Chiefzon Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 I'm looking for some advice on towing. I want to put a small utility trailer behind a 1990 Subaru Legacy. I just got new brakes 2 months ago but use my 5-speed stick to regulate speed to minimize break use. My driver's manual said not to exceed 1000 lbs. w/o trailer brakes. So here are my questions: 1) Is towing a half ton for 400 miles going to put significant stress on my transmission? (Minimal elevation gain on two mountain passes). Assuming the car is also loaded? 2) Will a Hidden Hitch hitch - 1 1/4 inch receiver tube opening be adequate for the job or do I need something more substatial? 3) Is it substanitally safer to just get a trailer with brakes? Thanks! Chiefzon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 trailer brakes are awesome, yes. my next trailer for my truck will have trailer brakes, all of that weight will push you around and that is not a fun place to be. your car will tow it, as a matter of fact that legacy will tow another legacy on a dolly if you wanted to. is it a good idea, no. is it safe, no. will it do it, yes. it's a real bad idea. it doesn't take much/long for towing to get dangerous really fast. i've had trailers push large trucks before and it will scare you. your transmission would be way down the list of concerns. go easy, go slow and don't be in a rush. make sure the trailer tracks straight before you use and load it - if it's in uknown condition or hasn't been pulled before. pay attention to how the trailer is loaded as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86subaru Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 yes a 1-1/4 in receiver is fine, i pull a pop up camper with my 97 legacy L wagon , about 1800 lbs, , remember you must have converter for the lights, , real easy to hook up, etrailer has everything you need, if you do not have a pigtail ,then you must s-plice into the wires, and might even have to run a wire to the passanger side for right rear blinker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiefzon Posted July 16, 2007 Author Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks for you replies. Is my Sub equipted to run power brakes, or will in need an extensive conversion? I'd rather have trailer brakes, believe me. trailer brakes are awesome, yes. my next trailer for my truck will have trailer brakes, all of that weight will push you around and that is not a fun place to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAezb Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Thanks for you replies.Is my Sub equipted to run power brakes, or will in need an extensive conversion? I'd rather have trailer brakes, believe me. To use *electric* trailer brakes, you will need to install a brake controller, minimum of 12 gauge wire running from the battery (with an auto reset 30amp circuit breaker) to the rear, and an RV style trailer connector. This is in addition to your trailer light converter if one is not already installed. $150 in parts and a half-a-day to install. "Surge" style trailer brakes are a different matter and don't require a brake controller inside the vehicle. Brake controllers: http://www.etrailer.com/c-BC.htm (I use the Tekonsha Prodigy and highly recommend it) 7/4 wiring kit includes connector, wiring, circuit breaker, and hardware : http://www.etrailer.com/p-ETBC7.htm (I installed this kit, also highly recommended) or a 6/4 connector depending on the style your trailer uses: http://www.etrailer.com/pc-BC~ETBC6.htm Additional info: http://www.etrailer.com/faq/brakecontrol.asp and http://www.redtrailers.com/ShowArticle.asp?id=2 and finally http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=53745&highlight=tekonsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 i wouldn't go with surge brakes myself. i'd go with electric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAezb Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 i wouldn't go with surge brakes myself. i'd go with electric. Agreed, surge brakes are problematic at best (from what I've been told). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manarius Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 1. No. 400lb is just two people in the backseat to your Legacy. I've towed 600+ without any problems. Will it damage your tranny? No. I did it with a first gen 4EAT - not even a AT Temp light. 2. That's plenty. That's what I had on my car. 3. Yeah, it's safer, but if you're not going to tow more than 1000 lb, I don't think it's worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 Agreed, surge brakes are problematic at best (from what I've been told). and they have a really weird feel when they apply on thier own. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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