Is a Parking Brake Worth Adding to a Teardrop Trailer Build?

[Mr.Action]

Hello Folks,

I'm in the process of gathering supplies to build a Teardrop and there is the question of a parking break option on the Dexter brake system. I am following Tony Latham's book and using it as a guide in my build, but did not see a reference about that.
Is it good to have the option or not necessary? How do people keep their Teardrops from rolling away? Wheel chocks?
Could the parking break help as a theft deterrent?

Thanks ,
Chris

 

[Tony Latham]

I am following Tony Latham's book and using it as a guide in my build, but did not see a reference about that.

I wasn't aware they had a parking brake system. We carry chocks.

Tony

 

[Mr.Action]

I wasn't aware they had a parking brake system. We carry chocks.

Tony

Great! That keeps it simple. Southwest Wheel offers them, but they’re a bit pricey. I appreciate the reply and your book. Very helpful.
Cheers

 

[dt400]

I have the Dexter parking brake set-up. At least I have the parts since I haven't actually finished the build yet.
My reason for having them is that my square-drop foamy will be used off-road and knowing me I will end up in situations where I may need to do some non-normal things with the trailer to get turned around. I also think it will help with it not rocking around when moving around in the camper even with 3 leveling jacks. Plus not having to always dig out the chocks when I unhook if on a slope. Is it overkill? Maybe but I figured when I need the function I am REALLY going to appreciate it.

Darrell

 

[Mr.Action]

I have the Dexter parking brake set-up. At least I have the parts since I haven't actually finished the build yet.
My reason for having them is that my square-drop foamy will be used off-road and knowing me I will end up in situations where I may need to do some non-normal things with the trailer to get turned around. I also think it will help with it not rocking around when moving around in the camper even with 3 leveling jacks. Plus not having to always dig out the chocks when I unhook if on a slope. Is it overkill? Maybe but I figured when I need the function I am REALLY going to appreciate it.

Darrell

Do you have an idea of how you are going to implement the brake? Will you set up a lever on the tongue?

 

[dt400]

I looked at a couple different parking brake handle options and this is the one that will fit my needs the best.

It's simple, and unlike some other designs that require using a threaded knob, I can adjust the amount of "brake" force easily and quickly depending on the situation. No tight tolerance parts, so it being in the dust and mud won't affect it's operation. Well not easily any way.

Yes, mounted to the tongue.

Amazon.com

Darrell

 

[Mr.Action]

Nice! I like that. Simple and easily accessible for those moments that you describe. Plus, a great way to immobilize your camper when setting up your site.

 

[Shadowcatche]

We have Lynx Levelers with Chocks, carry two sets actually. Amazing how level sites are not. You can see them here on a relatively "level spot"

 

[Mr.Action]

We have Lynx Levelers with Chocks, carry two sets actually. Amazing how level sites are not. You can see them here on a relatively "level spot"View attachment 2418383I appreciate the tip. That’s a real nice rig you got there. A pretty meaty tongue as well. What’s the pole for?

 

[Tom&Shelly]

XX

Tom

 

[Mr.Action]

Hi Tom!
I think the attachment on my reply to Shadowcatche is just his picture of his teardrop from his post.
I did notice yours and Shelly’s teardrop and found the storage? compartment toward the front of your teardrop interesting.
Does that extend out over your tongue?

 

[Tom&Shelly]

Hi Tom!
I think the attachment on my reply to Shadowcatche is just his picture of his teardrop from his post.
I did notice yours and Shelly’s teardrop and found the storage? compartment toward the front of your teardrop interesting.
Does that extend out over your tongue?

Hi! Sorry, I misread your post this morning (too soon, before coffee) and was confused about the link in the middle of what looked like a reply. We used to have spammers do that sort of thing before the new forum. I should have read it before calling it out. My bad! Of course, we can't delete messages here, so I edited it to XX.

Our storage doesn't extend over the tongue. We kept the tongue free so the front cargo door can open out. That's necessary for ventilating our air conditioner. But we do use the storage like we would have used a tongue box.

Tom

 

[Mr.Action]

Hi! Sorry, I misread your post this morning (too soon, before coffee) and was confused about the link in the middle of what looked like a reply. We used to have spammers do that sort of thing before the new forum. I should have read it before calling it out. My bad! Of course, we can't delete messages here, so I edited it to XX.

Our storage doesn't extend over the tongue. We kept the tongue free so the front cargo door can open out. That's necessary for ventilating our air conditioner. But we do use the storage like we would have used a tongue box.

Tom

It seems like a lovely storage area. As I contemplate the build, I find myself thinking about storage quite a bit.

 

[Tom&Shelly]

It has worked out well for us. We made the bulk-head extra thick, and we can't hear the AC/heater when it's running. We also had a little room above it, and so made a storage from the main cabin where we keep paperback books and such.

Tom