- First Name
- John
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2021
- Threads
- 36
- Messages
- 1,942
- Reaction score
- 2,569
- Location
- Charleston SC
- Vehicle(s)
- 2021 Bronco 4dr OBX MIC 2.7 Rear Locker A51 Roast
- Your Bronco Model
- Outer Banks
Are you sure about that brake controller law? Don't surge brakes count, like on all of my former boat trailers and the 2-axle 6x12 UHaul? I'm aware that agricultural trailers tend to have controller-actuated brakes, and the need to transport animals caused me to install a brake controller once. But never in 30 years of boat towing! Partly thats because surge brakes can be submerged without undue damage to the brakes (rinse needed in salt wster). I think what is true is that trailers over 3,000 pounds should have a braking system, either surge or electronic.@NC_Pinz is correct. The factory tow package is just the hitch assembly and wiring harness for lights.
Note that many (probably most by now) states legally require trailer brake controllers if you tow above 3000 lbs (Bronco has max towing of around 3500 lbs, depending on your exact build).
That said, it is highly unlikely that you will get a ticket for towing a trailer slightly over 3000 lbs without a brake controller. You could probably take that risk and never have an issue. But there are many other reasons why youād want oneāespecially if you are off-roading with something like a teardrop camper or an overlanding trailer.
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