Need advice on 4 wheel down towing

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by Herman Snerd

I would sincerely disagree that supplemental braking systems and breakaway systems are interchangeable. They are not by necessity or law....we can argue their "moral necessity" all you want but it won't change that fact.

No, I've found no "one stop shop" for state-by-state towing laws that I've found I could rely upon....that's why I check the state websites and/or dps offices individually.

So as the established expert in supplemental braking (which you admit you do not have) which braking systems on the market today does NOT have connections for breakaway stopping. As I said - I don't know them all - but also do not know of one that does not provide the hookup for breakaway. It would seem foolish to produce such a braking system since it amounts to a cable(s) that when disconnected at breakaway - apply the brakes; and just as foolish to buy one without it.

So unless you show me a system on the market today that doesn't have a breakaway - I still contend the discussions are interchangeable. And when and if you do show me one, you will get no apology from me - as I admit I don't know them all. I will thank you in advance if you show me one though. Thanks!

[so47]

Mr. Snerd, maybe you could elaborate on the personal reasons NOT to do what many of us think is a given. Maybe then this discussion could have a point to it besides "I don't wanna " because that's all we see. Or did my bleary eyes slide by a relevant post pointing this out? I could have easily missed the common sense reason you use to hang your butt into the wind and hope for the best. Laws of the land be damned if you wish. That only comes into play if you are caught in a place that you are in violation of that state's laws. As CD said, the laws of physics control things. And those towing laws you wish to quibble about reflect that concern. With all the $$$ I have spent to live this lifestyle, an additional $ 1k to know I'm good to go is small money for the peace of mind it affords. Maybe you had a toad brake system lock up and burn it to the frame? The suspense is killing me. Please elaborate.

[Herman Snerd]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

No. I dont. I suspect you might.

OK, I'll choose to believe you.

[Herman Snerd]

Originally Posted by flaggship1

So as the established expert in supplemental braking (which you admit you do not have) which braking systems on the market today does NOT have connections for breakaway stopping.

Most make versions with or w/o extra brakeaway systems: http://roadmasterinc.com/pdf/85-1809-15.pdf

[Herman Snerd]

Originally Posted by so47

Mr. Snerd, maybe you could elaborate on the personal reasons NOT to do what many of us think is a given. Maybe then this discussion could have a point to it besides "I don't wanna " because that's all we see. Or did my bleary eyes slide by a relevant post pointing this out? I could have easily missed the common sense reason you use to hang your butt into the wind and hope for the best. Laws of the land be damned if you wish. That only comes into play if you are caught in a place that you are in violation of that state's laws. As CD said, the laws of physics control things. And those towing laws you wish to quibble about reflect that concern. With all the $$$ I have spent to live this lifestyle, an additional $ 1k to know I'm good to go is small money for the peace of mind it affords. Maybe you had a toad brake system lock up and burn it to the frame? The suspense is killing me. Please elaborate.

Read earlier in this same thread....I outlined my logic quite well there.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by Herman Snerd

Most make versions with or w/o extra brakeaway systems: http://roadmasterinc.com/pdf/85-1809-15.pdf

We'll I'll be. Did not know it was optional, I guess because it isn't optional to me. Still - would have been hard to have the discussion of a breakaway "option" with out the simultaneous discussion of the braking system it accompanies. I guess you could buy the breakaway without having the brakes. Like I said - do what ya want - spend your money as you see fit - and be safe.

[sswilson]

Pay me now or pay me later after the accident!

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by Herman Snerd

Most make versions with or w/o extra brakeaway systems: http://roadmasterinc.com/pdf/85-1809-15.pdf

Because the braking setup has an optional brake away system doesn't mean it's not required. It just means it's not normally supplied with it unless requested.

[ImagineIF]

Herman, what state is your motorhome registered in? We'll see what your state requires. You could be legally correct, even though I doubt it.

[sswilson]

Herman, if you are in California like your profile says, I believe the maximum weight you can tow without an aux brake is 1500 Lbs. I believe there are 3 states with that figure and the others range from 2000 # to unregulated.

[ImagineIF]

Herman, your profiles states you live in CA. So, assuming you have your RV registered in the same, CA states the following, from Towing Your Trailer Safely:

"In California, brakes are required on any trailer coach or camp trailer having a gross weight of 1500 lbs. or more."

"Breakaway switches are also required for any trailer having a gross weight of 1500 pounds or more and manufactured after December 31, 1955."

Unless CA spells out a car being towed 4 down, it is a trailer. Some states spell out a car being towed 4 down, others do not.

[chawkins99]

Originally Posted by ImagineIF

Herman, your profiles states you live in CA. So, assuming you have your RV registered in the same, CA states the following, from Towing Your Trailer Safely:

"In California, brakes are required on any trailer coach or camp trailer having a gross weight of 1500 lbs. or more."

"Breakaway switches are also required for any trailer having a gross weight of 1500 pounds or more and manufactured after December 31, 1955."

Unless CA spells out a car being towed 4 down, it is a trailer. Some states spell out a car being towed 4 down, others do not.

V C Section 26458 Baking System Towing Vehicles

A braking system is not required in California for:

(1) Vehicles engaged in driveaway-towaway operations.
(2) Disabled vehicles, while being towed.
(3) Towed motor vehicles.

if the combination of vehicles meets the stopping distance requirements of Section 26454:

A Toad is not a trailer under California law.

[Herman Snerd]

Originally Posted by ImagineIF

Herman, your profiles states you live in CA. So, assuming you have your RV registered in the same, CA states...

I'm well aware of the requirements of my state....as each of us should be of ours or any state they're going to tow in or through.

[DennisZ]

Jumping in here a little late, BUT, in most states it is not illegal to tow without brakes on your TOAD. Is it smart not to do so, only if you have enough $$$ to cover the lawsuit if you're involved in an accident and don't have brakes, the lawyers will crucify you if you don't have them even if the law says you don't need them.

Here is a link to a compilation of the towing requirements by state for all trailers and TOADS, you will find only a few states mandate TOAD brakes. Do I agree, NO, I have them on my TOAD, it was my decision.

http://www.airsafehitches.com/Trailer_Towing_Laws.pdf

Let the discussion fly again.

Dennis