the 1986 "23" we purchased in October came with a "Ken's Welding" trailer but no brakes. I realize it would be safer with them but are they important enough to invest in? Still deciding on a seasonal mooring - local lake. If we don't take it and trailer is, maybe we should install them... what do you think?
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Replacement, or new brakes
Jack, I don't have anything to add to the previous comments about whether you need brakes. (Except that 3000 pounds doesn't seem like a small amount of weight to be stopping by pushing on the trailer tongue, which is a good 15 feet from the center of gravity of boat trailer.) But if you decide to add the brakes: we did so last summer (actually, replaced 100% of our existing brake system), and it took a couple of easy days. I described how it went in a few posts dated 9/5/01, 12/9/01, and 12/13/01. You can search in the archives on "Jay trailer brake" with every option turned on, and you should bring up the old posts. I don't think there would be any difference between adding replacing brakes, provided that each end of your axle has a square plate welded on, with a bolt hole in each upper corner to attach the calipers to. Good luck, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Jay
Jack, I don't have anything to add to the previous comments about whether you need brakes. (Except that 3000 pounds doesn't seem like a small amount of weight to be stopping by pushing on the trailer tongue, which is a good 15 feet from the center of gravity of boat trailer.) But if you decide to add the brakes: we did so last summer (actually, replaced 100% of our existing brake system), and it took a couple of easy days. I described how it went in a few posts dated 9/5/01, 12/9/01, and 12/13/01. You can search in the archives on "Jay trailer brake" with every option turned on, and you should bring up the old posts. I don't think there would be any difference between adding replacing brakes, provided that each end of your axle has a square plate welded on, with a bolt hole in each upper corner to attach the calipers to. Good luck, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Jay
I've not had a problem
I towed my H23 from DC to Ohio and then from OH to Ky lake. I did not have any problem stopping. I do hual with a Chevy 2500 HD (9600 lb GVW) so a 3000 lb boat does not over power it. The trailer is a Ken's with no brakes. I guess the only rub is if you have a problem, have you covered your A**, and will your insurance stand behind you ( don't know till its too late sometimes). Good luck with your H23 and a little safety buyes a lot of piece of mind!
I towed my H23 from DC to Ohio and then from OH to Ky lake. I did not have any problem stopping. I do hual with a Chevy 2500 HD (9600 lb GVW) so a 3000 lb boat does not over power it. The trailer is a Ken's with no brakes. I guess the only rub is if you have a problem, have you covered your A**, and will your insurance stand behind you ( don't know till its too late sometimes). Good luck with your H23 and a little safety buyes a lot of piece of mind!
Required in several States
A friend of mine who builds wire spool trailers informed me that several states do require trailer brakes on single axle trailers of 2000 pounds or more. If you pull through their state with no brakes, you are breaking the law and subject to invalid insurance. Just a word to the wise Ward
A friend of mine who builds wire spool trailers informed me that several states do require trailer brakes on single axle trailers of 2000 pounds or more. If you pull through their state with no brakes, you are breaking the law and subject to invalid insurance. Just a word to the wise Ward
Average Trailering
I have towed my '85 H23 back and forth for painting and a lot of other work to various places on highways, county roads, State Routes, ... A lot of Amish buggys when coming over hills and a lot of "cotton swabs" in Buicks doing 22mph in a 55 mph zone in my area when rounding curves (what's new?). Never had any trouble so far towing with a '96 cab and a half Dakota 4x4 with a 318 engine. Try to look as far a head as possible, keep the vehicle in good repair, and check with your insurance agent ahead of time. Too many lawyers out there if you mess up and we all know that they don't want to sue you on their client's behalf....
I have towed my '85 H23 back and forth for painting and a lot of other work to various places on highways, county roads, State Routes, ... A lot of Amish buggys when coming over hills and a lot of "cotton swabs" in Buicks doing 22mph in a 55 mph zone in my area when rounding curves (what's new?). Never had any trouble so far towing with a '96 cab and a half Dakota 4x4 with a 318 engine. Try to look as far a head as possible, keep the vehicle in good repair, and check with your insurance agent ahead of time. Too many lawyers out there if you mess up and we all know that they don't want to sue you on their client's behalf....
Another reason for installing surge brakes
Thanks to Mike Epp for this photo. - Kevin.
Thanks to Mike Epp for this photo. - Kevin.
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