Do I need a manual trailer brake?

[DMuiser]

I just traded my ‘21 XLT PowerBoost for a ‘24 lariat PowerBoost. The lariat did not have trailer tow package but since it is a PowerBoost it already has bigger rear axle, frame and more leaf springs from what I can tell from reading on this site. The tow package for 1500$ would have given me bed scales and a manual trailer break.

I don’t need the scales. I don’t tow heavy things that often. However I do tow my mother in laws camper (28ft, GVWR 7485lbs, tongue weight 485lbs according to the manufacturers specs) a couple of times a year for her to storage and to campground for the summer. Usually only and hour or two away on Flat east coast terrain.

My new truck has 7pin wiring harness and from what I’ve read the trailer brakes will still activate when I brake with the truck brakes. With my ‘21 that had the manual trailer break controller I never used it.

I can get the trailer brake controller added for about 600$. And I have no problem doing that if that it what is needed/ recommended. However I am new to towing anything that big and am wondering if I am using the manual trailer brake wrong and should be using it more or is just the automatic breaks that come on when the truck brakes good enough for what I do?

Can someone with more experience please educate me?


Attached are pics of trucks towing / payload numbers and a picture of trailers numbers based on manufacturer specs. Also these numbers would be assuming max payload of the camper is being used which it is not it’s fairly empty.

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[Buyer2021]

1. Even with a 7-pin connector, if you don't have a trailer brake controller you have NO trailer braking.
2. Most (all?) jurisdictions, both US and Canada, require operating trailer brakes with a GTWR over ~3-4k# (certainly on a trailer that size). Yeah, it's unlikely you'll get caught without unless something goes wrong (BTW, Canadian penalties for this sort of violation tend to be more rigorous / severe than in the US).
3. The truck's brakes alone are not designed to stop the whole rig, especially in a short distance / emergency situation.
4. IMO prudence dictates having a proper trailer brake system when towing something that big.

Yes, I'd get the truck properly equipped for the infrequent task. And I'd counsel you to take the time to read the instructions and get the controller properly set-up for the rig, especially as a new-to-towing driver.

 

[DMuiser]

1. Even with a 7-pin connector, if you don't have a trailer brake controller you have NO trailer braking.
2. Most (all?) jurisdictions, both US and Canada, require operating trailer brakes with a GTWR over ~3-4k# (certainly on a trailer that size). Yeah, it's unlikely you'll get caught without unless something goes wrong (BTW, Canada penalties for this sort of violation tend to be more rigorous / severe than in the US).
3. The truck's brakes alone are not designed to stop the whole rig, especially in a short distance / emergency situation.
4. IMO prudence dictates having a proper trailer brake system when towing something that big.

Yes, I'd get the truck properly equipped for the infrequent task.

Thanks for clarifying. I was under the impression that it was just a manual trailer brake added on top of a pre existing automatic trailer brake that came standard with the 7 pin harness. I will be getting the trailer brake installed. As I do want trailer brakes for this trailer.

 

[Buyer2021]

I was under the impression that it was just a manual trailer brake added on top of a pre existing automatic trailer brake that came standard with the 7 pin harness.

Sorry, that's definitely an incorrect impression for any vehicle lacking a clearly identifiable OE adjustable brake controller.

In addition to offering a manual-override, a brake controller is absolutely necessary for calibrating the trailer braking force to coordinate with the vehicle braking force**, and that cannot be 'automated' for trailers with electric brakes as on RV's.

Maybe in the future when trailers have more sophisticated (ABS) brakes which provide feedback to the tow-vehicle's systems, but no-one is there, yet.

** The exception is 'inertia' aka 'surge' brakes as often found on boat and some rental utility trailers; that does not apply in this situation.

 

[filmguy]

An additional note—in the case of a sway event, being able to manually apply the trailer’s brakes is vital to getting the sway under control.

 

[Calson]

If you look up your state's DMV regs you will find the requirements. In my state a trailer weighing 3500 lbs or more requires trailer brakes. It also required automatic trailer braking when the trailer breaks free from the tow vehicle for any reason.

That means electric brakes and an electrical brake controller OR a trailer with hydraulic surge brakes. Both types work but the electical ones provide for smoother braking.

For the cost of adding a brake controller it may be better to hire a truck to do the move of the trailer.

I always get a vehicle with the factory tow package unless there are noted problems with the factory brake controller and it may be better to go with an aftermarket one. Overall the tow package is one of the best value additions to a vehicle.

 

[DMuiser]

If you look up your state's DMV regs you will find the requirements. In my state a trailer weighing 3500 lbs or more requires trailer brakes. It also required automatic trailer braking when the trailer breaks free from the tow vehicle for any reason.

That means electric brakes and an electrical brake controller OR a trailer with hydraulic surge brakes. Both types work but the electical ones provide for smoother braking.

For the cost of adding a brake controller it may be better to hire a truck to do the move of the trailer.

I always get a vehicle with the factory tow package unless there are noted problems with the factory brake controller and it may be better to go with an aftermarket one. Overall the tow package is one of the best value additions to a vehicle.

I understand the need for a trailer brake I just thought I had one because I had a 7 pin wiring harness and wondered if I needed to add the Manual brake. Turns out I didn’t have any trailer brakes at all and need the system installed as described above.

Where I am at right now lariats are hard to come by. The truck I bought was the only one within 12 hours in any direction. As it is a PowerBoost the payload is the limiting factor on towing and as a lariat PowerBoost I already have the 3.73 axle so the tow haul package would only add the smart scales and the trailer brakes. It doesn’t increase any payload for the PowerBoost. The package runs about 1550$ CAD but I could get the trailer brakes added for about 500$ CAD so that was my plan when buying the truck. Normally I would get tow package as you stated.

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