I have a 2013 Equinox and want to pull a Runaway Camper 6x8 weighing just over 1000 pounds with no breaking system, can I pull this without adding a breaking system to the trailer?

The 4 cylinder cars have a maximum towing rating of 1,000 pounds and 1,500 if the trailer has brakes. Trailers with brakes are safer so it is your choice.

Well, it's a sweeping generalization to say Four cylinder cars have a tow capacity of 1,000 pounds, it is NOT CORRECT. It actually depends on the vehicle and it varies. The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox has a tow capacity of 1,500 pounds and you're fine without trailer brakes. In California, trailer brakes are required by law for any trailer above 1,500 pounds. Is it safer? Well, I suppose it is unless the have a trailer brake problem and the rear wheels of the trailer lock up, then, you're dragging a 1,000 pound paperweight behind you and it could destabilize the tow vehicle. That would not be good! So, when towing, SLOW DOWN, make sure that your tow vehicle is at least 65 percent heavier than your trailer. And , turn more slowly on cornering. Having the two vehicles hitched together changes the dynamics of the entire package. By the way, not all Fours or Sixes can pull a trailer, so, check with the vehicle manufacturers recommendations. You're fine with the Equinox.

Download that and see Chapter 9 Page 55. FoR is again spot on, but to see for yourself. It does have an anti-sway system built in also, but all it is slows down the Equinox if trailer begins to sway. And that usually only happens going downhill. Trailer brakes are indeed MUCH safer. Your Equinox weighs 3770 lbs and that calls for trailer brakes. But like he said, It's your choice, perfectly legal without ..... and important!- tongue weight must be within 10% to 15% of total trailer weight, and not exceed rating, which is on a sticker on chassis by drivers door latch

Point taken Mark , but I would feel safer with brakes.

These trailers don't come with breaks but I found a company that would add after market breaking system and break box to my Equinox for about $700.00. Is this a fair price- $450 to add to trailer $250.00 to ready Car.

As long as the aftermarket brakes do NOT TAP IN TO CARS HYDRAULICS, electric is fine

Just to add... without trailer brakes, no matter the weight of trailer, in a panic stop, emergency stop. the trailer will want to keep going and jackknife. Even at slower speeds, and especially at the legal 55. With brakes , even if the trailer brakes lock up and skid, this will not happen. And the electric trailer brakes are adjustable as for how much braking is applied. It does not take much to keep it from jackknifing, it's not a matter of preventing the entire rig from stopping, just enough to keep the trailer from trying to pass the Equinox

Thank you all for your feedback, you have provided useful information that I will take with me during the conversion to a breaking trailer system.

momofthree30- just be sure to find a properly operating "braking " system vs, a "breaking system " (LOL)

yes markw1952 I mean braking system, LOL. Thank you for pointing this out, there could have been catastrophic consequences if it was "breaking" (lol).

momofthree30- here's a picture of my teardrop trailer, what kind of rig do you have?

I say you need the trailer brakes and brake controller. I pull an EPRO RK12 is around the same weight. I called my car dealer and they said you need the brake controller and electric brakes. You have to remember that is the dry weight. You have to consider all of your camping gear, fire wood ect., which is your pay load weight. Get the breaks. Even with having them I am still so careful because I feel I am pushing my weight limitations by the time I get the car and camper packed up, cooler filled, even trying to travel light I am sure I am over my weight limitations.