Towing a dinghy without 'Brake Buddy" etc.

[Jeff H]

We just got cancelled for our Cancun trip due to Hurricane Emily. So we've decided to drive to MT Rushmore from So. Calif. We own a 96 Saturn and a 2001 Itasca 31' Sunrise, Workhorse Chassis. We have a Blue Ox tow set up, but no "toad" brake setup, yet. Can we get there without breaking any laws by not having the extra braking?

[Jeff H]

We just got cancelled for our Cancun trip due to Hurricane Emily. So we've decided to drive to MT Rushmore from So. Calif. We own a 96 Saturn and a 2001 Itasca 31' Sunrise, Workhorse Chassis. We have a Blue Ox tow set up, but no "toad" brake setup, yet. Can we get there without breaking any laws by not having the extra braking?

[RV Wizard]

Jeff, welcome to our website and forum. We are glad to have you join us. I cannot recall what the laws are in Ca. concerning the brake assist. I would highly recommend you have a brake assist of some sort to help you stop in the event someone pulls out in front of you. You could stop by a Camping World on the way and purchase a Brake Buddy. THey are quickly installed and will help out in an emergency. It should have a remote controll light that comes on in the coach when the brakeing is engaged. If you are going doen a step grade you will want tto be sure it is not dragging the brakes on the toad. If needed turn it way down at the top of the mountain and back up to normal when you reach the bottom. Good luck and be safe.

[ploiselle]

Here are two websites that list the maximum towing weight, by state, without an aux braking system.

RoadMaster

AAA

You can find your vehicle's curb weight by going to NADA and finding your vehicles value. The curb weight is just under it.

Hope this helps.

[TXiceman]

In addition to state laws regarding towing and weights, you need to check you MoHo chassis manual for any weight limits on towing without aux brakes. Ford's manual has a 1500# limit for towed loads without brakes. I do not know what Workhorse says.

In any case, trying to use a state law that differenciates between towing a trailer and a car with and without brakes does not make a lot of sense to me. Your MoHo cannot tell the difference between a 3000# trailer loaded with rocks or a 3000# dinghy. Weight is weight and 3000# is 3000#. I think it makes a lot of sense from a safety point ot get the dinghy brakes as well as a break away system.

Ken

[Gary RVRoamer]

Well said, TXiceman. For the safety of Jeff & his family - and for my own safety if I happen to share a road with him - he should have toad brakes.

[Jeff H]

Thanks all, picked up Apollo yesterday. Will install this week.

[PDB]

We have the M&G system for our toad and on one trip we forgot to connect it. Boy, what a difference, towing with v. without a braking system! And that's on my 40' DP that weighs around 32k lbs.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jeff Haltom:
We have a Blue Ox tow set up, but no "toad" brake setup, yet. Can we get there without breaking any laws by not having the extra braking? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>If you look in your Workhorse "Owners Manual" it will tell you that using an auxiliary braking system on all loads over 1000 pounds is mandatory. This is directly from Workhorse.