Originally posted by SlowPro48
You're lucky you didn't need to slow down quickly then! A heavy trailer with no brakes will drastically increase stopping distance whether you pull it once a year or once a week.

What you're saying is that you are reducing your chances of an accident not by increasing the safety factor, but rather by simply reducing your exposure to the risk. The only problem with that method is that the risk factor per mile is unchanged. You are just as likely to ram into that little old lady who pulls out in front of you 2 miles into your journey as you are if she pulled out in front of you 200 miles into the trip. So basically you're just counting on good luck to keep her from pulling out in front of you at all. My luck's not that good so my conscience just won't let me do that when people's lives are at stake.

I've forgotten who started this thread but whoever you are with the 5,400 lbs to tow - I hope you'll insist on a trailer with brakes so that each and every mile of your journey will be safer.
NO, what im saying is what i said, the VX has ample braking ability to stop 3500 plus pounds in addition to its own weight, and CAN handle abrupt stops WITHOUT incident. HOWEVER, excessive braking can and will reduce that ability after time, which is why i recommended taking it slow and easy and ANTICIPATING slow downs when ever possible.. Having towed these weights with out trailer brakes several times in my VX, and dozens of times in other vehicles, i can only say that the VX tows much better than id expected, and i experienced ZERO Brake fade, and no loss of control at reasonable speeds..as i also said, if doing this regularly a trailer braking system is definatly a wise idea and will reduce stress and maintenance on the VX's systems, but for a an occasional towing duties, the VX is more than capable with out those expensive add ons so long as the proper caution is taken...
DO not make assumptions as to what people may intend, is it not polite nor is it accurate, and it certainly isnt respectfull ... end of rant...