Posted 2016-05-08 2:17 PM (#167017) Subject: upgraded 1/2 ton
New User
Posts: 3
Hi I'm new here and have a question that I have yet to find the answer to anywhere else on the net. Now I understand that with the smaller trailers a 1/2 ton v8 will pull them easy enough but everywhere cautions being able to bring truck trailer and horses to a safe stop. Would it not be practical to upgrade the stock brakes with say larger slotted rotors and stronger calipers?
Posted 2016-05-08 8:14 PM (#167023 - in reply to #167017) Subject: RE: upgraded 1/2 ton
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
If your trailer is too heavy for your truck you are looking at spending big bucks on some traffic fines! Not to mention that anything you do to "upgrade" the truck could be seen as you trying to exceed the safe capacity of the truck, say if it went to court and you tried to point the finger at the manufacturer. I would ask the dealership about it voiding your warranty (if you have one) and then I'd ask your insurance agent if they will deny any claims made after the modifications are done. If you put racing mods on your Mustang for instance then while street racing you hit and kill a family, you could have an issue with your insurance company. I would ask you this question, if you need more brakes to stop the trailer shouldn't you have a better brake controller on the truck to aide the trailer in stopping itself?
Posted 2016-05-08 8:39 PM (#167024 - in reply to #167017) Subject: RE: upgraded 1/2 ton
New User
Posts: 3
I understand the poor thinking behind trying to drag more than the trucks capable of I'm saying your within your weight limit but making stopping your rig safely a certainty rather than a "should be able to stop it". Like I've read in many other places
Posted 2016-05-09 8:39 AM (#167029 - in reply to #167017) Subject: RE: upgraded 1/2 ton
Veteran
Posts: 108 Location: Lawrence KS
The brakes on your vehicle are designed to stop the weight limits listed for your vehicle. Making sure everything is in good working order is much more important than say " upgrading brakes ".
Posted 2016-05-11 6:23 AM (#167049 - in reply to #167017) Subject: RE: upgraded 1/2 ton
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
Your 1/2 ton truck has a rear axle that the axle shaft is partially load carrying, over loading a 1/2 axle is bad and will leave you stuck on the highway. Upgrading your truck's brakes is not a bad idea. In fact I have done my truckwith up reads. You trucks brakes are rated to stop your truck and it's maximum load carrying capacity. Trailers have their own brakes. They stop the trailer.The load ratings on your axles and tires are limiting numbers. I exceed my max trailer weight with my rig if I put water in but the way I load I always keep it under the tire rating my axle is plenty strong, my GM 4L80 transmission is plenty strong and my 550HP engine is plenty strong. Upgrades are never a bad thing. But your weak link is your rear axle, stay under the max load carrying capacity. If you can keep it under max change all fluids, oil, transmission and axle to synthetics, I personally use Mobile 1.
upgraded 1/2 ton
