{"id":7690,"date":"2021-09-05T08:12:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-05T08:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=7690"},"modified":"2023-02-17T00:00:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T00:00:52","slug":"towing-capacity-guide-without-trailer-breaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/towing-capacity-guide-without-trailer-breaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Towing Capacity Guide (Without Trailer Brakes)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A significant aspect of purchasing and driving a towable RV is having a good understanding of all aspects of towing a trailer.  You must know the tow rating of your intended tow vehicle and if you need to have camper trailer brakes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My first travel trailer was a vintage 20-foot trailer without trailer brakes.  The next RV was a 35-foot bunkhouse travel trailer with trailer brakes – this required us to upgrade our tow vehicle.  From understanding towing capacity to whether you need trailer brakes<\/a>, I\u2019ll cover it all here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have decided to read this blog solely to answer the question: Do I need RV trailer brakes on my rig?<\/em><\/strong> Let’s answer this first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you tow a travel trailer without trailer brakes?<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can tow some small trailers without trailer brakes. Each state has different laws that mandate what size and weight of a trailer you can tow without brakes. However, experts recommend having trailer brakes for any trailer over 4,000 pounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How Much Weight Can You Pull Without Trailer Brakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The requirement for trailer brakes is based on state law which varies from trailers weighing 1,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds, as well as those from 30 feet up to 60 feet long.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some states allow trailers up to 5,000 pounds, experts recommend having trailer brakes on any trailer over 4,000 pounds. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your tow vehicle’s “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” is an important number that will tell you how much weight your vehicle can tow safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last thing you want is to buy an RV only to find that you’d be breaking state law by pulling it with an undersized vehicle. And worse… it’s downright dangerous to tow without brakes! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local laws mandate the weight and size of the trailer that you can tow. Knowing the local tow law is especially important when towing campers or travel trailers cross-country, or those that measure over 8 feet in width. In many states you will be required to equip your camper with trailer brakes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Towing an RV Across State Lines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every state will have its own laws regarding towing travel trailers. If you\u2019re towing an RV across state lines, check the towing limits and what requirements you may be required to follow. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may be restrictions on trailer weight, height, width, and surge breaks. These rules often serve to protect motorists using tunnels, bridges, and certain roads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to adhere to these laws could quickly ruin your trip when local authorities catch up with you or if you have an accident.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: Also check if you have requirements from your insurance company for towing a travel trailer. Many standard companies have exclusions for aspects of campers. Roamly is RV insurance by RVers and covers many things you don’t think about. Plus… you can save money… Get a free quote by Roamly. <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For other towing resources, check these out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n