Re: [A/S] towing without brakes

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

3000 Lbs. is the most I would try to tow without brakes using at least a
half ton pickup as a tow vehicle.

If you have a light tow vehicle, don't even try it.  Locate an RV service
facility to fix the brakes on the trailer and hook up a brake controller on
your tow vehicle.

It is one matter to tow the trailer a few miles to your house, but quite
another to tow it for 20 or more miles.  One of the bad features of an
Airstream (in this case) is its excellent aerodynamics, so wind resistance
will not slow you down very much when you take your foot off the
accelerator, as it would with an SOB.

If you don't have a  brake controller for your tow vehicle you will need one
anyway, as well as functioning brakes on the trailer.  So you will have to
get this work done (or do it yourself).  If cost is an issue, don't forget
that losing the trailer (assuming no injuries) is a lot more costly than the
service costs we are talking about.  The Maalox and heart stopping
excitement will also be eliminated.  Much better safe than sorry.

If you buy the brake controller and install it yourself at home, you can
save a few bucks, and then just change the seven wire connector when you
pick up the trailer.

Most trailer service facilities are very proficient at installing and
connecting brakes, so you are not going to be in for excessive labor
charges.  Just schedule your trip to the service facility when their "Ace
Brake man" will be available.

Good luck, but don't push it too far,

Oliver Filippi