Shorlander trailer question

[UNCLE AL]

I have a 17ft Smoker Craft sitting on a shorelander trailer w/surge brakes. The surge function inside of the coupler has rusted to the point of needing to be replaced. A new coupler with new internals sells for $150.00. My boat and trailer are both 1995 models. I have seen new trailers at marinas, and dealerships that are the same size as mine, carring the same size boat and bigger, that don't have brakes on them. My question is, can I just put the right sized coupler on the trailer and go with that, or should I get a new coupler with the surge brakes? Another question, can the old coupler be modified and used with the internals removed. I took the cylinder and reservoir out, and threw them away, and put the coupler back on the trailer and hooked it to my truck, then had to use a floor jack to get it off the ball because of the way the coupler moved without anything inside. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Priority1]

You left out too much information to answer your question. If your truck is rated to pull twice the load it may be ok to go without trailer brakes. Trailer brakes will cut your stopping distance regardless of the tow vehicle. If I error I would rather error on the side of caution. If in doubt keep the trailer brakes, they could save your life.

[Greenbush future]

Yep it becomes a safty issue. My 18.5 Lund is I bet, very close in weight to your rig and I dont have trailer brakes. I use a Chevy Avalanche to tow with (truck is over 5000 lbs) I dont need trailer brakes but would enjoy having them just because you can stop quicker. I bet you will need to replace entire hitch portion of your trailer. Is it welded or bolted? Mine is bolted.

[john warren]

its up to you. it will pull and stop the same way . unless its a slick rainy night at 2 a.m. and a deer hops out in front of you. then the trailer may puish you all over the road . personaly for $150, id want the extra safety.
if that new brake last as long as the last one did it will just be a few dollars per year.