Community Forums

rssnape · 05-12-2013, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

Hmmm... I guess I'm the exception. I've towd my 16ft enclosed trailer (with 2 full dressed Harleys - 3500 to 4000 lbs) well over 20,000 mi with an old class C and my present A. Never had a problem with braking or the law. Of course that doesn't mean it's legal or safe! Or that someday I won't be sorry. Take previous advice, it's the best route.

I'm not judging, just reminding you that your trailer probably already has brakes on one or both axles and to add braking is an electric brake controller and if your A is not already pre wired an additional wire run the length of the coach. If the trailer already has brakes it shouldn't be more than $100 to get you some extra braking.

clyon51 · 05-12-2013, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Libero

10,000 tons --- really wow that is 20 million pounds - perhaps a typo you think

No it's not a typo.

Roger G · 05-12-2013, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

No it's not a typo.

A train engineer ?

shoreco · 05-12-2013, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markhansen

I have a 2007 34 ft Tiffin MH with the workhorse 2200. I want to tow a 2600 lb Suzuki(4x4) all four down. Do I need the supplemental braking system inside the Suzuki. Appreciate any help

I store my MH about 5 miles from my house. Flat roads, and three stop lights. It I am simply going from point A to point B I do not set up the brake (no faster than 40mph)

I would never hit the highway without a braking system...

I use the blue ox patriot system....very simple to set up and it can also be controlled and monitored from the MH.

**CountryFit** · 05-12-2013, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger G

A train engineer ?

if i read it correctly, he said "10,000 tons at 60mph for over 30 years", it might be right as a cumulative no.

Charrua72 · 05-16-2013, 09:29 PM

I haul heavy loads for a living, weights of 200,000 lbs all the time and as high as 250,000 lbs in the bush and on the highways on roads that most people don't even ever see let alone drive on. My rv pulling toad will stop way easier and faster than any semi on the highways and I don't have any help from toad to do any braking for me. I'm not saying it's a bad idea to have brakes on toad nor did I realize that some states require it with such light toads, but I think it's a bit ex stream to say its unsafe. I will be putting brakes on my toad for our trip to Disney this year, only to be leagle not cause I think it's unsafe. But I suppose with so many people driving big loads down the road with really no clue about what they are doing the more brakes the better.

Mr_D · 05-16-2013, 09:43 PM

Never heard anyone say: "Gee, I wish I hadn't stopped so soon during that emergency". What we usually see and hear about is the family in a SUV that were all killed when someone behind them couldn't stop in time.

Mixmanbob · 05-16-2013, 10:28 PM

I have a 36' Newmar Scottsdale on the W22 chassis towing a 05 Dodge Dakota. This morning on 29 N of Sonoma a truck in front of me made a panic stop. I did the same. I could feel the force of the toad braking. I believe without the Brake Buddy I would have hit the truck in front of me. I am a believer!!

Charrua72 · 05-16-2013, 11:09 PM

How does the braking system for the toad work? With the engine not running using the service brakes would be alot more difficult. Also is there a system that is easier to install compared to others?

Mixmanbob · 05-19-2013, 07:57 AM

Brake Buddy sits on the floor on the driver's side. When you brake the MH it applys pressure, by sensing inertia, to the Brake pedal via a connected arm. There is a procedure at install each time where you cycle the unit 5 times to remove vacuum from the tow vehicle. The amount of force is substantial. It also has a breakaway feature that I think is huge. It physically attaches to the MH via a cable that will pull pull a plug and stop the toad if it separates from the MH. My unit is a 5 to 10 minute install. Very simple. Many different units are available including some permanent mounts. Go to Brake Buddy's site for more detail. You won't be sorry!

CampDaven · 05-19-2013, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charrua72

I haul heavy loads for a living, weights of 200,000 lbs all the time and as high as 250,000 lbs in the bush and on the highways on roads that most people don't even ever see let alone drive on. My rv pulling toad will stop way easier and faster than any semi on the highways and I don't have any help from toad to do any braking for me. I'm not saying it's a bad idea to have brakes on toad nor did I realize that some states require it with such light toads, but I think it's a bit ex stream to say its unsafe. I will be putting brakes on my toad for our trip to Disney this year, only to be leagle not cause I think it's unsafe. But I suppose with so many people driving big loads down the road with really no clue about what they are doing the more brakes the better.

If you have toad brakes, why would you choose to not use them?

I have had the sheer joy of making panic stops in much shorter distances with toad brakes. In those particular instances, toad brakes were the difference between stopping and impacting. I would have been unsafe without them.
I cannot see going without toad brakes, and the associated break-away feature, especially if you HAVE THEM!!!

I choose to be safER. All the time.
Just sayin.....

Ed-Sommers · 05-19-2013, 08:55 AM

Your question was an inquiry as to if you "need" the supplemental braking, and your states requirements supply that answer.

Most answers you have received are in the "what I think" column and do not really answer the "need" IMHO.

For instance, the relationship between the RV, and the toad can have a huge qualifying difference to a thinking person, and if the stopping distance is not advanced because of the weight relationship, the less the "need", again IMHO.

There are of course many other factors that may come into play.

Ed

CampDaven · 05-20-2013, 08:09 AM

This thread addresses this topic pretty well

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/the-p...ing-19087.html

IMDSailor · 05-20-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKJohn

The curb weight on my Fiat 500 is less that 2400 Lbs and I popped for a tow brake system. I don't like spending money on things I don't need. Most likely I won't need the brake system unless I'm in a panic stop situation but then I'll really need it. You have read this thread, right?

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/the-p...ing-19087.html

X1000
Read the above thread. if you choose to still chose drive without supplemental breaking please advise where you'll be traveling, so we can avoid your route.
We'd love to meet you, but not by "Accident".