Do Trailer Brakes Need to be Added to 1,500 lb Tear Drop Trailer
Question:
Hi, Im in the research stage for trailers and suspensions for a CLC tear camper. I like the trailer they recommend for their camper from Trailex, but Im not a fan of the 8 or 12 tires with leaf spring suspension. This camper all in will weigh less than 1500 lbs. I really like the Timbren system. Im wondering should I go for electric brakes which seems to be offered only with the 3,500 lb system. Seems to be overkill. Not planning on overland camping but who knows? What are your thoughts? Thanks
asked by: Calvin A
Helpful Expert Reply:
Great question!
Most of the time you'll only see brakes on trailers starting at about the 2,000 lb range simply because they are light enough that the braking system from the tow vehicle is sufficient enough. Some vehicle owner's manuals state that for a trailer weighing XX amount you'll needs brakes though so that might end up being a determining factor for you.
I would say that you are okay without brakes for your application, but it wouldn't hurt to use the 2.2K Timbren System # ASR1THDS01 that you were looking at because it comes with brake flanges on the spindle so you could potentially add brakes in the future if you decide to try overlanding and/or just want some more control over the performance of your trailer.
For just idler hubs you can use part # ASR1THDS01, but if you'd like to use brakes then you can use the Hub and Drum # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K and the Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA.
For a tire and wheel combo that fits either hub kit I recommend the Kenda Karrier # AM32131 which is a Radial tire that comes with a sleek looking black mod wheel.
I've attached some review videos for you to check out as well as a helpful article on what you'll need to add electric brakes to a trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 205/75-14
- 14 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - No Drop - 4 Bolt Flange - 2,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- EZ Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 2200 lbs
- Spindles Only
- Universal Fit
- No Drop or Lift
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - No Drop - 4 Bolt Flange - 2,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- EZ Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 2200 lbs
- Spindles Only
- Universal Fit
- No Drop or Lift
- Timbren
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Shop: CE Smith Spare Tire Mount for Trailers - Steel - 4- and 5-Lug Wheels - 8-3/8" Long
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Search Results: 205/75/15
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" Black Mod Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - LR E
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Shop: Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Vesper Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Q&A: Recommended 205/75-14 Tire For a Utility Trailer With 3,500LB Axle
- Q&A: Similar Wheel and Tire to Loadstar ST205/75D14 # AM3S451 but with Radial Tire
- Shop: Fulton Spare Tire Mount
- Q&A: Can a 15" Tire and Wheel Be Installed On a 6' X 10' Utility Trailer With 14" Tires?
- Q&A: Upgrading to Larger Tires for Off-Road Use on a Coachmen Popup Camper
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Video: Install: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs on a 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range C and D ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Search Results: lug nuts
on Trailer Suspension Parts
