|
|
Post by mcnasby on Apr 19, 2013 18:17:04 GMT -5
Probably a newb question but I want to tow a shasta with my subaru forester. To safely do that I need to have a trailer with brakes. Do most shastas have them or do I have to add them? Are there years that dont and years that do?Thank you.
|
|
Gone Kayaking
1K Post Member
long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
Posts: 1,600 
|
Post by Gone Kayaking on Apr 19, 2013 18:26:07 GMT -5
Trailer by trailer. You can always add brakes later....may require getting a new axle. I'd hesitate to pull anything but a compact with a forester though even with brakes. They only have a max rated towing capacity of max 2400 lbs depending on whehter AT or MT. But rule of thumb around here says tow at max of have your rated capacity (consider that you will be loaded with gear, people etc..... Trailer brakes, proper loading will help mitigate this but it's your transmission that is going to take a beating....a tranny cooler if you have an AT is a necessity. Sadly, my real advice as much as I love Subarus, is that they do not make the greatest tow vehicles. You might consider getting a used truck (F150) as a two vehicle.
|
|
|
|
Post by mcnasby on Apr 19, 2013 18:32:57 GMT -5
I'm looking for a 13ft. Still probably to much?
|
|
Hamlet
2K Post Member
Posts: 2,241 
|
Post by Hamlet on Apr 19, 2013 19:57:19 GMT -5
A Compact is Shasta's 13 foot model. If you are planning to tow it with a Forester, absolutely add brakes. You'd also be better off if you have a manual transmission that you are an absolute expert at driving. And travel light. No additional gas grills, heavy chairs, awnings, etc.
|
|
Gone Kayaking
1K Post Member
long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
Posts: 1,600
|
Post by Gone Kayaking on Apr 19, 2013 20:31:08 GMT -5
Ditto Hamlet, a compact (eg 13') is as big as you want to go. You are gonna have to travel light, very light. And travel slowly. An traditional rope awning is pretty light and make sure that what you do load goes to the front of the trailer.
|
|
Hamlet
2K Post Member
Posts: 2,241
|
Post by Hamlet on Apr 19, 2013 20:44:16 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by mcnasby on Apr 19, 2013 21:30:14 GMT -5
Damnit I wanted to buy a Cherokee to tow it too.
|
|
Hamlet
2K Post Member
Posts: 2,241
|
Post by Hamlet on Apr 19, 2013 21:50:47 GMT -5
Or not.
|
|
vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
|
Post by vikx on Apr 19, 2013 23:38:47 GMT -5
My friend had a terrible accident in January with her 98 Jeep Cherokee and 54 Hanson trailer. (Hubby might have fallen asleep) Airbags saved their lives. The trailer will be repaired.
Larger Shastas all have brakes. (Probably 15 and up?) Just a guess on the length. Also mid 60s and newer seem to have brakes more often than not.
|
|
|
|
Post by mcnasby on Apr 26, 2013 0:52:36 GMT -5
Found a new tow vehicle in an 02 ford explorer. Much better towing then my subaru.
|
|
vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
|
Post by vikx on Apr 26, 2013 1:14:21 GMT -5
I sincerely hope the Explorer is not a done deal. They are known to have issues when towing. (roll overs and blow outs) U-haul will not rent a trailer to you if you're going to tow with an Explorer... Sorry, just bad vibes with Explorers.
|
|
|
|
Post by 62shastacrazymom on May 15, 2013 1:31:45 GMT -5
So I have a 16SC and am towing with a newer Tahoe. I currently cut wiring I thought was the brakes....should I add for new brakes? I am getting mixes responses from "the neighbor guys"...lol
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on May 15, 2013 7:04:54 GMT -5
Many states have laws that require brakes above a certain gross weight Ohio is 2000 lb. Others are higher and lower so check your local laws. The most important thing you have to decide is if you need to make an emergency stop do you want to do it or hit something. Reading advertising sheets brakes were optional on most smaller Shastas.
|
|
