Quote:
Originally Posted by Harley97
Here is the CVC definition of a trailer:
A “trailer” is a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon any other vehicle. As used in Division 15 (commencing with Section 35000), “trailer” includes a semitrailer when used in conjunction with an auxiliary dolly, if the auxiliary dolly is of a type constructed to replace the function of the drawbar and the front axle or axles of a trailer.
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So by that definition a TOAD is a trailer but a trailer is NOT a trailer. A toad has no part of its weight resting on another vehicle but a travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, and semi-trailer all do except when the second trailer of a tandem semi is concerned. Did you copy this definition right?
I've seen this toad brake requirement argument many times on many forums. Lots of people use the argument that toads don't meet the definition of trailers but in reality, if you have a 5000 lb toad or a 5000 lb trailer they are both going to exert the same force against the towing vehicle in any type of stopping situation.
What none of these definitions or requirements take into account is the capability of the towing vehicle vs the weight of the toad. A half ton van pulling a 3000 lb toad is much more at risk in a panic stop than a 45,000 lb bus pulling a 5000 lb half ton truck. I've pulled a 3500 lb sailboat on a single axle brakeless trailer with a S10 Blazer all across Florida for years. Maybe not as smart as having brakes on that trailer but risk management prevailed (or dumb luck).
So evaluate the risks of not putting the brakes on the toad using your tow vehicle and make a decision that you are comfortable with regardless of the myriads of statutes across the States you'll be pulling in. You probably will not get a ticket if you go brakeless and despite the insurance "experts" claiming you "won't be covered in an accident", your insurance will cover you to the limits required by your state. The insurance issue you will have to consider is any award to an injured party that is above your insurance liability limits - that will come out of pocket and will likely be more than the cost of a $1000 braking system.
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