I have a 2005 Dodge Durango with the 5.7 Hemi, I am now going to be moving across the country, aprooximately 2000miles. I am going to be towing a 16' Box trailer with a 7' tall box on it. It has tandem axels and 15" tires all in great shape. However, no trailer brakes. I am moving in the next 4 days and don't have time to get any installed. I have read alot on trailer sway lately and now I am nervous as hell to make this trip. Do you all have any trailer towing safety tips? All in all the trailer dry weighs 2500# and I did a weight estimator online for the amount of stuff we are loading in it from our apartment and that came out to about 2900#, so I think the most behind us would be 6000#. I know the Durango is rated to tow 8950#. The hitch is set for 7000# and the trailer has a 7000# rating. Someone told me I should get it weighed before heading out but I have no clue where to do that. Here is one last thing that has me nervous, we are going through the Appalachian Mountains so I know there is going to be some downhill driving I just dont know how bad. Tips tips and advice. Thank you all.

 

Personally,I wouldn't tow a trailer without its own brakes. different states have different laws. in ohio any trailer weighing over 2000 lbs. must have brakes. if you don't get stopped by the state enforcement no worries. but be warned the fines can be pretty hefty. possibly up to $2,500 per axle. you'll be crossing a lot of states,and you no murphy's law is the one you should be most worried about.

 

Now you have me thinking about installing brakes! $2500 per axle that's $5000!!!!