Pulling a coachman clipper 17bh with my jku?
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Parksville, British Columbia
Pulling a coachman clipper 17bh with my jku?
I 've been thinking of renting this trailer for a few days and was wondering about brakes. I think I need a trailer brake controller? Can these be rented or do they have to be mounted permanently?
I'm thinking if it's too much hassle with the brakes then I may just rent a tent trailer instead.
The trailer weighs 2818 i seem to recall.
I'm thinking if it's too much hassle with the brakes then I may just rent a tent trailer instead.
The trailer weighs 2818 i seem to recall.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Blue Bell, PA
if the trailer comes with brakes than if is in a category where you want to get a brake controller. Two thousand pounds doesn't sound like much to pull but factor that into stopping and its a different story it increases your braking distance greatly and degrades your tow vehicles control. I have towed a trailer with only 2400 lbs total weight with a full sized pickup and my stopping distance on that was increased plenty. When setting up the controller your setting it so that the trailer can stop the tow vehicle from a couple mph coast in neutral.
As far as renting the controller I don't think that is an option and for the little more it would cost to buy and install as opposed to renting, having it install and than removed it would be well worth buying. There are also wireless controllers available where the unit inside the cab only need an DC outlet but you still need a seven pin trailer harness.
As far as renting the controller I don't think that is an option and for the little more it would cost to buy and install as opposed to renting, having it install and than removed it would be well worth buying. There are also wireless controllers available where the unit inside the cab only need an DC outlet but you still need a seven pin trailer harness.
Last edited by Its-a-JK; Jan 31, 2017 at 03:07 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Blue Bell, PA
Take a look at this link too for state by state brake requirements for trailers but just remember it never hurts to go the extra mile when safety is in the picture.
RVSafely.com
RVSafely.com
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 950
Likes: 8
From: Philly Suburbs
I tow a 2600 lb travel trailer with my JKU and would not want to tow without electric brakes. Trying to stop on a decline from highway speed would be scary. It requires a fully installed brake controller though so not a major install but requires a decent amount of wiring hooked to the brakes and battery with a controller mounted inside. It can be a couple hour DIY or pay the local camper store a couple hundred.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 162
From: brick, nj
I would absolutely get a brake controller unless it was just a short trip in town. I use a Prodigy 2. It has a plug so I can unplug it and throw it in the console when not needed. They may have some wireless ones now too. However, you will have to run a heavy wire from the battery to the rear to supply the power to the trailer brakes.
