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07-19-2013, 07:32 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 40
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Tow Dolly: To Brake or Not!!
I am new to a class a motorhome. Will be towing a 2009 Ford Fusion and need help deciding to buy a tow dolly with or without brakes. Motorhome is a 2000 Bounder 37ft!
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks!!!
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07-19-2013, 07:39 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wherever the rig is parked
Posts: 8,092
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 We're glad you're here! Without discussing the legal requirements in some states for trailer brakes, I'd say it makes sense to get a dolly with brakes. Could be the difference between stopping 6 feet short or rear ending another vehicle.
__________________
Bruce Dickson 2013 Thor Challenger 37GT, 5 Star Tune, Safe-T-Plus Steering Control with Air Trim, Roadmaster front and rear Sway Bars, SuperSteer rear Track Bar, Crossfires, 2018 Honda CRV . Full timers since Jan 2012.
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07-19-2013, 07:46 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Elm Springs Ar
Posts: 106
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With brakes!!! Why a tow dolly? Why not
4 down. I think your fusion can be towed flat.
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charlie 62 - 2007 Four Winds Windsport - 2010 Ford Flex
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07-19-2013, 07:48 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
National RV Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Federal Way, Wa.
Posts: 2,901
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Brake. You will be within the law no matter where you travel, that may not be true without brakes. And obviously you can stop faster with them. On the last point I speak from experience.
I'll second the vote for four down if your vehicle can be.
__________________
I do all my own stunts
03 Dolphin LX 6355, Workhorse W22, 8.1 vortec, 04 CR-V, Blue Ox, Brake Pro----Norm, Barb and
Doc(He's a PhD)
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07-19-2013, 07:54 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 95
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my present tow dolly has surge brakes but my previous dolly did not, could not tell the difference when towing and stopping between the 2. you have a small car so I think you would be fine without. if you find 1 with brakes at a good price go for it
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Scott & Diane
our IG's Sydney & Phoebe plus the puppy Chloe
2007 Monaco Diplomat SFT
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07-19-2013, 07:55 PM
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Bryan, TX when not traveling.
Posts: 22,948
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Brakes are necessary.
Ken
__________________
Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|No Longer Full-Time! - 2023 Cougar 22MLS toted by 2022 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Max FX4 Lariat Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot, retired mechanical engineer
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07-19-2013, 08:01 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wherever the rig is parked
Posts: 8,092
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Here is a link to a table of towing requirements by state which might be useful:
Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws
__________________
Bruce Dickson 2013 Thor Challenger 37GT, 5 Star Tune, Safe-T-Plus Steering Control with Air Trim, Roadmaster front and rear Sway Bars, SuperSteer rear Track Bar, Crossfires, 2018 Honda CRV . Full timers since Jan 2012.
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07-19-2013, 08:04 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 182
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Brakes for sure, if there is an accident you will be cited for no brakes.
__________________
Roy & Sabine Lyons
98 Itasca 35' Class A Gas with Banks Powerpack
98 Honda CRV Toad
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07-20-2013, 08:53 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tampa FL
Posts: 679
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IF you go with electric brakes then you also should be looking at models with the ability to stop the toad if it gets disconnected. On electric brakes it is an option in some states and manditory in others.
__________________
2006 HR Scepter 42DSQ
Holiday FL
RVIA Certified RV Service Technician
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07-20-2013, 10:39 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 7,469
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdickson
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Thanks for the link
__________________
US Navy Vet, Liberty Tree Member of Oath Keepers, NRA & VFW Life Member, Alaska EMT.
2009 Safari Cheetah 40 SKQ
2009 Winnebago Chalet 231CR
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07-20-2013, 10:45 PM
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#11
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Registered User
Fleetwood Owners Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: REGINA
Posts: 623
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My Car-Tow has electric brakes which also has the on board battery and break-away switch (which is mandatory around here). If it ever should break-away at least it should come to a stop.
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