A on-off switch on the battery negative seems like it would make things a whole lot easier. Good idea.
I have always liked that mechanical braking idea, but wondered how good they worked. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it after using it awhile.
On the use of brakes or not needing brakes for certain weights, I look at it more as a safety issue than a legal issue. For me at least, we plan on towing from Michigan to Florida, which means a few mountains or at least big hills. I just have more comfort in knowing I had a toad with it's own brakes helping me slow down, rather than pushing me down a hill.
Of course, the E450 does have a pseudo engine brake which helps, but it can't hurt to have an extra set of brakes.
But if all of your towing is over flat terrain, you won't likely have as many concerns.
So far though, we're looking at possibly the Blue Ox Patriot as it has it's own battery backup should you drain the vehicle battery.
And as crazy as I am with wild ideas, here is one: perhaps buying a Honda EU1000 genny - which has a DC battery charge function, bolt it to the rear bumper of the RV, and run it to keep the toad's battery charged.
I have a EU2000 but the EU1000 would be smaller. Given that these gennys can sip gas at as little as a few ounces per hour, a one gallon tank might give you a day's worth of battery charging as you tow.
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The only thing that works on a RV is the owner...
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