Ram Tradesmen- 6x12 Cargo Trailer; Manual sais to use electric brakes beyond 1000.lbs

[RVArt]

Hello everyone; I'm a newcomer to this site.  I have little experience in towing.  I have towed a 16 ft. camper with 1/2 Pickup and also the same trailer with a 1 Ton Pickup.  The latter; I did not even notice that the trailer was there; it seemed to make no difference in the braking and handling of the 1 ton truck.  However in the case of the 1/2 ton truck; it had drum brakes front and back and I was glad to have the electric brakes on the trailer with that truck.  Fully loaded the 6x12 Cargo Trailer plus what I carry in the Ram Tradesmen are weight amounts that are not really clear to me yet. 
 Could any and all share their experience with towing and trailer brakes?  I would much appreciate your thoughts and experience.

 

[B and C]

Getting a total rig weighed is paramount. This will give you the axle weights of the truck, the camper and combined. Truck stops that have scales will do this for a nominal fee. Pull up to the scale, press the intercom button and say first weigh. Overloaded truck and/or trailer makes towing hard and maybe downright dangerous for yourself and others. Trailer weight distribution also makes a difference. Trailer weight, 60% front, 40% back. Having all these items within designed guidelines makes towing easier.

Forgot to add, welcome. Go to the newcomers corner and introduce yourself.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Most 6x12 cargo trailers are single axle and do not come with electric brakes unless ordered that way, OR if you bought it in a state that requires them when the trailer is over 1000 or 1500 lbs.

So, as B&C stated you will need to know your final weight. Unlike some other aspects of vehicle laws, trailer towing is very state specific and many of them have a limit for weight of a trailer that has no brakes...often 3000 pounds but it varies from state to state. And the laws of the states you are traveling thru are the ones you have to adhere to. Many states also require a 'break-away' switch and battery, and there are some other rules in some states. 

It's kinda complicated, but, if your trailer has brakes, and a breakaway switch and safety chains, along with proper lighting etc, it is most likely legal in all 48 contiguous states and Canada and Mexico.

I added brakes to my 6x12...I feel much more secure towing it with brakes, the main advantage is stopping distance is much shorter in the city, around other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. 

Bottom line, in my opinion, if you have reason to believe the loaded weight of your trailer will go above about 2000 pounds, it SHOULD have trailer brakes.

 

[B and C]

Trailer brakes are a lifesaver in the mountains going downhill.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Trailer brakes are a lifesaver in the mountains going downhill.

Well, maybe. Maybe not. 

Electric brakes can and will overheat and fade when used for slowing a heavy rig descending a mountain grade. Much safer to slow down, downshift, and use engine braking.

 

[B and C]

Never, ever ride the brakes going downhill. I have been in low gear going down and still needed to apply brakes. When I get to my maximum speed, I brake hard to my minimum speed and let off the brakes to allow them to cool while slowly picking up speed. There never seems to be the perfect gear for descending a steep grade.

 

[tx2sturgis]

The newer automatic transmissions (with 6,7,8, or 10 speeds) make it much easier to find the gear you need for descending steeper grades safely using engine compression.

 

[B and C]

I drive a 2000 model with 4 total forward gears. I think most here are in that boat. I would love a diesel with engine braking .

 

[Travelmonkey]

Prior to buying my travel trailer, I had a small pop-up trailer that I pulled with an SUV and later a Honda Ridgeline. My popup did have electric brakes but there were occasions when I did not connect my brake controller. I did not notice any differences but my trailer was only 10' long, 1500# or less loaded, and low profile.

 

[highdesertranger]

I always recommend trailer brakes on ALL trailers. in my book there is no such thing as to much braking. stopping is way more important than going. highdesertranger

 

[RVArt]

Thank you to all!  This group of replies has helped a lot; I'm much more aware now of the factors involved towing a trailer.  When you know better you can do better!  When I read a manufactures maximum towing rating for vehicles; I  think to myself "that's what it can pull- but under what circumstances?"  Thank you for pointing them out!  :thumbsup: