1999 TT - no elec brakes...can they be added?

[Dirkdaddy]

I am looking a low priced 29' TT for camping, its a 1999 and the seller says it doesn't have electric brakes. I would be using a 1/2 ton 2010 Tundra with tow package, which has pretty beefy brakes. Around here its flat, but gets somewhat hillier and we are pondering taking it on longer trips in future.

I am very handy have tool and have been a semi-pro mechanic and could add them, but what is the cost and has anyone done this? I"m searching on the subject elsewhere but thoughts appreciated.

DD

[herewego]

You will need brakes on one that long, it has no brakes or,they just dont work ?
you can buy the brakes and the drums at most any RV supply store .not sure on price,guess $ 200.00 per wheel, i guess its a tandom ? only need brakes on one axle

[xtruckerbob]

I would think any trailer that size would have had brakes. Maybe you need just to repair them Tractor supply has all the axle parts we will need in stock. A repair kit for both sides $139 less drums. I bought mine at TSC because they are local and I needed some odds and ends to finish up. Auto Zone also has trailer brake kits for about the same price.

[ALJO]

Ask the seller again; the parts might be on the axle(s) but maybe he meant with NO Brakes a wiring problem. On the Axle there is a number stamped and rating, it makes parts lookup easier. Go for braking on both axles at least on above 20 ft units

[qwed94]

Or maybe the seller didnt have a brake controller on his truck. Maybe the trailer indeed does have brakes.

You can check the trailer yourself, to see if it has backing plates and drums.

Also check your state laws. Some states "now" require brakes on every axle.

[Plowtoy]

I can't believe that it doesn't have brakes, unless the seller removed them for some strange reason. its pretty easy to check. If you see wires going into the backing plate (the part mounted to the axle, at the wheel), theres a good chance the brakes are indeed in tact.
I have pulled campers of that size with out brakes, but its scary. You really have to hope nobody pulls out in front of you, because you wont be stopping.

[Ela1948]

I have to believe that he meant that they just didn't work!! I have never seen any trailer longer 14 ft. that didn't have brakes un less it was a home built. If you are serious about the trailer, look on the backing plates for signs of wires. Putting on new brakes and wiring wouldn't nessesarily be a deal breaker. A 29 ft. trailer without any brakes would in my OP.

[Boss Wagon]

States have different regs on brake requirements but no 29 footer ever left the the factory w/o brakes, unless it could be an old FEMA unit with no real RV appliances.

[cekkk]

I don't know about TX, but years ago I was told Colorado requires brakes on trailers with GVWR of 3500#, if I recall right. I would really be surprised if a 29' trailer didn't have brakes when it was delivered.

[Seann45]

Does it maybe have surge brakes?
Electric brakes sure you can add them but if your going that far then why not add electric/hydrolic brakes? I saw them at THE RALLY in Phoenix a few years ago and want them...