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Old 07-18-2020, 05:46 AM   #1
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Do you really need braking on a TOAD?

I am getting an xg32 with the F550 cab and a 6.7 Diesel. Do I really need braking from my JL Rubicon? The big Super C has massive brakes and I can’t imagine that Jeep pushing it around too much. I’ve hauled similar sized cars on a two wheel dolly with my F350 with the same engine with zero issues.

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Old 07-18-2020, 09:54 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTRvs666 View Post
I am getting an xg32 with the F550 cab and a 6.7 Diesel. Do I really need braking from my JL Rubicon? The big Super C has massive brakes and I can’t imagine that Jeep pushing it around too much. I’ve hauled similar sized cars on a two wheel dolly with my F350 with the same engine with zero issues.

Let me just put this in perspective...
What are you paying for the xg32?
What did you pay for your Rubicon?
And questioning $1,000 investment for safety?
(Plus install if permanent system...)

I’ve got both a less expensive rig and wrangler toad... Wasn’t even a question at those numbers.

A 3,000 pound toad (I expect your Rubicon weighs more than that) puts MANY times that load on the rig in an emergency stop.. if it takes you even an extra 10 feet to stop, would that make a difference? (What did you run over or hit in that 10 feet?)

And do you want your Rubicon to pass you if a breakaway happens?

You have zero issues right up to the point you have one.
Decision is of course yours...
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Old 07-18-2020, 11:29 AM   #3
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some will say you do, some will say it's up to you.... I'm in the later camp
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Old 07-18-2020, 11:34 AM   #4
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Most States will say "Yes". Common sense agrees...
You do what feels most comfortable for you.
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Old 07-18-2020, 12:34 PM   #5
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My Rubicon weighs 4620 pounds. So I'm saying yes. I use the RVI3 and it works great. As already stated it's your choice.
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Old 07-18-2020, 01:05 PM   #6
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Almost every state requires brakes on a towed, vehicle over 4000 lbs.
good Sam dinghy towing guide has a chart that shows this.
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Old 07-18-2020, 02:09 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTRvs666 View Post
I am getting an xg32 with the F550 cab and a 6.7 Diesel. Do I really need braking from my JL Rubicon? The big Super C has massive brakes and I can’t imagine that Jeep pushing it around too much. I’ve hauled similar sized cars on a two wheel dolly with my F350 with the same engine with zero issues.
Define "need".

Can you physically stop your train with out using the toads brakes? - Yes
Can you stop in as short a distance as you could if the toad had brakes? - No
Can that make a difference between a collision or a near miss? - Yes
Can that difference provide ammo for an ambulance chasing lawyer? - Yes
Can a judgement exceed the liability limits on your insurance policy? - Yes
Will that excess judgement exceed the cost of a brake system? - Certainly

In addition, many states say you need to have brakes on towed vehicles in their laws.

So the need for brakes on your toad depends on your tolerance for risk, both financial and legal risks.
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Old 07-18-2020, 02:37 PM   #8
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It’s required in Washington state regardless of the size of your tow vehicle.
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Old 07-18-2020, 04:16 PM   #9
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Unless it's recently changed in Texas any thing being towed over 3000lbs brakes are required.
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Old 07-18-2020, 04:46 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elite Washington View Post
It’s required in Washington state regardless of the size of your tow vehicle.
Based on this web site...
WA state requires brakes on anything towed over 3,000#

CA and AZ are the same at 3,000#

https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/
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Old 07-18-2020, 04:49 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTRvs666 View Post
I am getting an xg32 with the F550 cab and a 6.7 Diesel. Do I really need braking from my JL Rubicon? The big Super C has massive brakes and I can’t imagine that Jeep pushing it around too much. I’ve hauled similar sized cars on a two wheel dolly with my F350 with the same engine with zero issues.
My coach weighs 18,000 lbs with the same Ford 15.56" dia disk brakes with anti-lock. It takes me 220 ft to stop from 60 mph with the ant-lock pulsing away. The limit in stopping distance the the very hard rubber Goodyear tires and not the brakes. A typical new car will stop in about 110 ft from 60 mph. Considering it takes about one second (88 ft) to react to an emergency stop in front of me. I need 200 feet distance from the car in front to avoid hitting it. Add another 3,600 lbs in the rear (truck and dolly) and that is 20% more weight for the stop and probably 20% more stopping distance (I don't have the guts to try it). Is a 44 ft shorter stopping distance worth the cost of surge brakes on my dolly. In my mind it was an easy decision.
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Old 07-18-2020, 05:05 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1 View Post
Based on this web site...
WA state requires brakes on anything towed over 3,000#

CA and AZ are the same at 3,000#

https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/
Sorry I wasn’t clear, yes wa has a 3000lb limit and it’s common knowledge that a wrangler unlimited exceeds that. What my point was because the decision was trying to be based upon the coach doing the towing that there wasn’t a need to have brakes on the toad. Your coach size doesn’t determine whether you need brakes or not. I typed before I thought.
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Old 07-19-2020, 12:54 AM   #13
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That thing breaks away from you with no braking system, I'd hate to see your lawyer bill. It's a very small expense, relative to everything else we have spent to be on the road in our rig and toad.
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Old 07-19-2020, 01:01 AM   #14
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I didn't weed my way through the posts.

I have to go with 'Yes'. It's not about you. It's the family of four coming your way or riding beside you.

If that thing breaks loose, it's not about lawyer bills.

If you'd like to start a real debate, ask the forum for system recommendations.
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Old 07-19-2020, 01:12 AM   #15
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I am not being maliscious

Sorry I was asking because I have never flat towed a vehicle before. A lot of good points. I am not out to kill anyone just seeking sound advice. Not the snarky [Mod Edit]
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Old 07-19-2020, 01:17 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1 View Post
Based on this web site...
WA state requires brakes on anything towed over 3,000#

CA and AZ are the same at 3,000#

https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/
One thing that's absolutely true about ANY website that tries to collate laws from the 50 states - it WILL have misinformation. It may be a good place to start, but go to the source for the actual info.
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Old 07-19-2020, 01:19 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by CTRvs666 View Post
Sorry I was asking because I have never flat towed a vehicle before. A lot of good points. I am not out to kill anyone just seeking sound advice. Not the snarky [Mod Edit]
If my post came off as snarky, I apologize for it. That was not my intent. Sometimes, we say things in our head that sound ok but when read by strangers, they sound much worse.
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Old 07-19-2020, 01:53 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTRvs666 View Post
Sorry I was asking because I have never flat towed a vehicle before. A lot of good points. I am not out to kill anyone just seeking sound advice. Not the snarky [Mod Edit]
It never hurts to ask. If you don't know something: there's probably many others who also don't know the answer..,


...But they're just afraid to ask!
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Old 07-19-2020, 02:18 AM   #19
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As for if you need them, consider this:
The coach you bought was designed with the brakes it has based on the overall Gross Vehicle Weight. When towing anything or loading up the coach, this weight really needs to be considered. In some of the coach reading matter, there is also a Gross Combined Vehicle Weight limit, that expressly considers the towed vehicle weight.
The GCVW should be the maximum the tow vehicle pulls, with or without additional brakes. I have a hard time keeping the weight for my 29M under the GVW, so I CHOOSE to use my brake buddy on my Nissan Versa, even though the RV doesn't notice it nor care if it's back there.
Add to me living in the USSR-Ca, who, the last time I looked said anything 1200 lbs and above is required to have additional braking, and the piece of mind about breakaway fun, made it no choice.
It didn't hurt that I traded for it and got a good deal. The good deal made it easier, but I still put $500 into the towbar &stuff and $200 to get the brake buddy rebuilt and certified!

Either way it's really a personal decision. I wish you the best wisdom in your decision.
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Old 07-19-2020, 02:51 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TimmyB View Post
If my post came off as snarky, I apologize for it. That was not my intent. Sometimes, we say things in our head that sound ok but when read by strangers, they sound much worse.
I don't think he was talking about you...
I'm leaving this alone.
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