It's been a while since I've spent any money on this hobby, but I recently took on a project that was inspired by a near-accident trying to stop while going down a steep snow covered road towing the Z8 behind me. Lucky for me the other traffic saw my dilemma and got out of the way quick enough to avoid a formal introduction.
I decided then and there that I needed a trailer with brakes to avoid future like happen-stances. After all, the new truck came with factory brake controller, so I needed to put it to work if I was going to get my monies worth :-)
The trailer axle didn't have brake flanges on it, so I first looked at buying a new trailer with brakes included. Ouch! Next I explored ordering a new axle complete with brakes, but with an odd axle size, and well over $500 delivered, I had to find a cheaper option.
I researched the process and ordered all the major parts online, including the brake flanges, 10" brakes, 7 wire trailer harness, and a brake-away kit for about $225 delivered (which I thought was remarkably cheap!). There were other expenses like wiring, connectors, and welding wire bought locally that brought the cost up to about $260.
My brother welded on the flanges to get me started, and within a few days the new brakes were installed and wired in. Yesterday's trip to Pisgah State Park was the first time towing with the
new brake set up. They worked perfectly and gave much greater confidence during braking in unexpected situations (like when the old hat pulled out in front of me on Rt 31!).
With this experience in mind, I would highly recommend to anyone buying a trailer to get one with brakes, or at least the flanges on the axle so you have the option later. It was a fun project that was well worth the $$$ spent.
I topped the project off by replacing the garbage Carlisle tires that came with the trailer, with a pair of radial Providers; another $200 balanced and installed.