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10-22-2017, 07:56 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Caldwell
Posts: 62
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Brake systems for flat towing
We own a 2016, 31FK. We currently do not tow anything behind us but we are considering buying a toad for next season.
My question for all of you is - Do all toads require auxiliary braking systems or is there a weight limit where below that supplemental braking systems are not necessary?
Any help would be appreciated.
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10-22-2017, 08:15 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Where ever the boss says we're going.
Posts: 16,107
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I wouldn't tow a car behind a class "C" E-450 without auxillary brakes.
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DISNEY LOVERS
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10-22-2017, 08:22 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Springfield
Posts: 558
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I was wondering that myself. Was thinking an old VW about 1800 lbs. Anyone know the law on it ?
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10-22-2017, 08:25 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Where ever the boss says we're going.
Posts: 16,107
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Some states don't even address dingy towing brake requirements, only trailers.
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DISNEY LOVERS
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10-23-2017, 02:19 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California Defector
Posts: 112
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Hello. I have a 2008 Seneca and I flat tow a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Although I can't say with certainty on the enforcement, some of my fellow RV'rs tell me California Highway Patrol does look out for the presence of break-away cables on toad vehicles. Theses cables would show certain proof to the in-motion patrol troopers that the vehicle has an auxiliary braking system in service. Think I'll research that and return to this forum my findings in the coming days. I use a Brake-Buddy with mine. I always have the break-away cable attached. And honestly, given the expense of your vehicles, and liability concerns today...I just think it's a good idea to utilize. My 2 cents which actually belongs to my bride! Happy Trails
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10-23-2017, 09:54 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Caldwell
Posts: 62
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Thanks everyone for your responses. I wasn't thinking that the auxiliary system was necessary but wasn't sure. I appreciate your help.
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10-23-2017, 11:17 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Houston
Posts: 174
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Iam2alan, you need an auxiliary braking system if you're going to tow. If something happened to your towed vehicle without a braking system your insurance company may not cover the damages. Anyway, why chance it.
If you air brakes the best system is the Air Force One it mirrors your braking action using direct proportional braking. No inertia.
https://smibrake.com
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10-23-2017, 12:00 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 428
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I like the RViBrake and have used one for about 5 years. Works great. Since I have 2 vehicles that can be used as toads, ability to switch between vehicles is a plus.
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Walt
2019 Renegade Valencia 38RW
Gone: 2015 Jayco Seneca / 2010 Tiffin RED / ...
Toads: 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited / 2012 Kia Soul
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10-23-2017, 12:02 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Orange County
Posts: 644
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In some states, including California, anything above 1500 lbs requires on-board active braking of some sort, controlled by the tow vehicle. That includes trailers as well as towed automobiles. That is for active towing. The other half of the equation is what happens if and when your toad breaks away from the tow vehicle (your 31FK). It happens, and it's always unexpected. Many states also require that toad to have a braking system which will BECOME active if and when the toad were to break free of the tow vehicle. That can't happen any other way than to have an auxiliary braking system which can be applied when all cables, wires, or hydraulic lines are torn free. There are many systems available, both new and used, and they usually work pretty well. Some require more modification of the toad than others. Some keep the driver notified of system status while moving. Pretty much all of them are active for normal braking assist, and become self-active in the event of a breakaway. There are some circumstances where your insurance company won't pay for any damage, injury, or death associated with a breakaway, if you haven't taken steps to install, use, and maintain such a system. I wouldn't tow without one. It's far more than braking assist for the added load, or what condition your tow vehicle brakes are currently in.
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2006 Jayco Seneca 34SS
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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10-23-2017, 02:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Kingston
Posts: 1,210
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Don & Donna Stout
E-9 Anchor Clanker
Full timers since 2010
2017 North Point 381 DLQS
2015 F-250 6.7 w/Timbrens
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10-23-2017, 07:21 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Frisco, TX
Posts: 17
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BTW, a car towed four down is still technically a trailer- it's a full trailer because none of it's weight is carried on the tow vehicle. A semi-trailer is one where a part of the trailers weight is carried on the tow vehicle. So wherever in the law it describes trailers, it will include what we are calling toads 4-down.
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2017 Jayco Greyhawk 29ME
"The Hawk"
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10-27-2017, 07:39 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Chelsea
Posts: 364
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This is what I have. Tow bar and brake in one.
http://www.readybrake.com/store/p4/R...V_Tow_Bar.html
Very simple to hook up and unless the cable breaks, you will always know you have assist.
Simple hook up and way less expensive than an electric setup with a tow bar. I tow our wrangler and have the MOPAR harness. Connects directly to the Jeep electrical system and powers the brakes and turn signals. Does not put miles on the jeep.
I can be hooked up in 5 minutes or less. Takes even less time to unhook.
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10-27-2017, 09:50 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Manchester Center
Posts: 1,519
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I have a car dolly that has a clip to prevent the shunt brakes from operating when backing up. I left it in on a short drive down my driveway and saw a significant increase in the amount of brake application I had to apply. I could not imagine having to perform an emergency brake application without added brakes on the towed unit.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Paul
2018 37TS
Jeep JL
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10-27-2017, 05:33 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 322
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Somewhere, online, is a chart of each states' laws requiring brake systems for towed vehicles. I do not remember the website, but you probably can find it via Google.............
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10-27-2017, 08:20 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Port Orchard
Posts: 2,064
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Towed and equipment listed in my signature. Only safe way to tow is with an auxiliary braking system irregardless of state law.
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Don
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10-28-2017, 08:57 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Orange County
Posts: 644
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hoppers4
Towed and equipment listed in my signature. Only safe way to tow is with an auxiliary braking system irregardless of state law.
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This^. In addition, it's not just about the safety of you, your family, and your belongings. It's also about the safety of those around you. I haven't ever had a trailer or toad break free of my tow vehicle. But some friends have.
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2006 Jayco Seneca 34SS
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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10-29-2017, 04:30 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Centereach
Posts: 3
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A little late with this, but I just had the brake buddy installed with the remote for my 37TS and towing my Silverado is necessary, it is pushing my RV without the brakes on and illegal if not installed in toad in most states, good luck.
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11-02-2017, 02:18 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Moses Lake
Posts: 296
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States have different rules about how heavy of a vehicle can be towed without having a braking system. But I believe in most states at some point it is a requirement. Personally I would have a braking system on anything I tow, regardless of how heavy it is, and no matter which state I was in. In the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident, and it's determined you did not have a breaking system, I see liability. I use the RVi2 brake system, it's really easy to connect and it can be used in multiple vehicles.
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