Community Forums

Mike Canter · 03-22-2009, 01:45 PM

George, I truely believe that CHP Officer was wrong given what is published it the Calif DMV handbook. Check it out.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

John-D · 03-22-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvrvr

This was told to me by a CHP officer at an RV show.

George

I have had Retired CHP officers tell me stuff which, I got the to admit was wrong after I explained the law to them (In this case the laws were laws of Physics, not laws of the state of California or any other state, but laws of Science)

The bottom line is that the Police officer is not a lawyer.

I, also, am not a Lawyer

And if you want to know what is, and is not, the law you have two options

1: Research for yourself, (How I normally do it)

2: Ask a lawyer

Since I frankly do not care what the law is in California, and since my 2 ton towed DOES have a supplemental brake system, as near as I can tell the best supplemental brake system (US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator)

I have no motive to do the research.

GaryKD · 03-22-2009, 04:05 PM

For those questioning if they need a supplemental braking system for their toad, go to The Physics of Towed-Vehicle Braking . Once you read the post, then decide for yourself.

abelow · 04-21-2009, 09:28 PM

CHP officers at a FMCA seminar said the 1500 lbs trailer limit does NOT apply to a toad. I would not expect all officers to interpert the DMV wording the same. It just makes good sense to have supplimental brakeing. In addition to all the well known systems, check out the readybrake at readybrake.com.

PizzaGuy · 04-21-2009, 10:23 PM

On our first big trip, we went without any supplimental brakeing system. Going down a slight grade on CA126 the light at the bottom of the grade turned yellow. Speed limit 65 mph. I applied the brakes. The light turned red. I really, really, really applied the brakes. Went right through the light. Towing a 2007 Vue.

Bottom line, I may not have been required to have a supplimental brake system but if I would have hit someone or something I would been in big trouble.

Don't take chances, get a system, they are all worth their weight in gold.

Don

TXiceman · 04-22-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Canter

Is that only if you have California tags on the MH or does that apply if you are just driving through?

It applies to any vehicle operated on their highways.

But for the sake of safety, any dinghy needs to have a braking system as well as a break-away system. You can't change the laws of physics and the motorhome does not know it is has 3500# of dinghy to stop or 3500# of rocks on a utility trailer or a 3500# boat.

Ken

Joe and Pam · 04-26-2009, 09:08 AM

Have you guys seen the speed limit signs in Calif on the hi-way. They were changed from trucks and autos towing trailers 55 mph to trucks and all vehicles towing 55 mph. Or something like that. CVRVR is correct if you tow it it is a trailer

SacsTC · 04-26-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

PizzaGuy:
On our first big trip, we went without any supplimental brakeing system. Going down a slight grade on CA126 the light at the bottom of the grade turned yellow. Speed limit 65 mph.

I didn't want to stir this pot when this was originally posted, but as Joe and Pam posted, the speed limit in Calif when towing is 55.
The signs state ALL VEHICLES WHEN TOWING:::speed limit = 55.

TXiceman · 04-26-2009, 09:53 AM

Just remember that laws are written by lawyers...not engineers. Legal Laws can be changed...the laws of physics are what they are and can not be changed. Momentum is mass x velocity. The more mass at a given speed...the more momentum and there for more force required to stop it. Stopping force is in the form of brakes and friction between the tire and the road surface. The more tires and the more brakes, the more effectively a load can be stopped.

I would never tow a dinghy without proper brakes and a break away syste,

ken

PizzaGuy · 04-28-2009, 08:48 PM

SacsTC

I said the speed limit was 65. I never said I was doing 65. I doubt that I was even at 55. When you exit off of the I-5 onto CA 126 there is less then a quarter mile from the exit ramp to the light. My point was, the need for a supplimental brake system.

Don

Craig H · 05-05-2009, 02:47 PM

In my opinion, if you have a toad and don't have a supplemantal brake system, you're nuts. But that's just my opinion. Good luck.

emeryts · 05-05-2009, 03:44 PM

What system does one recomend for an RVer that does not travel much (couple times per year) towing a 3000 lb chevy tracker? I do not want to spend big bucks for something that will be rarely used....but also want something reliable.
Any suggestions would help.

Craig H · 05-05-2009, 03:57 PM

Check out ebay, emeryts, for used Brake Buddies. There are usually some good deals to be had there. Good luck.

Rapid Ray · 05-05-2009, 05:12 PM

I think having a supplemental breaking system for a toad is a good idea. However, tow truck lobbyist in Sacramento are against having tow truck drivers spend the money and time to adjust a breaking package to every car they tow. Unless they exempt them from must have towing law it won't happen. CHP can still give tickets under some reckless operation of a vehicle law should they deem it appropriate.