What If I Don't Use My Trailer Brakes

[skeedaddy]

So, I pull my 1992 Mac 26 with a 1996 Ford F150. My truck has a simple 6 cylinder and is not equipped with trailer brakes. My trailer, though, does have brakes.

I think the Mac and trailer together are a little under 3,000 pounds....right?

It just seems to me that the boat and trailer feel much more stout under tow than they should. It feels like I'm pulling 5,000 pounds or, heaven forbid, something with a lead keel.

I don't hear or smell anything coming from my wheels during or after a good tow. But is it possible that something going on with them is causing this rig to feel so heavy?

[Boblee]

You may be surprised if you weigh your Mac, our is over 2000 kg's (4400 lb) and packed for a long trip could get to 2500 kg (5500 lbs) without any problem or if we don't watch it.

[skeedaddy]

I have no idea how to get a true weight of the rig, but I understand what you're saying.

Sounds like I might need a bigger truck. DOH

[DaveB]

I pull my Mac. X (4500 lbs, boat ,motor, new 1000lb aluminum tandem trailer and all gear for week) with a 6 cylinder 1999 F150 extended cab and pulls good on a 400 mile round trip in S. Florida.
The Trailer has no brakes but plan on installing stainless disk on rear axel.
I would not use this truck for any large hills or Mountains.
Your S should weigh in around 3200-3500 lbs boat motor and trailer (Mac. Trailer) and gear.
I would ck your trailer bearings. The tandem is easier to pull than a single axel but you weigh a lot less.
Also make sure your ballest is empty.
Dave

So, I pull my 1992 Mac 26 with a 1996 Ford F150. My truck has a simple 6 cylinder and is not equipped with trailer brakes. My trailer, though, does have brakes.

I think the Mac and trailer together are a little under 3,000 pounds....right?

It just seems to me that the boat and trailer feel much more stout under tow than they should. It feels like I'm pulling 5,000 pounds or, heaven forbid, something with a lead keel.

I don't hear or smell anything coming from my wheels during or after a good tow. But is it possible that something going on with them is causing this rig to feel so heavy?

[r.fairman]

Put it on a weighbridge

[kmclemore]

Pretty easy to get the weight... just either take it to a truck-stop or weigh station, or use Catigale's method, or Tangentair's method from earlier postings.

There have been quite a few earlier discussions on the topic of trailer weight... try searching with "tongue weight" in quotes. I've linked a few below.

How heavy is my rig?

Jeep Towing & Tongue Wt.

Total weight of a Trailer+Mac26X+Honda 50HP?

Tongue Weight Technique

[skeedaddy]

Thanks!