Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-12-2014, 03:29 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
jhardin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 156
Trailer Brakes

We would like to tow a third small ATV trailer behind our 38GK. My question is in reference to the trailer brakes. In Colorado If you tow a third trailer and it exceeds 2,000lbs then it is required to have trailer brakes. My 2012 Dodge Ram has the dedicated trailer brake for the 38GK but if I connect the ATV trailer to my tail lights on the 38GK what controls the ATV trailer brakes? Thanks for any suggestions. Jim
jhardin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 04:02 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
johnboytoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,055
Nothing, your rw pigtail will probably be a 4 wire conector and that's only lights...

only the 7 pin connector has brake signals, etc...
__________________
Ours: '11 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT followed closely by '14 Jeep 4 dr Wrangler.
Hers: '13 Explorer Sport - AWD 365hp twin turbo scooter!
Previous: '13 Ford F350 CC Platinum and '13 38GK
johnboytoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 08:30 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 649
Yep, need to run 7 pin wiring to the back.
__________________

Ron & Margaret
2014 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7, Aisin, 4.10
"Pequod" 2015 Redwood 38GK
Titan Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 01:48 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
jhardin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 156
Thanks for the help. I can do the wiring and connectors but I guess another question would be do I need a second brake controller in the TV to control the ATV trailer?
jhardin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 04:07 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
You won't need another controller, but the wire size for the brake and ground will need to be at least 10 gauge or larger, and I suggest a new run all the way from the pin box. If Redwood used smaller than 10 gauge, you will have too much voltage drop by the time you get to the back trailer passing through their wires.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 10:53 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Rick and Mindy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,444
My plan, if it ever works out is to tow a Goldwing behind my Redwood using a "Swivel Wheel" tow system. The swivel wheel attaches to the rear of the fifth wheel and actually becomes part of your unit so you don't have a third pivot point. I think with that type of system you wouldn't need another set of brakes because the fifth wheel would have brakes. Am I wrong in thinking this way??
__________________
Rick and Mindy
Retired
2013 Redwood 31SL, 2011 Ford F350 SRW, 6.7, Crew Cab with Firestone Bags, Titan Disc Brakes
Rick and Mindy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2014, 01:34 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 649
Probably, not. Most states require brakes at 3,000 lb. GVWR.
1,000 lbs NY
1,500 lbs CA, NV, ID
2,000 lbs MS, OH, UT
__________________

Ron & Margaret
2014 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7, Aisin, 4.10
"Pequod" 2015 Redwood 38GK
Titan Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2014, 05:16 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick and Mindy View Post
My plan, if it ever works out is to tow a Goldwing behind my Redwood using a "Swivel Wheel" tow system. The swivel wheel attaches to the rear of the fifth wheel and actually becomes part of your unit so you don't have a third pivot point. I think with that type of system you wouldn't need another set of brakes because the fifth wheel would have brakes. Am I wrong in thinking this way??
I believe you are correct. However I just saw an Idaho Tote at the gas station today and when he pulled away, wow does that add to the tail swing! I'm not sure the added rigid length on these enormous Redwoods would be desirable. I personally think I would rather pull a standard trailer.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2014, 01:29 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
johnboytoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,055
I too looked long and hard at those and I was concerned the current hitch on the back of the redwood would not hold it...

IIRC, it's only a 300lb rating for tongue weight...

do those have any articulation, i.e. up and down so that crests and dips would not be putting the full weight of the rv's rear on the hitch ? that's what stopped me from pulling the trigger...
__________________
Ours: '11 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT followed closely by '14 Jeep 4 dr Wrangler.
Hers: '13 Explorer Sport - AWD 365hp twin turbo scooter!
Previous: '13 Ford F350 CC Platinum and '13 38GK
johnboytoo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2014, 01:44 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Rick and Mindy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,444
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnboytoo View Post
I too looked long and hard at those and I was concerned the current hitch on the back of the redwood would not hold it...

IIRC, it's only a 300lb rating for tongue weight...

do those have any articulation, i.e. up and down so that crests and dips would not be putting the full weight of the rv's rear on the hitch ? that's what stopped me from pulling the trigger...
There are several different manufacturers of similar items out there and I would have to investigate more to make sure they would not be a problem. I think some of the models place the wheels directly under the weight so there probably isn't the problem with the hitch weight but none of them are inexpensive so I would not want to make that jump without full review.
__________________
Rick and Mindy
Retired
2013 Redwood 31SL, 2011 Ford F350 SRW, 6.7, Crew Cab with Firestone Bags, Titan Disc Brakes
Rick and Mindy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Redwood RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:07 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×