72vw bug brake system?

[rvmike]

I have been towing a 72 Baja bug at 1800 lbs for several years in Ca with no aux.brakes. We are planning a 7500 mile trip next . The brake Buddy site shows Ca as being the only state I need one for my entire trip.

Thanks
Mike
04 Terra 26Y

[wa8yxm]

First I'd not get a Brake Buddy.. I don't like a system that has to be installed EVERY TIME you tow.. I like to install it and "Forget it" as it were.

Now..... I have visited the "Towing Laws" web site and found errors. They seem to look for a law that specifically says "Car in tow needs brakes if"

However some states define a car in tow as a trailer

Finally.. Putting aux brakes on the towed car means less wear and tear on the far more expensive motor home braked, it means faster stops should you have to "Stand on the brakes" and it means you won't be seen as irresponsible when some jerk cuts you off so close you have no choice but to smack him in the ....ur... backside.

In short, cheap insurance.

Ready Brake (Surge brakes) under 500 dollars at the last web site I visited.

On, one other thing,, Heaven forbid what happened to me happens to you (Tow bar seperated from the rig) Car comes to one screatching halt with braking system and break-a-way.. Or runs through median head to head with the soon to be deceased without.

As I said... cheap insurance

[rvmike]

Thanks for the tip on Ready Brake, they have a unit that goes between my excisting tow bar and receiver for $360.00, like you said that is cheap insurance and proabably cheaper than dealing with a ticket out of state.

Mike

[dieselclacker]

Mike, at 1800 pounds, you don't need a tow brake except maybe in Canada.

Dieselclacker

[wa8yxm]

Oh, by the way.. If you'd like to update your towed.. I could use something like that '72 Bug.. Provided it is not expensive (As a classic car it should be)

[rvmike]

wa8yxm,
Older Baja bugs can be found cheap. I used to keep mine in Baja but since I stopped taking my plane down I brought it back up and did a complete rebuild including engine, new interior, paint,upgraded to disk brakes and a new wiring harness,tires all for $3200. At 1800 lbs I have done panic stops on the grapevine in Ca with no problems but am going with the Ready Brake for insurance and piece of mind.

Mike