Community Forums

BASSYAKS · 11-30-2020, 12:52 PM

I was given a Blue Ox tow bar and I want to tow a Honda Accord. my question is, Can it be towed without adding a braking system like a Patriot Box?

**TonyDi** · 11-30-2020, 01:05 PM

Most states will require you to have supplemental braking on the toad. It does make stopping distances shorter and as such a lawyer will have a field day should you have an accident. A braking system can be very important in the case of the toad separating from the RV.

There are a lot of threads regarding this issue. Go to the search bar and type in toad braking.

You will also get recommendations if you list the RV you will be towing with,

Winemaker2 · 11-30-2020, 01:05 PM

Not legally in most states.
I would ask what is the obje time to a removable brake "box"? Is it purely $?
Don't minimize the safety issues of adding that much weight to your tow vehicle, the affect on braking and the lack of a break-away system without brakes!
Also... have you researched the towability of your Accord. Your owners manual will list towing w/ a motorhome if acceptable.

NXR · 11-30-2020, 03:09 PM

Quote:

You will also get recommendations if you list the RV you will be towing with,

His profile lists this one:

RV Manufacturer - COACH HOUSE
RV Model - PLATINUM 272XL
RV Length - 27'

I don't know what year but current ones appear to be on a Ford E450 chassis.

One thing to consider is that the braking capability of the RV is only tested and certified for the weight of the RV itself, never the RV + what is being towed.

A diesel pusher with a three tons of excess braking capacity could stop an Accord in the same distance as it's certified to. But with a supplemental braking system it could stop faster and sometimes that is needed.

Then there is the whole pesky state law thing about what tow weight needs its own braking system. Each state sets its own rules and unlike license plates and driver licenses, you legally need to comply with each state's laws that you tow in.

Can you do it? Sure. Should you do it? I think very few people will say you should tow a car without its own supplemental braking system.

Ray

MSHappyCampers · 12-02-2020, 09:39 AM

Yes you can! No you should NOT! As others have said, that would be illegal in many states.

I would recommend the ReadyBrake system from NSA RV Products. It's simple, effective, low-cost, and has a lifetime warranty!

ArtJoyce · 12-02-2020, 10:18 AM

As mentioned most states require it by law. The law to look at is what weight trailers require brakes by state. A toad is considered a trailer. Most of the US is 3,000 lbs and Canada is 2,000 or 3,000 lbs

click to see states TOAD BRAKE REQUIRED by STATE

The other thing to you need is a break-away brake. Just incase the tow bar brakes free. This brake applies the brakes on the toad and brings it to a stop. I believe in the US, if you are required tohave brakes on a trailer you are required to have a break-away brake system. The system must be able to maintain the brakes for 15 minutes when disconnected from the TV.

Down South · 12-04-2020, 02:37 PM

Yup, Most states require brakes on a vehicle that is 3,000 lbs or more and a breakaway system.
The system that MSHappyCampers mentioned is economical and I'd think pretty easy to install.

momdoc · 12-04-2020, 07:31 PM

YES you should use a brake system.

We had a Dynamax3 (25 ft C) and had a blue ox along with a SIMI Stay and Play DUO. VERY easy to set up (flip a switch)

stevestancil · 12-10-2020, 03:06 PM

What recommendations are out there for a braking system. I currently have one on a Jeep Grand Cherokee which I disconnected because I could never keep it adjusted properly and kept burning the brakes up on the Jeep. Are there any you folks have tried that will keep the brakes adjusted on the towed vehicle properly?

Thank you.

Bigd9 · 12-10-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevestancil

What recommendations are out there for a braking system. I currently have one on a Jeep Grand Cherokee which I disconnected because I could never keep it adjusted properly and kept burning the brakes up on the Jeep. Are there any you folks have tried that will keep the brakes adjusted on the towed vehicle properly?

Thank you.

What system was it that you were using?

It looks like you have a coach on a chassis that utilizes air brakes. If so, there are two outstanding systems that are easy to use, and are just about fool proof.
I have used use a system by M&G Engineering for the past 20 years now on several coaches and tow vehicles. Never a problem, and its dependable.

2cyber71 · 12-10-2020, 04:45 PM

The legal answer is no.
Almost all states require if what you are towing is over 1,000 -1500 lb have separate brakes.
My 1999 bass boat trailer had no brakes. I had to install brakes when PA changed to 1,000 lbs. my bass boat and trailer weighs 2,200.
My car weigh 3800 I use a brake buddy, I’ve been using the same one I bought in 2003. Works great.