Would you worry over this? Camper brakes question

[Finch]

So the plan is to pull the pop up camper from VA to CO for a last week archery hunt. My plan was to add brakes to the camper for peace of mind. Current axle doesn't have the mounting flanges to install brake drums and my only option is to replace the axle with one that has brakes. I finally got some answers on this and would need one built to order and it takes approximately 5 weeks and will probably cost around $400 to $500 when it's all said and done.

Didn't expect to have to drop that much on this. Would you have any concerns pulling a pop up which is around 2100 pounds without trailer brakes? Probably be loaded with a few hundred pounds of gear, if that. I guess I thought it would also be easier on my tundra 5.7L if the camper had brakes especially once we hit I-70 in Denver.

I know it'll be harder on my truck brakes but I can replace those for a lot less once I get back to VA. Needless to say, safety is a priority but wondering if I "can get by".

 

[jmez]

Wouldn't even consider brakes on a pop up camper.

 

[Grumman]

I would say it depends on your driving habits. Personally I wouldn't be concerned with it, but I wouldn't ride with my father in law pulling it as he thinks he needs to drive 90 mph when pulling trailers. Another factor is how it pulls in general, i.e. no swaying. If it tracks true that would make me feel better about it also. Good luck!

 

[Randle]

Gear down when needed and don't overload the trailer . You should be fine .

 

[Werty]

NO!

 

[muledhunter]

Wouldn't even consider brakes on a pop up camper.

This^^ we have a pop up and I pull it with my tundra. Wouldn’t hesitate driving cross country.

 

[Silveroddo]

Wouldn't think twice behind a capable vehicle, if you were talking about towing with a mini van or something I'd probably hesitate. A couple guys I know swear by servicing the brake fluid periodically, I've noticed a difference on changing out brake fluid in older vehicles, if yours is newer and lower mileage its probably not a concern.

 

[Deplorable77]

I wouldn't be worried one bit. Honestly, if it wasn't in your mirrors, you'd probably not even know the pop-up was behind you

 

[ElkNut1]

I owned a Jayco pop up camper for 6 years with a 4-wheeler box as part of the pop-up, we hauled it everywhere, no extra trailer brakes were needed!

ElkNut

 

[mlgc20]

Agree with everyone else. Don't think it's anything to worry about. I would just take special note of the tires and make sure they are in good shape. The tires they put on some of those pop-ups/travel trailers/fifth wheels are real junk. I had the crappy ones from my Keystone TT replaced with Goodyear tires. May not be as big of a deal from VA to CO. But, those no-name tires overheating and shredding is pretty common down here.

 

[Randle]

I am a 2 spare tire kinda guy, so spend the extra $ on a second spare for the trailer. Nothing worse than having a flat and now youre towing in hopes of not having another one.

 

[MallardSX2]

No. I would disconnect them if they were not working...even if they were working I might disconnect them anyhow.

 

[Finch]

I feel a lot better about this now. Appreciate all the info!

Agree with everyone else. Don't think it's anything to worry about. I would just take special note of the tires and make sure they are in good shape. The tires they put on some of those pop-ups/travel trailers/fifth wheels are real junk. I had the crappy ones from my Keystone TT replaced with Goodyear tires. May not be as big of a deal from VA to CO. But, those no-name tires overheating and shredding is pretty common down here.

Yes sir, was gonna put new tires on it as my current ones are showing signs of dry rot. Seems like goodyear or Carisle make good trailer tires.

I am a 2 spare tire kinda guy, so spend the extra $ on a second spare for the trailer. Nothing worse than having a flat and now youre towing in hopes of not having another one.

Funny you mention that because I had this thought as well. When your trip is on the line and you've already used one spare, you'd pay just about anything to get up and moving again. That's how I look at it.

 

[canyonhunter47]

Keep in mind most trailer tires have a max speed of 65 mph. Try to get ones that are higher rated or at the very least don't exceed that speed while heavily loaded

 

[packer58]

Like others have said........don't worry about it. Keep your tires at max poundage, check and repack wheel bearings and carry a couple spares.....you'll be good to go.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I wouldn't worry...if has a water tank I would wait to fill it up until I get close to where I wanted to be if your really concerned.

 

[Finch]

Keep in mind most trailer tires have a max speed of 65 mph. Try to get ones that are higher rated or at the very least don't exceed that speed while heavily loaded

But what do I do once we hit Kansas? We easily cruise at 90mph for miles.

JK... kinda. I'll definitely get some good tires and none of the "china bombs."