California Law

[steve R]

Can anybody tell me what the requirement is under california law in regards to a braking system for your TOAD. Or where can i look for the information

[steve R]

I just found some information on Brake Buddys web site. it states anything over 1500LBS must have a braking system.

[GaryKD]

Good Sam confirms the 1500 #s you found on the Brake Buddy site.

[Mike Canter]

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

[Gadget Man]

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?

The law applies to any vehicle on a California highway, regardless of where it is registered.

Craig

[cheviman]

Here is a link to Calif DMV Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook (2008) http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf read page 27 paragraph 3. The 1500lb comes from the trailer section on page 34. It does not say cars need to have a braking system. I do use Even Brake for my Jeep.

Bob

[steve R]

Cheviman is right the DMV handbook States you dont need a breaking system for motorhomes. So where is Buddy brake and Good Sam getting their info from. I like the last paragraph on page 27 that says you cant tow two vehicles with a class C license, How about a class B or a class A license.

[Mike Canter]

I looked all over the DMV website and the only thing I could find is that your motorhome with towed car combined should be able to stop effectively.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

[StevePav]

This website will give you the towing laws for each US State and Canadian Province.

http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws

Steve

[Wayne M]

And, Towing World, laws by state.

[John-D]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Good Sam confirms the 1500 #s you found on the Brake Buddy site.

I have seen dozens of debates on "Do you need a tow brake system" and from all the data including my College physics studies, I can tell you two things

By law: Most states state a TRAILER over xxxx pounds must have brakes

But a towed car is NOT, under the law, the same as a trailer and thus does not require brakes (and in most states it is 2,000 pounds, one state is 4,000 pounds, and other states it's all over the map (from 1500-4000 pounds)

However the laws of Physics, specifically Netwon's laws. say YOU MUST HAVE BRAKES on the the towed

Or to put it simply.. If your front end failes to stop before hitting my back End I'm gonna check your towed for an operating supplemental brake system and I do not find it I'm gonna call Dewey, Cheatem and Howe or their assoicates Ben Dover & C. Howit Feels and tell 'em to have a field day with you. (Those are ficitonal law firms from the 3 Stooges,. Only the lawyers I call will NOT be fictional)

Physics says if I stand on the brakes and lock 'em up, and you do the same and both of us have all wheel braking we will skid the same distance

but if you don't have brakes on the towed, you will skid much farther, and sooner or later your Motor home will meet my towed

[Alan_Hepburn]

Originally Posted by steve R

I like the last paragraph on page 27 that says you cant tow two vehicles with a class C license, How about a class B or a class A license.

A Class B license allows one to drive buses with passengers - nothing to do with towing.

Class A: a non-commercial Class A allows one to tow a recreational fifth wheel over 15K lbs GVWR, but not doubles. a Commercial Class A, or CDL, will allow one to tow doubles if one gets a doubles endorsement.

[soonerdave]

John-D is absolutely 100% correct!!! Your coach has brakes to stop the coach but when you combine two vehicles, regardless of the weight, they will stop but not very quickly. Think about this: You have say six tires on your coach and four tires on your toad and you have to make a panic stop. Would you rather have six tires laying down black marks on the pavement or TEN! Nothing will ruin your day quicker than looking out your side window and seeing your toad passing you. From a liability stand-point not having toad brakes is like not having insurance. Happy RVing.

[cvrvr]

In California, if you tow it, it is a trailer. Regardless if its a trailer, a car, or an RV, if it weighs more that 1500 lbs, you must use a supplemental braking system. This was told to me by a CHP officer at an RV show.

George