I can understand the sway bar need on something top-heavy. But, my intended load won't be (at all). It'll be an open, utility trailer with at MOST 2500#'s in tow (+ trailer). Just askin'.
Sorry didn't know we were talking about that low of a weight. I think the correct answer for that is brakes=yes. Sway/WDH=no. Now sure about NC but any trailer with the capacity to haul greater than or equal to 3000 lbs needs brakes. Your right on the edge but from a safety and wear and tear stand point the right way to set this up is with brakes. Your truck will thank you. Good luck.
Lol. Sorry. I'm traveling and reading and posting on my BlackBerry. Things get missed on this little screen.
Hauled 5000 lbs of ag lime on my trailer yesterday (poor mans way of liming food plots lol)....I wouldn't be without brakes in this situation, even with 5-6 scoops of mulch I'd rather have em than not, you can REALLY feel the difference stopping...trailer helps you slow down vs trys to push you out into intersection.
Can I make a suggestion on brake controller? Get one with a digital readout on the setting. That way, there is no guess work on where it was or what works for your applications.
My truck already had a controller. It's a Tekonsha (sp?). My trailer dealer said it was a good one. I have no idea. Picked up the trailer, today. Everything's fine. I have the brakes turned down to the lowest setting (empty). Still kicks in a "little"......enough to feel them working. So far - so good. I asked him about anti-sway. He said he'd never seen anyone use it on an open, utility trailer. He said I didn't need it.
When it comes to controllers, one feature I like is the ability to reach down and manually lock the trailer backs if an urgent situation arose. Not all of the controllers have this but for me it's a must.
