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05-30-2015, 01:03 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Salinas, California
Posts: 226
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Newbie question: Do I need a brake controller?
Greetings!!
As the new owner of 2015 Itasca Suncruiser, I'd like to tow my 2009 mini-cooper. (If anyone has done that, I've got some real questions for you...)
But the first question is: Do I need to have a brake controller installed in my Motorhome?
I've been looking at braking systems. Invisibrake uses the taillights (??) to activate the braking system, Brake Buddy uses (I think) a inertial sensing system and Brakemaster taps off the hydraulics on my gasser motorhome.
This surprises me since I thought the electric brake systems from trailers would be adapted to the automotive braking systems.
Thanks,
Jerald Pendleton
__________________
Jerald and Claire Pendleton
And Ginger - American Village Dog / 2022 Ford Escape Toad
2023 Tiffin 37BH / www.citizensoftheroad.com
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05-30-2015, 01:19 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Bamber Lake
Posts: 500
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Toad brakes
First of all an electric trailer brake controler woun't work on your toad (car). The easy out is one of the free standing brake buddy type systems, basically there plug and go and work in whatever your planning on towing in the future without any instalation, just stick it in there and plug it in.
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05-30-2015, 01:21 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Amory, Ms
Posts: 1,112
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Need, yes. Have to have, no. Your Mini is not that heavy and I'm sure your coach has enough brakes to stop it under normal braking but why take the chance. There are many brake systems for toads available and most everybody thinks their choice is best. I use a Brake Buddy because I have two vehicles set up to tow and the Brake Buddy will swap from vehicle to vehicle, it's not the most convenient setup compared to the permanently installed systems but it serves my purpose. I had a friend tell me one time that if he ever has an accident, not having a supplemental braking system will not be something he can be sued over! It's additional insurance against a lawsuit in case of an accident and additional peace of mind in a sudden braking situation.
__________________
Roger And Kim Goodwin
bout them DAWGS!!
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05-30-2015, 01:23 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,777
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrpend
Greetings!!
As the new owner of 2015 Itasca Suncruiser, I'd like to tow my 2009 mini-cooper. (If anyone has done that, I've got some real questions for you...)
But the first question is: Do I need to have a brake controller installed in my Motorhome?
I've been looking at braking systems. Invisibrake uses the taillights (??) to activate the braking system, Brake Buddy uses (I think) a inertial sensing system and Brakemaster taps off the hydraulics on my gasser motorhome.
This surprises me since I thought the electric brake systems from trailers would be adapted to the automotive braking systems.
Thanks,
Jerald Pendleton
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jrpend
Toad brakes and electric trailer brakes a horse of a different feather.
As far as I know no toad brake systems need a brake controller like trailer electric trailer brakes and some tow dollyies use.
Mel
'98 Safari
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05-30-2015, 01:28 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 310
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The 2009 Dinghy Towing Guide doesn't list the Mini Cooper, neither can I find a reference in the 2008 or 2010. The offical guide would be your owners manual. I have found numerous places that states the Mini Cooper is not towable with all 4 down and if it is that the warranty will be voided.
However, here's a link with MH owners that do tow mini coopers. Towing a Mini Cooper - Towing - FMCA Motorhome Forums
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"Living Our Dreams and ❤️ The Ride!" Kay & Richard, Austin TX
2019 LTV Unity FX 25'
2014 Honda CR-V EX-L FWD
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05-30-2015, 03:36 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,581
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My 2006 mini weighs in above 3500 pounds so I think you would need to have auxiliary braking to be legal in several states. Your mini needs to be a standard shift. Automatic trans and those with all wheel drive are NOT towable four wheels down.
The auto trans ones can be towed on a dolly (at least that's my understanding).
__________________
Bob & Sandi, dogs Tasha a Frenchie and Tiki a Skipperkey
SW OREGON 2005 34 foot DolphinLX
If towing: a bright red 2016 Mini Cooper on a tow dolly.
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05-30-2015, 05:31 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 534
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ciderdog
My 2006 mini weighs in above 3500 pounds so I think you would need to have auxiliary braking to be legal in several states. Your mini needs to be a standard shift. Automatic trans and those with all wheel drive are NOT towable four wheels down.
The auto trans ones can be towed on a dolly (at least that's my understanding).
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We towed a 2005 CVT and a 2011 auto trans on a tow dolly w/no problems.
__________________
2019 Newmar Ventana LE 4002
2015 Kia Soul
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