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UsualSuspect · 12-31-2013, 10:12 PM

If you really want to know how the law looks at it, pay an Attorney, or find one who you can get a free consultation with and sit down with them and discuss it. I would never take the word of anyone who has a disclaimer stating the information may not be accurate while presenting it as accurate.
Personally, I installed the TOAD brake, and a breakaway. I have seen head on collisions, and while it is rare to see a TOAD break loose, it does happen. There is a reason they are called "Accidents" when they do break loose, but for my piece of mind, and knowing I would not fare well if mine broke loose and killed, or maimed someone, I installed it. In my opinion this is not about the law, or what the law requires, and accidents do happen.

Mr_D · 12-31-2013, 10:34 PM

One other thing: there is NO reciprocity on braking requirements among the states like there is on drivers licenses and insurance. You most comply with each and every state's laws that you travel into and through. That pretty much means you must have a braking AND breakaway system.

inspector8 · 01-24-2014, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD4Mark

Our small toad only goes about 2200lbs. I think we could get away without brakes on it but I put a Ready Brake and Ready Stop on it. Why? for a few reasons. We don't want to have to think about what state we are in and if a brake is required. We feel safer if for whatever reason there is an emergency stop situation or it breaks away. Lastly if we do hit someone we would not like to be in court and explain it.

I totally agree with the in court explaining part. I don't believe you would even make it to court. The responding authority would give you the ticket making you guilty and liable period.

wa8yxm · 01-24-2014, 08:26 AM

There are TWO sets of laws in every state that apply. one is the written Vehicle Code or whatever they call their Traffic Laws and the other is CIVIL law. Civil law comes into play when it's your front end that's damaged in an accident.

NOW: to answer your question: DO you need aux brakes: The answer is YES.. Weight does not matter under CIVIL law. all that matters is if the guy you accidentally rear end knows that having the towed assist in stoping your combined vehicle (CONSIST) can make up to a 30% difference in stopping distance and says the right words to a smart lawyer.

So yes, You need an aux brake system.