How not to trailer

[oil pan 4]

A light controller to go from amber turn signal to red turn/brake lights is nothing but a diode W bridge.
I have only ever made my own light controllers.
All you need is four 3 amp diodes, at least that's what I use.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

So in the US everything need to be designed for idiots exceeding the speed limit with no trailer brakes while towing.

I did that! Fifty-six in a fifty-five! I was constantly checking my mirrors!

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

A light controller to go from amber turn signal to red turn/brake lights is nothing but a diode W bridge.
I have only ever made my own light controllers.
All you need is four 3 amp diodes, at least that's what I use.

I thought about it. Don't the controllers usually come with the correct T harness connector for the vehicle application? That's one thing I wish I had because I don't like cutting into the wiring.

My LED brake light draw is something low like 200mA, which is why I was comfortable directly splicing into the existing wiring.

I need to revisit the wiring anyhow as the folding trailer pinches the exposed wires. I'll run them through some plastic conduit for protection.

[oil pan 4]

For a lot of cars there is no option for a plug in trailer harness.
If there is an off the shelf plug in solution, use that first.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Fingie

a guy here at 'yota said the HSD does not like excessive weight, and that the body isn't rigid enough in the long run of using a trailer.

This claim about the HSD not being so suitable to "excessive weight" doesn't surprise me at all, even though the so-called "scalability" is often pointed out as an excuse for Toyota to invest so hard on it. But when it comes to body rigidity under load, it just sounds quite weird since the Prius doesn't rely on an exclusive platform, and I've already seen Corollas towing without any problem.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Sjoegerd

Aren't there maximum towing weights in the USA?

No


Axle and tire ratings need to be respected.

Other than that there is a bit of science to the lash up. Not rocket science as the saying goes, but decades of experience are on hand.

[freebeard]

Just A Car Guy: When dragging them home, all full of hope, and empty of wallet... be sure to grease the bearings, and carry a couple fire extinguishers

[SH@UN]

As long as you go easy, and know how to position and Haul the load, most cars can tow alot more stuff than the "manufacturer" says anyway. Those numbers they put out are the CYA numbers. I towed all kinds of loads with my Ford Escort when I had it, no brake controller, easy driving, and never had one single issue.

[Fingie]

i towed once a Celica with my War Wagon.

1.2 x the weight of my car. And 75 Hp

Oh goodie it was slow.

My car is otherwise allowed to pull a ton if it has brakes, and only 400Kg w/o brakes

[oil pan 4]

Realistically 400kg is about all you want to pull at highway speeds with out trailer brakes.