Install brakes on a 176SD LTD?

[heygreene]

All, I just bought a 2004 Flagstaff 176SD LTD and I'm towing it with my '98 Subaru Outback! The Subey pulls it fine, and to be honest the braking feels okay too, but the owner's manual says anything over 1000lbs needs to have electric brakes (I can tow up to 2000lbs WITH brakes). I'm wondering if it would even be worth it to install brakes, and if so, how costly it would be to install them, along with a brake controller in my car.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. FYI, responses do not have to be "per your owner's manual" or "safety" responses. I'm looking for real-life experiences, like "I pulled a 5th wheel with a Pinto with no electric brakes and never had an issue". Normal people and their experiences... as I've already read the safety manual.

Thanks!
Kenneth

[MtnGuy]

Are you sure it doesn't already have brakes ?? What type of trailer to car plug do you have ???

If it is a 4 or 5 pin connector, then you probably don't have brakes. If it is a 6 or 7 pin, then you might already have brakes.

[heygreene]

Mtnguy, it's a 5 pin connector. I checked the wheels and don't see any discs or rotors, so I don't think it has brakes at all right now. Thanks!

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by heygreene

Mtnguy, it's a 5 pin connector. I checked the wheels and don't see any discs or rotors, so I don't think it has brakes at all right now. Thanks!

A 5 pin connector typically does not have a pin for brakes.

Most trailer axles are drum style brakes, so there won't be a disc or rotor.

You will probably have to order an new axle, along with getting a 6 or 7 pin trailer to TV connector and running the extra wires to the brakes.

Maybe others can chime in here with a better idea.

[TURBS]

Pull a wheel and see if the brake backing brake flange is there. Then you just have order backing plate kits.
Square and 4 mounting holes.

Can you see through the wheel and see the axle?
If there's a backing plate most likely it has brakes.

[bikendan]

no popup or travel trailer will have discs and rotors.

all will have drum brakes.

[heygreene]

Here's what it looks like from the back.

[cstover]

No brakes on there.

[heygreene]

Thanks everybody... I seriously doubt I'm going to replace the axle just to put electric brakes on the camper... just too much money to invest. I guess I'll just leave it as-is for now... looking to upgrade cars within the next year, so hopefully we'll be getting something that can haul it a little easier. Thanks!!!

[TURBS]

Yep no brake flange either

[cstover]

Very reasonable idea. Just watch you weight when you load. If your trips are close to home, maybe use a second car to haul some gear, that way you don't anger the weight police.