Is there a Minimum Weight Requirement for Actuating Couplers

Updated 01/15/2013 | Published 01/14/2013

Question:

What is the minimum weight of the trailer to activate the brake actuator?

asked by: Leonardo S

Expert Reply:

Actuating couplers do not come with a minimum weight capacity, however, there could be some potential issues if you are towing a trailer with a weight well below the capacity of the coupler you are using. For example, I had a situation where a boat trailer that weighed just under 8,000 lbs when loaded and used an 8,000 lb actuating coupler.

After the boat was dropped off at the lake, the trailer only weighed about 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. We found that the trailer would be heavy enough to begin to actuate the coupler when braking, but when they would accelerate, say from a stop sign, the trailer would not be heavy enough to fully extend the coupler right away. This would leave the brakes partially activated and the trailer would jerk and bounce for about 20 to 30 feet. The best remedy for this was to accelerate and decelerate slowly when towing a trailer that weighs significantly less than the weight rating of the coupler.

If you will be towing a large trailer that will have fluctuating weights, such as a dump trailer or car hauler, you may still be able to tow the trailer, but you will have to be very cautious when the trailer is empty. Accelerating too quickly will not only wear on the trailer coupler, brakes and tires, but also on the vehicle brakes and tires, especially if you have a large trailer.

I would recommend looking into an electric over hydraulic actuator or electric brakes where the brakes are controlled by an in-cab brake controller rather than the momentum of the trailer. If you would like further recommendations on electric over hydraulic actuators or electric brakes, just let me know.

expert reply by: John H