chose the inoperative brake. Unless you are in 25 miles of intense driving. You'd be surprised how much an F-450 will stop without the help of trailer brakes. But do get the controller fixed.

Sometimes life is about how to get things accomplished in less than ideal circumstances.

 

[haymaker]

neither of your options are any good IMO, your asking for possible issues, both legally maybe and safety wise here, many states(not sure where your from) but once you get to"X" weight, you need a CDL or like drivers lic to tow, , doesn't matter what the vehicle is rated for, or capable of!
its what DOT rules apply! to you and the weight being towed!

So, why not HIRE someone to safely move things for you?
I know money doesn't grow on tree's!,
but should something happen, things will cost way more than having hired someone!

and all the more so after posting this on the world wide web
as God forbid something happen, AFTER you make a post knowing your wrong, doing either option!?/
and them words get used against you!

SO, if it was me, I'd be asking my friends first, (or maybe neighbors, many times a little cash or beer can get things like this done)
But if NOT, I'd hire someone to move it,
like maybe a roll back towing company close by, should be able to do this for a pretty low fee!
, as an example, (I had a local roll back move a machine for me 2 yrs ago about 20 miles, let the guy PICK the time to come get it, so he timed it on a return trip past my way, so not a special trip
and only cost me 50 bucks cash, money IMO well spent, !)

as the old old saying goes, ,
" better safe than sorry!"
and YES I know we all break rules some times, none of us are perfect!
so, not bashing here, just giving advice on the better option IMO!

This is the ONLY choice if you are at crunch time. Any other choice could potentially end or ruin your life and that of many others!
The liability you are setting yourself up for is limitless!

 

[mrbb]

yes I still agree, don't use either vehicle as is
your 1/2 ton receiver is NOT made for the weight and I will pretty much bet the ball and ball holder are also NOT rated for this weight
its asking for issues
and again, should something happen, with you knowing these things, your INS will not cover anything, all would then be out of pocket,
not saving you anything!

your best resolution is fix the brake controller on the 450, that or again, have someone with correct tow vehicle/trailer, tow it for you!
a lot can happen in a 25 mile trip, most accidents happen close to home you know?/
in my area over a 25 mile trip I will gain and loose a 500 to 1500 + ft in elevation about 12 times, , so not sure what your terrain looks like, but, for me, all them hills here , would kill OEM brakes on a f450 with 13k behind it, I also have DOT check stations in every direction from my place too, HAHA
so, I have to be extra careful when towing larger things!

 

[mrbb]

lots of controllers out there for sale from new to used, that are petty much plug and play, , since you already have one in the truck
a few examples I found on ebay , but there all over the web , it would be about the costs to pay to have your machine moved, so call it an investment, and then in the future you will have more use of your 450, plus add in resale if ever selling!
its worth the extra time to do it right IMO



remanufactured,

2005 2006 2007 Ford F250 F350 F450 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER Mint Condition | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2005 2006 2007 Ford F250 F350 F450 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER Mint Condition at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

used

05-07 FORD F250 F350 SUPER DUTY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER 6C34-2C006-AD | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 05-07 FORD F250 F350 SUPER DUTY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER 6C34-2C006-AD at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[polishpete]

U DONT NEED them if u know how to drive

 

[gjinc]

U DONT NEED them if u know how to drive

This answer is so wrong!!!!

 

[Farmerdad]

U DONT NEED them if u know how to drive

As a retired 27 1/2-year law enforcement officer, this is the type of guy who will eventually kill someone on the road. Don't listen to him!

 

[[email protected]]

neither of your options are any good IMO, your asking for possible issues, both legally maybe and safety wise here, many states(not sure where your from) but once you get to"X" weight, you need a CDL or like drivers lic to tow, , doesn't matter what the vehicle is rated for, or capable of!
its what DOT rules apply! to you and the weight being towed!

So, why not HIRE someone to safely move things for you?
I know money doesn't grow on tree's!,
but should something happen, things will cost way more than having hired someone!

and all the more so after posting this on the world wide web
as God forbid something happen, AFTER you make a post knowing your wrong, doing either option!?/
and them words get used against you!

SO, if it was me, I'd be asking my friends first, (or maybe neighbors, many times a little cash or beer can get things like this done)
But if NOT, I'd hire someone to move it,
like maybe a roll back towing company close by, should be able to do this for a pretty low fee!
, as an example, (I had a local roll back move a machine for me 2 yrs ago about 20 miles, let the guy PICK the time to come get it, so he timed it on a return trip past my way, so not a special trip
and only cost me 50 bucks cash, money IMO well spent, !)

as the old old saying goes, ,
" better safe than sorry!"
and YES I know we all break rules some times, none of us are perfect!
so, not bashing here, just giving advice on the better option IMO!

I totally agree with you! Way to many folks take chances and pay the piper. But if you choose to do this wrong and unsafe, Use the FORD. Do the delivery at night. Call the police and tell them you need an escort. But don't put others in harms way. Fix the brake controler. The best way.

 

[MakandaFarm]

lots of controllers out there for sale from new to used, that are petty much plug and play, , since you already have one in the truck
a few examples I found on ebay , but there all over the web , it would be about the costs to pay to have your machine moved, so call it an investment, and then in the future you will have more use of your 450, plus add in resale if ever selling!
its worth the extra time to do it right IMO



remanufactured,

2005 2006 2007 Ford F250 F350 F450 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER Mint Condition | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2005 2006 2007 Ford F250 F350 F450 TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER Mint Condition at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

used

05-07 FORD F250 F350 SUPER DUTY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER 6C34-2C006-AD | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 05-07 FORD F250 F350 SUPER DUTY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER 6C34-2C006-AD at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

What would you choose? Tow my 13,500 lb load with Trailer brakes but exceed payload? or Tow WITHOUT trailer brakes with adequate payload capacity?
Here is my unfortunate situation but i need to choose one option that is least dangerous. What is your vote? I have to make a one time short 25 mile trip to job site. I am towing 3000 lb trailer + 10,000 lb skid steer. I have the option to pull this load with option#1) a 2020 GMC 1500 6.2 V8 420 HP with Tongue Weight capacity of 1000lb with a working Trailer Brake or option #2) 2007 F-450 V-8 Power Stroke with max towing of 16,500 lbs BUT the Trailer Brake is inoperative. What would you choose of these 2 options.

I love this forum. I really appreciate the wise and prudent advise provided here. I have decided to NOT pull the trailer with either option. I have a new brake controller on order and will pass on the job until I get the trailer brakes properly working. I was so eager to start my first job with my new skid steer that i let it influence my decision making. Logic over emotion is better every time. Thanks everyone for their contributions to my question.

 

[Topper1]

Trailer brakes are a must, in due diligence, liability and in lawful perspectives.
A lot of us have had controllers fail, wiring failures, blown tires, etc and managed to limp home with extreme caution.
It always comes down to state of mind in admitting freely that there is an issue, and that YOU are actively doing EVERYTHING in your power to rectify the situation in a safe and respectful manner.
>Substantially reduced speed, flashers, beacons, and everything you can reasonably do in respect of the laws in place.

I have been escorted by DOT on 2 occasions back to my shop for repairs with blown tires, electrical failures, etc.
Due diligence and safety must always be a priority, as much as it may suck.

People who risk it, make it bad for everyone trying to abide by the laws set in place.
In my area, the fly-by-nighters towing unsecured skid steers in dump trailers, have made it a nightmare for the rest of us.
I can almost guarantee, 2/3 times that I will be pulled over and level 1 inspected if I am pulling a skid steer.
For myself, this is a waste of my time and loss of $$ all because of a couple of lazy people whom could care less about the law and the highway safety acts that we all must abide by. .

I have the utmost respect for the boys in blue, at least here locally. They have been a good bunch to deal with, even when I am at fault for an infraction. Enforcement with education.. Respect.

 

[[email protected]]

It take a real good person to consider all the advice put forth. You made the right choice. Waiting and doing it right is the best way. Who knows that first job may turn into more jobs. Another good thing to look into is a safety brake switch and battery option. Some state make that madatory like in WI. I have seen to many trailers either boats small and large or cargo trailers mainly large that came loose. Once people get in a rush they forget to lock the hitch. Not that anyone on this site ever did that. With this electric brake trailering saftey witch the trailer comes off the hitch but the switch mounted to the trailer tongue is accuated by the separation from the pulling vehicle. ( Small cable that locks into the hitch) The trailer brakes are energized by the small DC battery mounted on the tongue. Those batteries are solar charged. Many on this site may know of this system but it's a good one. Trailer then has brakes slowing the loose cannon ball down and may even save a life. Hey! Things happen. Thanks for allowing me to vent on this one it's not worth any major accident to do things wrong. Have a nice safe Day!

 

[WVRoger]

Pay a professional with proper equipment to haul your load! Easy answer! You are not properly prepared to haul this equipment!

 

[Topper1]

Thought this may be worth mentioning.
Every state, county, province, territory will vary so check with your local authorities..
In some jurisdictions, special licensing, special registrations and insurances are required for towing additional weight in a "commercial enterprise".
In my area, we are required to hold a commercial drivers license or a heavy haul endorsement when towing in excess of 10,000 lbs.
Our towing vehicles must be both rated and registered for the additional towed weight.
We require additional insurance & liability insurance for the combined vehicle and towing capacity.
You MAY or MAY NOT be required to run an active daily log book, vehicle inspection log, annual commercial safety inspection.
My area gets even more complex if we happen to fall under "Commercial Carrier Enterprise" which then requires, in addition to provincial documentation, registration and insurances, even more documentation and certifications from the federal level.

Check with your local authorities to ensure you are compliant with local laws.

A wise old boy once told me.
Operate as if you were going to be inspected at a federal highway scale.
Mindset is everything.