Braking For Towed Vehicle

[JMcG]

I have owned four different motorhomes, three were Newmar and one Southwind. On all of them the towed vehicle was a Jeep wrangler two door. Due to their size and weight I have never installed a braking system on these vehicles. I have gotten into several situations where I had to either make a quick swerve or hard brake to avoid a collision with motorists who could care less about someone driving a motorhome. Without any problems on all kinds of road conditions. (Ice, rain, etc) My tow system is blue ox with all safety systems installed. My point is I don’t think the smaller towed vehicles need a braking system installed to be any safer. I agree larger vehicles probably need a braking system installed. Anyone else use the smaller towed vehicles without a braking system installed.

[twinboat]

I think that experts are better qualified to determine what needs brakes.
People THINK they can drive there cars without any brakes, does that seem OK to you ?

[Punkinhead]

My concern isn't for extra braking when the vehicle is properly attached to the towbar. My concern is what happens when something fails. I don't want my towed vehicle killing someone because I was too cheap to install something that is required by law in most states.

[JMcG]

I respect all opinions and concerns, and try to ask questions in a polite and respectable manner. Now, back to the original question, has anyone towed a smaller vehicle without a braking system installed.

[mdcorby]

I agree with your thinking and that was the way I operated ….until……
I learned that each state has a weight requirement for towed vehicle and the need for braking systems …. I also tow a wrangler and in Az I believe anything over 3200 lbs requires a braking system. My jeep is 3500 lbs. However, my insurance / friend warned me that if I was in an accident while towing, and was in violation of the towing law, the insurance company could deny any claims.
That was enough for me to add a braking system

[MarkMaxPayne]

Originally Posted by JMcG

I respect all opinions and concerns, and try to ask questions in a polite and respectable manner. Now, back to the original question, has anyone towed a smaller vehicle without a braking system installed.

Don't know how many answers you'll get in the affirmative. Will be interesting. Illegal in most states and if involved in an accident and insurance investigator finds that tow vehicle didn't have the required auxiliary braking while it was being towed when rig was involved in the accident. I have no doubt it happens, but acknowledging in an online record that can be harvested... Almost like admitting online to regularly using an illegal DEF bypass, no?

Best,
-Mark

[202235f]

To answer your question, yes I have towed a vehicle without an onboard braking system. For lots of reasons, I don’t do it anymore. You will find lots of opinions here. Respectfully, the only real answer is what the laws in your state require. Most states currently require a supplemental braking system on anything above 3,000 lbs.

[R.M.A]

I think the main concern is break away.

[twojayhawks]

JmcG
I partially agree with you. I've been on RV forums for over 20 years & I've read more posts than I could easily count about folks damaging their vehicles because of aux brake systems. Operator error? sure, who cares it costs thousands when they malfunction regardless. Can't recall one where someone couldn't stop in time citing data with or without aux brakes. I can tell ya I see many others at RV parks that do not use an aux brake. I use one, always have, wife is an atty. I use the ReadyBrake because it is the least expensive. I've towed my Wrangler once or twice with out the ReadyBrake hooked up. Once the cable (through the engine bay/floorboard) broke & I chose to continue on with vacation & repair when I got home. I slept like a kitten. I'm a stickler for breakaway protection though I assume you are at least using that.

[JMcG]

Thanks guys for your frank and straight forward answers. I understand the liability of not having the braking system a lot more now. Laws are evolving constantly across all states, sometimes almost on a daily basis. After reading your answers I will most likely consider a braking system. Thanks again for your support.

[Old Scout]

Think using towed weight to determine requirement for an aux braking system, is short-sighted. Legal issues and liability concerns are far more important--choose wisely grasshopper.

[JMcG]

twojayhawks,
I reviewed the ReadyBrake, and it sounds like a good simple system that will do the job. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Capt. Bill]

Having owned 4 coaches & flat towed a variety of vehicles, I wouldn't tow anything without supplemental braking capabilities for these reasons-

1) Most states require supplemental braking on any towed item greater than 3,000-3,500#
2) It does help slow the coach & tow in emergency stopping situations, that could prevent a serious accident.
3) If you are involved in an accident the first thing the other party see's is 'Deep Pockets' and their lawyers will start digging. This could result in a large judgement responsible thing to do!

If you are so cheap you don't want to spend the money- then you shouldn't be in the RV coach game to begin with!


Happy Trails

[WILDEBILL308]

Originally Posted by JMcG

I respect all opinions and concerns, and try to ask questions in a polite and respectable manner. Now, back to the original question, has anyone towed a smaller vehicle without a braking system installed.

So please explain to all of us why you don't respect the laws of the state of Texas? Please explain to all of us why you don't respect the outher people on the road by not having a properly installed safety devise?

" Now, back to the original question, has anyone towed a smaller vehicle without a braking system installed."
No, I have never have because I respect the laws of the state of Texas.
Bill