towing a toad without adding tow brakes to the toad

[RVStitchy]

Originally Posted by kwftlaud

ok, guess it was a newbie stupid questions
thread requires no more input,
I will get towing brakes too

thanks to all that replied

Kip

I applaud you for asking the question and accepting the responses. Unfortunately there are way to many people out there that are not using braking systems and they are endangering everyone on the highway. I suspect most of them are driving smaller, lighter RVs which makes their decision even worse. Guessing you might be in the Lauderdale area based on your login name? If so there is an excellent professional in town for installing RV towing systems.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Some folks try to justify no brakes by claiming the laws says trailer and a towed car is not a trailer.

That's a legal argument and likely will save you from getting a ticket for improper towing, but it doesn't help you stop your rig sooner.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'm confused because here and on RV sites they talk about brake asset components and yet on youtube no one ever talks about them.

You haven't been looking at the right places on YouTube - there are lots of videos on towed car brakes. Here are a few:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ1zIVjY-Hc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5mzqYz4Wv4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlgAyP7Sf6k

[NLOVNIT]

Some people don't like having to spend another $1000k+ to outfit their toad properly with a braking system - which states require. All I can say to that is, if there's a wreck & ya don't have the proper equipment, the lawyers will take WAY more than $1000k from you.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Some people don't like having to spend another $1000k+ to outfit their toad properly with a braking system - which states require. All I can say to that is, if there's a wreck & ya don't have the proper equipment, the lawyers will take WAY more than $1000k from you.

There is always a liability risk if you do something outside of generally accepted practice and cause an accident as a result, but your coach liability policy still covers you (up whatever limits you chose). Stupidity is not a cause for denial of a liability claim.

[AJMike]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Some folks try to justify no brakes by claiming the laws says trailer and a towed car is not a trailer.

It isn't just "some folks". When I first got a tow dolly I called the State motor vehicle bureau and asked about the requirements for a supplementary braking system and was told that the weight only counted for the tow dolly, not the car. That was the State.

My tow dolly came with a separate braking system, so I was OK to go. Now that I flat tow I use a supplementary braking system as I would not want to tow without one.

[Clemson]

Originally Posted by kwftlaud

hello
I have a 28' e450 itasca sundancer.

I am considering getting a towbar to tow a ford ranger ( about 3600 LBS )
I travel alone, usually full fresh water, empty tanks.

I have lots of empty storage on my rig, and 2 slides.

I'm confused because here and on RV sites they talk about brake asset components and yet on youtube no one ever talks about them.

I know additional brake power is always a plus, but my Itasca brakes really well and when I travel I am almost never on sharp decline, and if I was to encounter them I've traveled enough to know to go slow down anything.

So, does everyone here with a toad for 2or 3000 lbs always have a braking system on their toad? the Itasca is 4 times the weight of my Ranger. I don't think I'd have a problem.

Any thoughts?
thanks
Kip

42 states require aux brakes on a tow vehicle.

[CaptBill]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

There is always a liability risk if you do something outside of generally accepted practice and cause an accident as a result, but your coach liability policy still covers you (up whatever limits you chose). Stupidity is not a cause for denial of a liability claim.

And while that may be true, but no insurance is going to compensate for loss of a life.

[Bonron]

Originally Posted by shootist

I believe all fifty states require it and additionally a break a way brake activation is required. Don’t skip it your insurance company may not cover you.

No, not necessarily. In Calif the myth is tow vehicles require a brake assist. But in reality it applies only to trailers over 1500 lbs, but in states like Utah, it’s required. So check with your state, but of course putting some kind of brake assist wouldn’t hurt. It’s just very expensive. Personally, I use the NSA Ready-brake unit. No wiring required, it’s driven by kinetic energy. Check it out.

[Bonron]

Well it’s not a stoopid question. 3500 lbs is a lot and while your coach can handle itself, that extra weight is IMO way too much for your rig. Good luck.

[NeverGrowUp]

I have towed a vehicle for 40+ years, up and down steep asses, Wolf Creek Pass, Grapevine, Tehachapi,, Tioga Pass, Raton Pass, Loveland Pass. Motorhomes ranged from 24-38 foot and Never had a brake assist system; some with toads weighing more than your potential toad.

I have Never felt the need for brake assist, never suffered brake fade. I've towed trailers with and without brakes. There are some legal requirements, weight exemptions, and other considerations.If you can drive, then you do what makes you feel safe. Others may disagree with me, but You are the driver.

[hikerjohn66]

Originally Posted by kwftlaud

hello
I have a 28' e450 itasca sundancer.

I am considering getting a towbar to tow a ford ranger ( about 3600 LBS )
I travel alone, usually full fresh water, empty tanks.

I have lots of empty storage on my rig, and 2 slides.

I'm confused because here and on RV sites they talk about brake asset components and yet on youtube no one ever talks about them.

I know additional brake power is always a plus, but my Itasca brakes really well and when I travel I am almost never on sharp decline, and if I was to encounter them I've traveled enough to know to go slow down anything.

So, does everyone here with a toad for 2or 3000 lbs always have a braking system on their toad? the Itasca is 4 times the weight of my Ranger. I don't think I'd have a problem.

Any thoughts?
thanks
Kip

You said you don't travel where there are any inclines but there are other hazardous situations that can easily arise making you have to brake quickly. My Toad brakes saved me when I inadvertently allowed my RV to get a little too close to the line of traffic in front of me while pulling up on the interstate. Much to my surprise and for some unknown reason, the guy in front of me slammed hard on his brakes. At that moment, my thoughts were that this maybe it! I fully expected to just plow into the line of cars. But to my surprise, my Toad with its Stay IN Play braking system saved the day and my RV stopped amazingly quickly. I really believe, that without the Toad braking, I would have crunched that line of cars.

[Roger6730]

Like mentioned, towing without brakes is more of a liability thing. Don’t go without them.
My toad is a Mini Cooper, about 2500 lbs, so brakes are not required in many states. Break-a-way is hardly mentioned ( of coarse won’t work without brakes).
I made a trip from Ohio to the west coast and back without incident, with no brakes. Then realized it was a stupid thing to do. After that trip, I found a Blue Ox tow bar at a flea market (which I had recertified ), bought a brake buddy on line and ordered a baseplate from Blue Ox. Added a break-a-way, all for about $700. Labor included, free help is good.
Have used this setup for the past 3 years, best part is I don’t have to worry about it getting loose and someone getting hurt.
The point is that, a brake system for the toad doesn’t have to cost 2 to 4000 dollars. But can save you a million.

[Roger6730]

Like mentioned, towing without brakes is more of a liability thing. Don’t go without them.
My toad is a Mini Cooper, about 2500 lbs, so brakes are not required in many states. Break-a-way is hardly mentioned ( of coarse won’t work without brakes).
I made a trip from Ohio to the west coast and back without incident, with no brakes. Then realized it was a stupid thing to do. After that trip, I found a Blue Ox tow bar at a flea market (which I had recertified ), bought a brake buddy on line and ordered a baseplate from Blue Ox. Added a break-a-way, all for about $700. Labor included, free help is good.
Have used this setup for the past 3 years, best part is I don’t have to worry about it getting loose and someone getting hurt.
The point is that, a brake system for the toad doesn’t have to cost 2 to 4000 dollars. But can save you a million.