I'm going to get an Alumacraft Dominator or Navigator 175. Do I need trailer brakes for this rig? One dealer said I don't really need them. I've never had them on a trailer so I'm not sure when you need them the most. I have a Dodge Dakota as my towing vehicle. I will trailer the boat long distances a few times a year.

Trailer brakes improve your braking and stopping power, no doubt about it. Could make the difference between an accident, and a close call. I'd go with the brakes!

I have them on my 17' Lund Explorer trailer. To answer your question, "when do I need them most?" think about the last time you may have had a panic-stop situation, and came to a stop just a few feet from what you were going to hit. Your rig will probably weigh in at between 2500-3000 pounds, loaded for a trip, which is rough 50% or more than your Dakota weighs. With vehicle engineering the way it is, the trucks brakes may not be up to the task of stopping the combined weight as quickly as it should.
Let me put it this way. If you're behind me, and I've got to slam on the brakes, I'd appreciate it if you'd spend the extra $$$ and put brakes on your trailer. :howdy:
HRG

I'm with HRG on this one, anything you can do to reduce stopping distance may save you from a accident.

Better to have and not need than need and don't have.

Al

Brakes it is. Thanks guys!

Brakes it is. Thanks guys!
No, THANK YOU! Some guys would rather put that extra $$$ into bigger electonics or TM's. Check your PM's.
HRG

When purchasing, include trailer supply companies like Northern Tool for the parts, and get an estimate from a trailer shop for the labor costs. It will very likely be much cheaper than having a marine shop provide both parts and labor.
The actuator for surge bakes alone is about 1/3 retail at Northern. The braking hubs show similar savings.
I had brakes added to my trailer years ago for less than 1/2 what the cost would have been at a marine dealership.

good choice. I don't have brakes on my 165 nav which is a much lighter boat, and I have a full sized Ram. Any less truck or any more boat, and I would definitely want brakes. May retrofit it at some point.

I agree with getting the brakes. I had a Lund Angler 1700 with a 115 Merc and no trailer brakes and it was a real challenge to stop with a truck about the size of your Dakota. I bought a Ranger 186 Reata which is about a 1000 lbs heavier and it has surge brakes and this takes no where near as long or as much pressure on the brakes. I won't own another trailer without surge brakes under it after this one. It is so much better.

HRG,
I'm still going to get the electronics I want. That's not going to change.

Buy the brakes. I have a 1700 Lund Fisherman & used to tow it with a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. I am very glad I had the surge brakes put on the trailer. The boat I had prior to the Lund was a 165 Alumacraft Magnum with no brakes on the trailer. On sudden stops you could feel the trailer pushing the truck. When I purchased the Lund I went with brakes & a larger capacity trailer-3100lbs. When I towed the new rig home I could'nt believe how much better it handled. I now have a Ram 1500 & would still purchase brakes if I was buying another trailer. In '03 it was also a better deal to buy the larger trailer with brakes already on it than having them installed on a smaller one. It's also a very good idea to have a larger capacity trailer so your not overloaded.
Tony

HRG,
I'm still going to get the electronics I want. That's not going to change.

Cool! You didn't like my offer in the private message I sent?:huh:
HRG

Cool! You didn't like my offer in the private message I sent?:huh:
HRG

Sorry, didn't notice it. Yes I do like the offer.
Thanks!

I upgraded trailers two years ago and stepped up to the trailer brakes. I'll never regret the decision. I pull my boat with an F250 and keep the brakes in top shape. The trailer brakes just take some pressure off the truck breaks. I've also had many sudden traffic stops and I'm sure without the trailer brakes I would have ate somebody in front of me up. I would definitely upgrade to breaks. I'll never go back. Just my opinion