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Member
Posts: 12
| I have a Logan Wrangler and I have not gotten a truck yet. When I use a friends truck how do I know if it has a brake controller? |
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.jpg) Expert
Posts: 2828
   
Location: Southern New Mexico | Every truck I've seen has them installed in the dash under the steering wheel. Right where you can bash your knees on it. |
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Expert
Posts: 2689
| Originally written by liz on 2006-10-16 8:44 PM
I have a Logan Wrangler and I have not gotten a truck yet. When I use a friends truck how do I know if it has a brake controller?
Look for a small (usually black) plastic box mounted low on the bottom of the dash, usually at or around knee height.
If you are buying a used truck it will be something the seller usually lists, since it has value - though it can indicate that the truck has been used for hauling, perhaps used HARD !
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 736
Location: Western WA | The brake controller looks kind of like a radar detector - same size and shape. |
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Member
Posts: 12
| I thought the newer trucks that had a tow package was in the electical plug, sending a signal when the brakes were applied. i think my trailer has electric brakes. It is a 2007. |
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Expert
Posts: 2960
Location: North Carolina | Originally written by liz on 2006-10-18 12:36 PM
I thought the newer trucks that had a tow package was in the electical plug, sending a signal when the brakes were applied. i think my trailer has electric brakes. It is a 2007. So far only, Ford has an integrated brake controller as an option in their vehicles. A tow package is usually upgraded trans cooling, hitch, or some such. The electronic controls are definitely not in the plug. |
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Member
Posts: 12
| So it looks like if there is no aftermarket box under the dash. There is nothing controling my brakes.Yes? |
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Expert
Posts: 2960
Location: North Carolina | No controller = no trailer brakes * *exception: Brenderups and similar surge braking systems. |
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Member
Posts: 12
| We took it out Sunday with 2 adult horses with no brakes. It seemed fine but I think the majority of you say brakes are a must. It is a 2 horse slant B.P. Logan Wrangler. Anyone care to chime in? |
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Expert
Posts: 1416
Location: sc | Originally written by liz on 2006-10-18 8:45 PM
We took it out Sunday with 2 adult horses with no brakes. It seemed fine but I think the majority of you say brakes are a must. It is a 2 horse slant B.P. Logan Wrangler. Anyone care to chime in? not trying to be a smartass, but it will seem "fine" until you have to STOP......at which point you will find out how poor of a choice you made to tow without trailer brakes. not saying it cant be done, ive done it, i suspect most people have at some point. why do you/your friend not have a brake controller? |
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Member
Posts: 12
| It was a friend's 2006 Dodge V-8 with a tow package but he never tows anything thats why he does not have a controller. |
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Regular
Posts: 56
Location: Alabama | Just go out and buy a regular brake box I have one that didn't cost alot and it works fine.I travel ever week and weekend ropin. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366
Location: Albany, Oregon | Originally written by liz on 2006-10-18 6:30 PM
It was a friend's 2006 Dodge V-8 with a tow package but he never tows anything thats why he does not have a controller. A medium price brake controller will cost you $75.00ish. The cheapest insurance you will ever buy! If it is yours take it and keep it with your trailer till you get your own truck. It is kinda like sex without protection....oops! all kind of things can happen! |
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Expert
Posts: 1416
Location: sc | Originally written by liz on 2006-10-18 9:30 PM
It was a friend's 2006 Dodge V-8 with a tow package but he never tows anything thats why he does not have a controller. i see. it is a free country, and this is only my observation, but it appears you have limited/no trailering experience judging by your "fine" comment. may i suggest a prodigy brake controller (http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=60&cat=0&page=1) i would think $100 is not that much and i can GUARANTEE after you pull the trailer with brakes, you will understand it was not "fine" without brakes. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 954
Location: Hagerstown, MD | I completely agree! Prodigy is the way to go for brake controllers. You pay more, but GET more! I'm totally spoiled with mine and wouldn't give it up. Happy trails. |
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Expert
Posts: 2828
Location: Southern New Mexico | Your profile doesn't say where you are, but in most states it is illegal to tow a trailer over 2000lbs without brakes. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 736
Location: Western WA | Found a resource put out by the American Boating Association on trailer laws (length, height, weight/brake requirements, etc.) by state: http://www.americanboating.org/towing.asp FYI, virtually every state requires trailer brakes if the trailer is over 3000 lbs. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366
Location: Albany, Oregon | Not sure but I believe they require trailers to have elec brakes to be titled at a certain weight rating. I appears Oregon tells you you don't have to have them but you better be able to stop in a certain distance! "3.) Do I have to have brakes on my trailer?
Oregon law requires that any vehicle or combination of vehicles weighing under 8,000 pounds must be able to stop within a travel lane in 25 feet from 20 miles per hour. If the vehicle or combination of vehicles weighs over 8,000 pounds, the vehicle must be able to stop within a travel lane in 35 feet from 20 miles per hour.
Check your owner’s manual of the tow vehicle to see what the manufacturer recommends. Most manufacturers recommend trailer brakes if the trailer and load weigh 1,000 pounds or more." Never looked that one up! What does your state say? |
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Does it have a brake controller?
