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Old 12-28-2013, 07:54 PM   #1
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Brake system needed on toad?

Can anyone tell me is a brake system is needed on a toad of about 3,700-4,000 lbs. The toad would be behind a 43-45ft MH with 525-600 hp and would also have a motorcycle lift attached to rear of MH. Thank you.
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:08 PM   #2
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At that weight you will need a auxiliary braking system .

Here is a site that list the weights by state. Towing Laws | BrakeBuddy - Braking systems for motorhomes towing a vehicle
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:13 PM   #3
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If for no other reason, you would want a system to apply brakes in the case of breakaway. I certainly would not want to have any sort of accident that could come back and haunt you because you did not have this device in your toad.

Stay safe
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:19 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1jrbrooks00 View Post
Can anyone tell me is a brake system is needed on a toad of about 3,700-4,000 lbs.
Always!
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:32 PM   #5
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The above list put out by Brake Buddy is mostly for trailer towing laws, not vehicles. The laws for towing trailers and vehicles are different in most of states.
Toad Brake Requirements is a link to the vehicle towing laws for each state. There are a couple links on the page that are broken, but most of them take you to the actual DMV statute for that particular state. I use the Air Force One with breakaway on my rig because I think it's a good idea, not because a brake company wants me to believe I'm breaking the law by not having one.
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:46 PM   #6
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Without a toad brake your MH stopping distance is increased. A toad brake system will pay for itself the first time you ever have an OH NO moment, having to slam on your brakes and just miss hitting something by inches.
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Old 12-28-2013, 08:54 PM   #7
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I would recommend a break system in the toad for those times when you hit the brakes hard, most of the time you slow down with the exhaust brake so break in toad doesn't come into play, but that one time you come up on a traffic jamb and need to stop in a short distance it might save your butt. Plus like previously stated if somehow something comes unhitched the toad will stop itself.
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Old 12-28-2013, 10:10 PM   #8
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I see you are from FL. FL requires toad braking for vehicles over 3,000 lbs.

From a safety perspective I wouldn't consider pulling a toad with out a break system regardless of local laws. Your stopping distance will increase without a breaking system and should you have breakaway your toad will not stop until it strikes something. Lots of bad possibilities during the breakaway.
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Old 12-29-2013, 07:45 AM   #9
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I like the absolute yes answers here. The real answer is no, unless you are in a state that requires a brake system on the towed. In a year and a half, I have driven over 35,000 miles pulling a 4000 pound vehicle with no brake system. I have crossed the Rockies and smokies several times. I have also been stuck in traffic jams and quick stop situations. I am not saying that it would not be a bad idea to have a brake system on the towed, but it is not 100% necessary.
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Old 12-29-2013, 07:55 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 12-29-2013, 08:18 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake21 View Post
I like the absolute yes answers here. The real answer is no, unless you are in a state that requires a brake system on the towed. In a year and a half, I have driven over 35,000 miles pulling a 4000 pound vehicle with no brake system. I have crossed the Rockies and smokies several times. I have also been stuck in traffic jams and quick stop situations. I am not saying that it would not be a bad idea to have a brake system on the towed, but it is not 100% necessary.
Don't confuse "real" with "legal." Per your post, the legal answer, depending on various state laws, is no (not the real answer).

"Real" for many would likely include considerations regarding legal, functional, responsible, maybe even moral.
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Old 12-29-2013, 08:25 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeeTheUSA View Post

Don't confuse "real" with "legal." Per your post, the legal answer, depending on various state laws, is no (not the real answer).

"Real" for many would likely include considerations regarding legal, functional, responsible, maybe even moral.
True.
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Old 12-29-2013, 09:13 AM   #13
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I am continually amazed that this is even a question in so many posts.

Isn't stopping in about 30% less distance reason enough?

For that reason alone, when folks pulled out in front of me, I have saved 3 deducibles and at least one life so far. I'm ahead on cost by a bunch. I'm ahead on safety by a ton!

I tire of reading the excuses. I prefer being far ahead of the laws of physics.
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Old 12-29-2013, 09:19 AM   #14
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There are two nice old ladies in a red Toyata in North Carolina who
are alive today because I had the SMI stay in play duo braking
system on my toad. Nuf said
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