Community Forums

Pbac · 05-30-2017, 05:11 PM

I would love to hear opinions on this. I have installed an Air Force One braking system on my Jeep Wrangler JKU (4,300 lbs), but I think I will have a shop install the parts on the coach (DP 32,000 lbs). The shop can't do the install until next week, but we are going on a 600 mile trip (RT) this weekend. All flat driving terrain.

Would you tow the Jeep this weekend without the supplemental braking system?

Thanks for your replies!

Flip

kenandterry · 05-30-2017, 05:15 PM

Like Clint Eastwood once said......

"Do ya feel lucky punk? Well....do ya?"

Besides it's illegal in so many states.

Old Scout · 05-30-2017, 05:23 PM

Just like having auto insurance--you probably wont "need" it on this trip but in your state, its likely the law......

stepside454 · 05-30-2017, 05:38 PM

I didn't get to put the brake cable in our new toad for our Blue Ox Autostop. We towed our car this weekend , it was fine , but I hope to get it in soon .

TripleGGG · 05-30-2017, 05:46 PM

"Gross Weight or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).*Georgia*Law (§40-8-50(d))*requires brakes*on all wheels of*trailers*over 3,000 lbs. ...*Brakes*may be hydraulic, air, electric, vacuum, or some combination of these systems."

Not saying I've never done something like this. Just FYI because I lived in GA for years.

kwanwon · 05-30-2017, 06:10 PM

I've done it twice, when I bought my coach and leaving on a trip finding my brakeaway switch was not working.
My concern is I believe you can be held criminally liable in the case if an accident that maiming or death ocurred if proven that supplemental brakes would have prevented the accident.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-30-2017, 06:36 PM

Momma always said: "Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

CampDaven · 05-30-2017, 06:47 PM

It's just a weekend. Leave the toad and have a safe trip.

**TonyDi** · 05-30-2017, 07:33 PM

The best person to ask would be your lawyer.

Sue46 · 05-31-2017, 01:42 AM

Have someone drive the toad behind the MH. Why risk it? For a weekend do you really need a toad?

bdpreece · 05-31-2017, 11:59 AM

Towed for several years without toad brakes. Crested a hill at about 60 one day to find traffic at a dead stop. Locked up the brakes and had to take the side of the road to avoid hitting someone. You don't need em until you need em and then it may be too late. We were lucky. Love our AF1 system.

YooperVer · 05-31-2017, 02:41 PM

The Jeep is about 13% of the RV's weight, or 12% of the total combined weight of both vehicles. Although a toad of 4300# should have brakes, I don't think the lack of brakes will increase stopping distance by much given the huge braking power of your large RV. If RV was a lighter unit (say a class C) it would be a completely different matter.

Might point out that people commonly tow boat trailers with no brakes, sometimes approaching 50% or more of their vehicles weight, and live to tell about it. Not saying its right, but I think you are within reason towing your Jeep without brakes given the stopping power of your large RV. Knock 5 MPH off of your normal travel speed would more than compensate I think.

dix39 · 05-31-2017, 03:08 PM

Another thought would be to rent a U Haul trailer or dolly for the trip.

Steve

Mr_D · 05-31-2017, 03:26 PM

Late DW and I picked up the Magna on the way to Phoenix. Towed a '05 Honda Odyssey from Coburg OR, there and back to just south of Portland OR where the engine blew. The Ody weighs about 4,700# and had several hundred #'s of excess goods in it. I didn't even notice it was back there the whole time. But then the Magna weighs 47,500#'s+ empty and is rated for a GVWR of 54,000#'s and a GC VWR of 69,000#'s so I was nowhere close to either one. In fact in WA, CA and OR I wouldn't need supplemental braking at all except for the WA requirement to have a breakaway system inplace and functional.