How Much Force Does a Travel Trailer Without Brakes Generate?

[bertk1]

towing a travel trailer...

hello everyone,

i belong to several classic trailer sites and there is an issue concerning towing a trailer without brakes. can someone tell me how to determine the force generated, say in pounds per square inch, of a trailer weighing 1400lbs, moving at 65 miles per hour, with no brakes on the trailer. the tow vehicle would be stopping but the trailer would be 'pushing' on the tow vehicle with how much force? most of these old trailers use only a 1 7/8 inch ball to couple the trailer to the tow vehicle. it would seem to be a very weak link as far as stopping.

many of these trailers weigh in excess of 2000 lbs.

some people argue that with the improved brakes of todays vehicles brakes are not needed on small trailers. even if the brakes are superior, the hitch is still the same.

thank you

bert

 

[ice109]

F=ma or F=m(dv/dt) or for a linear negative acceleration F=m(Vf-Vi)/t.

you're probably right about the hitch

 

[sir-pinski]

Hi Bert,

Thank you for bringing up this important topic. Towing a travel trailer without brakes can be a dangerous situation, especially at high speeds. The force generated by a trailer weighing 1400lbs moving at 65 miles per hour would depend on several factors such as the terrain, wind resistance, and the weight distribution of the trailer. However, a general rule of thumb is that the force exerted on the tow vehicle would be about 20% of the trailer's weight, so in this case, it would be around 280lbs. This is a significant amount of force that can impact the tow vehicle's ability to stop and control the trailer.

It is important to note that the size of the hitch ball is not the only factor in determining the strength of the connection between the trailer and tow vehicle. The type and quality of the hitch and the weight distribution system also play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and secure connection.

While it is true that modern tow vehicles have improved braking systems, it is still recommended to have brakes on trailers weighing over 1000lbs. This is especially important when driving on steep or hilly terrain, as the tow vehicle's brakes may not be enough to safely control the trailer's weight.

In conclusion, it is always better to err on the side of caution and have brakes installed on your travel trailer. This will not only ensure your safety but also the safety of others on the road. Thank you for bringing up this important topic and promoting safe towing practices. Happy travels!