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03-08-2014, 08:07 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
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New rig & toad
Hi all,
We have just purchased a 2015 Discovery 40G. We also had to trade down to a smaller 2014 Ford Explorer as our Expedition can't be flat towed. We purchased the Explorer new and it is currently at the dealership having a Blue Ox towing system installed. The dealership tells me in no uncertain terms that we will not need a braking system, but everything I am reading tells me different....... I am hopeful that you all can help me understand the importance or lack thereof of a braking system. Looking forward to your responses.
The Abbott's
North Idaho
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03-08-2014, 08:56 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 16,706
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This is a topic has been well documented. The details do not matter.
If you wish to be safer by enough of an improved stopping distance to not kill the fool that pulled out in front of you, causing you to make a panic stop, just bite the bullet and get the aux braking system. K?
I did not kill 2 so far.
Search on "aux brake" or "brake buddy" (et al). The majority by far says YES!
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03-08-2014, 09:10 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
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Thank You!
I appreciate your advice!
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03-08-2014, 09:10 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ambler, PA
Posts: 2,853
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Yes you need a braking system. There is no state out there that allows you to tow a 1,500 lb+ vehicle or trailer without a break-away braking system, and to have that, you are pretty much all the way there for a complete braking system.
__________________
Larry & Cheryl Oscar, Louie, Ranger & Henry (our Springers)
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03-09-2014, 09:04 AM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Jayco Owners Club RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poinciana FL
Posts: 7,781
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One: It's a safety issue
Two: As already mentioned, it's the law in almost every jurisdiction
Three: Not having one will add thousands to any settlement received by the person you rear end.
__________________
Jay and Peggy Monroe
"Can't take it with you, not leaving any behind"
2024 Jayco White Hawk 26FK
2024 Ford Expedition
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03-09-2014, 09:16 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southwest
Posts: 1,549
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Welcome to iRV2!
Yup - agree on the auxiliary braking system. Should you ever do any mountain driving, it will prove itself worth the investment. Simply a safety issue, and required by most states everywhere. Ask your salesman what he/she drives and tows, and whether he/she has an auxiliary braking system installed.
You'll find lots of friendly folks here with lots of great advice based on practical experience...I'll consider their advice any day over a sales rep.
__________________
Joe and Debbie, Emma the Aussie Cattle Dog who adopted us
2012 Discovery 36J, Blue Ox and Air Force One, 2010 GMC Acadia Toad
USAF (Ret) WDØM https://wd0m.com
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03-09-2014, 10:22 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,816
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To me it's a "Cover My Butt insurance" policy. No different than the dash cam.
If something should happen, I want everything on my end to be right and tight.
We tow threw major cities all the time and that's the only place I worry about things. Out here in the west, not so much.
__________________
2011 MVP Tahoe 230 QB on Ford E350 Chassis
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03-10-2014, 05:47 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ocala, Florida
Posts: 6,295
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If you have a problem, and do not have an aux. brake system then your insurance company has grounds to deny claim since it IS REQUIRED in most states and provinces.
I suppose strictly from a can your MH stop your toad standpoint, it may be able to, but how quickly? What are road conditions like, grades, etc.? Then what happens if it breaks away? The toad goes merrily on it's way passing you until it strikes something to stop it.
You just spent how many thousands of dollars on a coach and toad and tow bar. What's another thousand for a good breaking system?
__________________
FMCA #F431170, GS #822128658, Escapees SKP #112655
2012 Airstream Mercedes Interstate Class B
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03-10-2014, 05:54 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,692
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Get the additional brake system.
__________________
Steve & Sally / Hudson Our Little Pom / Heidi, Houston & HiTee Forever in our Hearts
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22 / 05 PT Vert
Michigan (Summer) Michigan (Winter For Now)
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03-10-2014, 07:58 AM
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
Jayco Owners Club RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poinciana FL
Posts: 7,781
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Medico
If you have a problem, and do not have an aux. brake system then your insurance company has grounds to deny claim since it IS REQUIRED in most states and provinces.
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I see this claimed often, but is simply is not true in the majority of cases.
1st party coverage (what you pay for) rarely has an exclusion for illegal activity, in at least some states that is legislated. If the insurance company could deny coverage because you broke the law you'd never be covered after running a stop sign, while speeding, or driving under the influence. What CAN happen, you may find it impossible or extremely expensive to buy another policy after having done any of these. Commercial policies can and may be different.
__________________
Jay and Peggy Monroe
"Can't take it with you, not leaving any behind"
2024 Jayco White Hawk 26FK
2024 Ford Expedition
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03-10-2014, 08:11 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conway, SC
Posts: 2,557
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Oh yeah, get it!!! There are different types, so you'll find one that you'll be satisfied with.
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03-10-2014, 08:30 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 23
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That would be my last experience with that dealership. Have someone else double check the mounting plate install.....just sayin'.
__________________
Mike and Mary (M&M)....also Lucy (the teddy bear)
2004 Tiffin Open Road 30DA
2014 Jeep Cherokee TH
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03-10-2014, 09:29 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,295
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The other reason for a toad brake is to keep the toad behind you while you are stopping. Especially in wet conditions.
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Pcurt
2007 Fleetwood Bounder 38V
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03-10-2014, 10:30 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ON THE ROAD...SOMEWHERE
Posts: 6,973
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Another reason is it should help keep your toad's front end better aligned. If you are stopping and the toad isn't braking with you that puts stress on the front end.
Regardless...it is just plain SMART to install a brake system on your toad even if only because of the break away.
BTW...I once had a tow arm pin get "lost". Don't know how but...
I could tell that as I was GENTLY braking my coach to get it under control that the brakes on my toad activated and help stop it from bumping the end of my coach or at least slowed it down enough to prevent damage. That sold me on my decision all by itself. I have the SMI Air Force One system.
__________________
Don, Sandee & GSD Zeus. Guardian GSDs Gunny (7/11/15) & Thor (5/5/15)
2006 2015 DSDP 4320 4369, FL Chassis, 2013 CR-V 2020 Jeep Overland, Blue Ox Avail, SMI AF1.
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