Towing

[manning]

I have a 2010 mountaineer v8 with class III tow package. Tow capacity over 7,000 lbs. I don't have brake controller as I don't tow.

I will be traveling with a friend with a travel trailer weighing around 3500 lbs. wondering if I can tow his trailer if his vehicle breaks Down. I know I'm within weight limit. We both have class III toe packages.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

As long as trailer Tongue/Hitch Weight is within car specs, should be no problem.

 

[2goofycampers]

Towing will be OK, stopping however might be a problem without the TT having brakes.

 

[Trophy Husband]

Trailers are manufactured with brakes installed as a necessity, not a convenience. If you were to bypass the braking system and tow this trailer, then your actions could be construed as negligence.

 

[Barney Fife]

I think if you're just considering this as a back-up if he breaks down, you should be fine. As said earlier, if the limits don't exceed your hitch rating and the camper is truly around 3500 lbs., in my opinion you'll be fine. 3500 lbs. is not a big load.

 

[jbrostek]

Operating trailer brakes are required in most states for any trailer with GVW over 3000 pounds. If the trailer is equiped with brakes you should have a controller. Now depending on your friends controller, if it using just a plugged in adaptor rather then a hard wired to the truck or truck specific pig tail it could be as easy has having the correct adaptor if you had to swap.

Trailer brake laws by state

 

[Teamubr]

As noted above, some states have trailer brake requirements for trailers over a given weight. If this is just as a back up in an emergency situation, you will be ok. Just understand it will take longer to stop everything.

I inadvertently forgot to hook up the wiring pig tale to one of our race trailers (48 ft goose neck- 11,000 lbs empty) when I was pulling it back after some warranty work. It was about a 30 mile trip. Almost all highway. I didn't realize I didn't plug everything in until I got off the highway and noticed I didn't have the side turn signal on the trailer. I also tow this with a 9,000 lb F350.

j