Practically speaking, if you're going to be doing more than moving it around a flat yard, towing a brakeless 4,000 pound trailer with a vehicle that only weighs a little more than that is a recipe for disaster - simple physics. You know how it is - as soon as you hook up a trailer, every driver around you starts doing stupid things. You need brakes.
I also have questions about adding a trailer brake controller. I realize that it is best to have the brakes, even tho my 5x10 utility trailer does not. In the event I want to add a trailer with brakes, I know a brake controller is needed to actuate the trailer brakes.
I have a 2014 Sport that I recently picked up used. It has the receiver and the RV connector plug under the rear bumper already, and I assume it is factory installed. I understand the brake controller is supposedly pre-wired under the left side panel above the e brake, marked with blue tape. Is this connector already wired into that 7 pin connector at the receiver? Are trailer brakes controlled thru that 7 pin connector as well?
I was looking on eBay for controllers that state they are for the Ridgeline, with factory tow package......but when I get to the compatibility chart....it states it isn't compatible for my 2014 Ridgeline. I think that is an error, but I don't know with that conflicting info.
tekonsha p3 is what I am considering, IF in fact it will work....
I'd be very surprised if the trailer that the boat comes on does NOT have trailer brakes already.
And if you don't already know... not all brakes require a controller. Two types of brakes typically found on trailers are electric brakes (to which a controller applies, but may not be required), and surge brakes that do NOT require a controller.
Surge brakes are not uncommon on boat trailers, and they are activated by the weight of the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle/hitch. They work just fine in my experience, presuming they (& the trailer) are designed for the weight being towed. Check out the trailer in question to see if it doesn't already have surge brakes.
But to your original question: YES, absolutely! Especially with a boat (can amplify accident consequences by coming off the trailer).
The tekonsha brake controllers are some of the best on the market and I recommend them for sure.
Correct, surge brakes don't require a controller. Wiring my brake controller wasn't too bad, but finding that one hidden wire/harness under the dash was a little bit of a pain, LOL.
No way in hell I'd consider towing anything 3k or more w/o trailer brakes.
I don't think exceeding GVWR and GCWR are an offense until you actually do it. as for brake controls the prodigy P3 gets good reviews. i had a cheap controller and ditched for a P3. i tow 4400# travel trailer.
I got this and installed with a wire harness that came with it. The connector under the dash was a little hard to spot but I finally found it, got the tape off of it and connected the controller. It works great for my 23ft travel trailer.