brakes on a popup

[big camper]

Hope this is the right forum.  I have a Jayco Qwest 10v, weight listed as 1400 lbs.   I am pulling it with a Suzuki 2002 Grand Vitara rated tow capacity 1500 lbs.
The trailer does not have brakes.  How difficult would it be to put brakes on it.  The local Jayco dealer says not to worry about it, it would be cost prohibitve to do it. I have changed axles on small utility trailers and know it is no big deal.  I have even seen whole left and right wheel replacement sets on some of the trailer parts web sites.
Anyone else done it or am I just being retentive in worring about being so close to the tow limit (actually exceed it when you factor in the gear in the TV)

Thanks for any input.

[mike4947]

Thank you for considering brakes.

 
Whole axles are available at around $250-$300 complete with brakes for 12" and larger wheel sizes. (10 inch drum brakes.
 
Trailers with smaller wheel sizes need the 7" druim size and unfortunately they cost more than the 10" size. Figure around $400 for a complete axle with 7" brakes.
 
Pairs of brake assemblies are available for DIY installation if your current axle has mounting flanges at a reduced price from the complete axle prices. To see if you have flanges look under the trailer at the back side of the opposite side wheel and look for a square plate with holes near each corner. That's the mounting flange.
Sites like E-trailer have good pricing, but if you need help contact the folks at http://www.dexteraxle.com/ They are glad to help get you numbers for what you need.
 
BUT, don't forget you'll also need a brake controller and wiring for the tow vehicle. Figure around $100 for the controller and wiring is a hourly rate.

[AustinBoston]

If your trailer has the flanges that Mike mentioned, installing electric brakes is something any handyman can do.

And as far as cost prohibitive is concerned - if you tow enough, you will significantly offset wear on your tow vehicle's brakes.

You many not need the brakes, but you will not regret having them.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

And as far as cost prohibitive is concerned - if you tow enough, you will significantly offset wear on your tow vehicle's brakes.

I agree and would like to add, if you don't stop fast enough it will cost you a lot more than adding brakes will.

[SkipP]

Hope this is the right forum. I have a Jayco Qwest 10v, weight listed as 1400 lbs. I am pulling it with a Suzuki 2002 Grand Vitara rated tow capacity 1500 lbs.
The trailer does not have brakes. How difficult would it be to put brakes on it. The local Jayco dealer says not to worry about it, it would be cost prohibitve to do it. I have changed axles on small utility trailers and know it is no big deal. I have even seen whole left and right wheel replacement sets on some of the trailer parts web sites.
Anyone else done it or am I just being retentive in worring about being so close to the tow limit (actually exceed it when you factor in the gear in the TV)
 
Thanks for any input.

I don't think you're being retentive in the least! LOL. Does this camper have the torsion suspension or leaf springs? I'm not certain but that may play a part in why the dealer said it was cost-prohibitive. Some Jaycos have a surge brake system and that may be what they were considering.
 
Best of luck!

[ScoobyDoo]

I retrofitted brakes on my trailer for a lot less than the front bumper on the Dodge would cost. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself you might check with an independent auto repair shop, they might charge less than a RV dealer.

[mike4947]

Scooby brought up a really good point. I've gotten it ingrained so deep in my brain I forget to mention it when replying.

Go to a spring shop rather than an RV dealer. The hourly rate will be lower and the workmanship on average much better. They do it every day versus an RV dealer that might do 2-3 a year. And with my luck the RV dealer guy that did them will take a day of when my trailer gets worked on so I'm stuck with the guy asking "does this go here?"...LOL

[big camper]

Bummer, I went and checked under th PU and found I have round 4 lug ends on the axle.  Looks like I will have to go the full axle route.
Anybody have recommendations for a New England Dealer?
Thanks

[Looneytoon]

Bummer, I went and checked under th PU and found I have round 4 lug ends on the axle.  Looks like I will have to go the full axle route.
Anybody have recommendations for a New England Dealer?
Thanks

I just got back from getting estimate(s) (from 2 different trailer places) to add brake drums, brakes, controller to complete getting brakes on the PU.

$547...................I have sticker shock.  They also quoted me $437 for the hitch, wiring and installation!!!

That puts me at around $1000.00!!!  I thought I got a good deal on the PU, but this will make it only an OK purchase.  My fault, not enough research on brakes before making a decision.

So, I ordered the hitch and wire harness online ($200 including shipping) and will have my local mechanic install it ($75).  I will have to wait on the brakes and just be extra careful.

The laws are with me, but you all have made me really want to have brakes added.............