brakes needed?

[leslie]

Hauling a 2005 jayco 1007 with a 2012 chevy silverado four wheel drive with a tow package. Do we need the electric brakes hooked up? The salesman at the jayco dealer says no and we could lock them up. Now I am confused and a little nervous. We are headed to yellowstone.

[shellback]

Your stopping distances will be significantly shorter with brakes operating. Towing in mountainous terrain makes it even moreso. You will likely be going over at least one if not more mountain passes getting into Yellowstone.

You will be well served by hooking up your electric brakes. Many have installed a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha P2 or P3 with excellent results.

Good luck and enjoy Yellowstone!

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by leslie

The salesman at the jayco dealer says no and we could lock them up.

Welcome to the forum! I`m thinking if it came with brakes they should be used. A salesman saying not to because they "could lock up" is a statement I have not heard before and is irresponsible on his part. Are there any known problems with the brakes?

[McMonk]

Brakes are always a good idea! Keeps the trailer back there where it needs to be!

[Jayko 141]

Check with your state laws, some states require it based upon length and or weight.

I hesitated to use breaks on my 141j HW, but they provide piece of mind when the nickel head in front of me locks em up for no reason. You can truly feel them working back there

[squidmotion]

a 1007??? they come with brakes now???

i think you guys are fraideecatz. hhehehee.


honestly and seriously, i bet the brakes are there for people towing these with small SUVs, cars and minivans... i would feel fine towing with your silverado and no trailer brakes... in fact, i would nix the trailer brakes... your TV is plenty large to control that trailer.


i towed my old jayco 1006 PUP with an xterra, no trailer brakes (it didn't have any) .... never an issue... and i had a few situations that really counted...


be careful. you'll forget that PUP is back there with your truck... hehehehe.