Just got my car for flat towing

[Pabs4]

Get the brake system. I guarantee you won’t regret it. I can’t guarantee you won’t regret not getting the brake system.

Pam

[ODHill]

Most states require a supplemental brake system on the toad, but not all. If your state doesn't require it and you'll never cross state lines into one that does, then you're okay but if you operate where it's required and have an accident, not only is your insurance voided but you'll be subject to liability and prosecution. I mainly tow a Kia Soul, so weight isn't an issue with it either, but sure don't want that kind of risk and it has supplemental brakes. I'd seriously recommend going with them with your setup too.

[thisoldman]

I have a Brake Buddy Select 3 system that I use when towing my 2020 Ford Escape hybrid. I don’t love it—even on the lowest sensitivity setting it’s overly prone to applying the toad’s brakes too forcefully and the brake pedal clamp is just plain horrible—but I never tow the toad without it. It just isn’t worth the risk.

[Geterdun]

Originally Posted by ODHill

Most states require a supplemental brake system on the toad, but not all. If your state doesn't require it and you'll never cross state lines into one that does, then you're okay but if you operate where it's required and have an accident, not only is your insurance voided but you'll be subject to liability and prosecution. I mainly tow a Kia Soul, so weight isn't an issue with it either, but sure don't want that kind of risk and it has supplemental brakes. I'd seriously recommend going with them with your setup too.

No, your insurance is NOT VOIDED. How can you possibly believe your insurance coverage is only good if you obey the law? What do you think causes a majority of accidents? People disobeying the law - yet their insurance still pays out. Stop the fear mongering.

[thisoldman]

Originally Posted by Geterdun

No, your insurance is NOT VOIDED. How can you possibly believe your insurance coverage is only good if you obey the law? What do you think causes a majority of accidents? People disobeying the law - yet their insurance still pays out. Stop the fear mongering.

I don’t really think it’s fear-mongering. A good lawyer would have a field day with a negligence case, which insurance might or might not cover.

[Geterdun]

Originally Posted by thisoldman

I don’t really think it’s fear-mongering. A good lawyer would have a field day with a negligence case, which insurance might or might not cover.

Your auto insurance has limits. Negligence is covered under liability up to the limits of the policy. Could the judgement be well above that? Possibly. But the FEAR MONGERING is saying your insurance policy will disappear if you disobey a law.

[thisoldman]

Originally Posted by Geterdun

Your auto insurance has limits. Negligence is covered under liability up to the limits of the policy. Could the judgement be well above that? Possibly. But the FEAR MONGERING is saying your insurance policy will disappear if you disobey a law.

Fair enough.

[dkoldman]

If have a wreck while speeding, your insurance still covers. Or run a stop light and hit someone.

I think the take away is the 49 out of 50 states have laws to have some sort of supplemental braking system. To know that and NOT buy a system is blatant disregard for personal & public safety. Any professional that suggest otherwise should simply be ignored.

If cost is a concern buy a preowned portable system, wire a breakaway cable and you will be happy.

[ODHill]

Originally Posted by Geterdun

No, your insurance is NOT VOIDED. How can you possibly believe your insurance coverage is only good if you obey the law? What do you think causes a majority of accidents? People disobeying the law - yet their insurance still pays out. Stop the fear mongering.

Please check your policy. I'm not spouting opinion. I'm retired now but during my career my job included providing expert witness to vehicle accidents, I was the safety and compliance director for a major trucking company, and I was a state licensed insurance producer, so I dealt with these issues for years. It's always complicated, but policies normally have a paragraph that state that your coverage does not include coverage for illegal operation or use, unsafe modifications, all kinds of things. If someone else is breaking the law, you're covered. If you're breaking the law, you're probably not. Like I say, check your policy. My experience is in the Western States, Canada, and Alaska, so I can't speak to everywhere, but I've seen a lot of cases where insurance was denied. I could write a book!

[Chateau_Nomad]

Insurance is like casino gambling. You're betting you'll win, the insurance company is betting on the house winning.

The house will "let" you win... to a point. Then they'll toss you out the door. The house NEVER loses, and anyone who thinks otherwise is very naive.

[AprilC*]

Sorry. For tow packages, there is one plug that connects to your RV that controls lights, turn signal, brake buddy. The other tow package plug connects to your Fiat, this turns
on your Fiat lights, blinkers, etc in sync with the RV When you are not in tow, a small plug, again with your tow pack , is left dangle on the front bumper and must be plugged in to "tell' your Fiat to operate normally. Your installer can explain all this to you and its no big deal, unless you drive the Fiat without plugging it in. You will know immediately because the Fiat will seem to lose power on acceleration. Hope this answers your Q.

[Jimbo56]

Thank you April! You guys are beating s dead horse. The OP has a decision to make. Hopefully April’s answer gave the OP the info he needed.