One requirement for towing a trailer is that the trailer must have a braking system that works in conjunction with the tow vehicle brakes. Why should this requirement be any different for a motorhome towing a vehicle? In reality its not, but most people just assume you don’t need a supplemental braking system for the vehicle you’re towing. Some reasons for this assumption are:
1) Because of the size of the motorhome there is no need for a supplemental brake system on the tow vehicle.2) People assume the vehicle they are towing is much lighter than it really is.
3) Braking laws are not always enforced by individual U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
4) Nobody took the time to educate the RV consumer on the requirement for a supplemental braking system.
Regardless of the type or model you choose, being able to stop completely, in less time and a shorter distance, will give you an added sense of safety whenever you’re towing a vehicle. And it’s the law in most cases. Most importantly, a supplemental braking system SAFELY reduces the stopping distance and helps to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others.
Happy RV Learning!
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
Learn about Mark's books, eBooks and DVDs at RVbookstore.com
Read more »
Copyright by Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101 – all rights reserved
I sure wish the RV Newsletter would post as the survey question of the week "Do you have a supplemental braking system for your toad?" We do not have for the Jeep we tow. The high cost is a big factor & when we had our Jeep set up to be towed after purchase they told us we really did not need it.
ReplyDeleteWe have RV'd for over 30 years. Never felt the need for one. Various states require one depending on the weight of your vehicle. Most states require some device. Reason we use one now is know if push ever comes to shove, some lawyer will ask us in court if we have one. We will be held at fault in a suit even if we don't need one in the state that we live.
DeleteIn Calif. if the towed vehicle is more than 1500 lbs you need to have a braking system. We pull a '95 Jeep Wrangler which surprisingly weights about 3800 lbs. It is just a 4 cyc. with a stick shift, rag top. I got a ReadyBrake since it is all mechanical and not all that much money. Was easy to install and you WILL notice the difference when you brake. http://www.readybrake.com/brake-systems.html Saves the brakes in the coach and well worth the piece of mind.
ReplyDeleteI have a ReadyBreak and tow bar all in one rated for 8000 lbs and only towing 4000lbs.it works great even in panic stops.
Delete