Quote:
Originally Posted by gmc
From a law standpoint - here is a good summary:
Towing Laws | BrakeBuddy - Braking systems for motorhomes towing a vehicle
In this case - not just the state you are registered in - but whatever state you are traveling through...
Some states have weight requirements - some just have stopping distance requirements or 'break away' requirements.
From my viewpoint:
- It is certainly extra wear/tear on the MH brakes to stop an extra 4,000 lbs (2,400 in your case) pushing behind me at highway speeds... I'd much rather take that load on the cheaper/easier to replace brakes on the toad.
- From driving with the aux braking - I can say I have never felt any impact on stopping having the toad behind me - I haven't tried without it - but fairly certain I wouldn't be able to say the same thing...
- If something does go wrong (break-away) - I want to know the vehicle is going to stop - and not pass me on the highway...
- I am using a $100,000 motorhome to tow a $40,000 vehicle - I'm not going to skimp on a $1,000 braking system. (Same reason I didn't go for the $50 towbar an uncle tried to talk me into...)
A DP will certainly have a toad that is a lower percentage of its overall weight... and likely less impacting... The smaller the rig and heavier the toad - the larger the impact.
Watching a campsite neighbor pull out with a near 5,000 lb toad behind a 20 something foot winnie with no brakes and the towbar at least 6" off from level made me cringe...
Certainly your decision what is right for you - and what chances you want to take based on the states you are driving through...
Based on your posts in past - being a 'belt and suspenders' kind of guy - I can guess which way you will go.
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Also consider the liability of not having a brake system. If in an accident you could be sued/fined and your insurance could possibly refuse to cover you.