Community Forums

snl2106 · 03-25-2009, 02:05 PM

Hello

I was wondering what some think about going down 24 to 75 to Fl. I would like to tow my Equinox on a towdolly ( no brakes on it). I have a 90 Monaco Crown Royal. As a mechanic for cars to med trucks Id think this is plenty of braking on the unit but kinda would like feed back. The coach does have an engine brake as well. Any info I would greatly appriciate.

Thanks
Shan

soonerdave · 03-25-2009, 03:07 PM

I don't know how much your Equinox weighs, but most states require aux. braking for tows weighing over a certain amount and I am sure your vehicle exceeds all those limits. Check the CGVWR on your coach, add the weight of your fully loaded coach to the weight of the vehicle and tow dolly, if the total exceeds your CGVWR you are asking for problems. From a safety standpoint you need aux. brakes. Your coach brakes were designed to stop the coach safely with a bit extra added for safety. In an emergency stop your stopping distances will far exceed safe limits. To put it simply, you should have aux. brakes on your toad for safety. Enjoy your trip and Happy RVing!

Wayne M · 03-25-2009, 03:29 PM

The curb weight on that is approximately 3600 pounds. With no exhaust brake and without supplemental braking you would be taking one big safety risk. The amout of force pushing you when you try to stop is 3 times the weight of the vehicle you are towing so you would have approximately 5-1/2 tons trying to push you forward as you try and slow down.

My personal opinion is that it is not a risk worth taking, and please have a safe trip.

Edited: p.s., in most states it is illegal to tow any type of vehicle without supplement brakes. Each state has its own weight rules. The weight rule for TN is anything 1500 pounds or more needs supplemental breaking.

Here is a list of Towing Laws By State

CoastieSCPO · 03-25-2009, 04:09 PM

Wayne M is right and let me add this. Driving westbound on I24 you will encounter a steep grade at Mount Eagle that will tax your unit's brakes even with a supplemental system. Not only that, you will have to drive through Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta and who knows what kind of heavy braking you might encounter. I would not drive very far without my Brake Buddy.

Bob

GaryKD · 03-25-2009, 06:34 PM

Hi Shan,
Go to http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19087 and read the OP. Then decide about a supplemental brake system.

porscheracer · 03-25-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieSCPO

Wayne M is right and let me add this. Driving westbound on I24 you will encounter a steep grade at Mount Eagle that will tax your unit's brakes even with a supplemental system. Not only that, you will have to drive through Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta and who knows what kind of heavy braking you might encounter. I would not drive very far without my Brake Buddy.

Bob

Right on, Bob!! I would not consider topping Monteagle Mountain in either direction without supplemental braking.