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calguy42 · 09-02-2014, 03:24 PM

We have a 2002 Jayco Greyhawk and plan on towing a 1989 Suzuki Sidekick behind it. The Sidekick weight is approx. 3300#. Is it ok to tow it without a braking system?

Skip426 · 09-02-2014, 03:29 PM

In some states you might be , but problems arise when you travel as , other members say you have to abide by the laws of the state you're traveling through.
There is a link for this info I'll track it down.

SuperSteer · 09-02-2014, 03:30 PM

No... not safe... or legal in most states.

Skip426 · 09-02-2014, 03:45 PM

Look at ;
Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

for the " Weight limits for towing without supplemental brakes" page.
As Ken, says 3,000+ puts you over the limit almost everywhere, and you're definitely safer with.

EDIT: The info sheet is in the brochure I have from them but not readable on the web site.Try.
http://www.drivinglaws.aaa.com

Nick-B · 09-03-2014, 02:11 PM

You don't state the size or weight of your Greyhawk but you're roughly adding 25% more weight that needs to be stopped with the chassis brakes only. Sounds like a recipe for bad results in an emergency stop situation.

Mr_D · 09-03-2014, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Look at ;
Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

for the " Weight limits for towing without supplemental brakes" page.
As Ken, says 3,000+ puts you over the limit almost everywhere, and you're definitely safer with.

EDIT: The info sheet is in the brochure I have from them but not readable on the web site.Try.
AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws

Problem is: Every chart like that that I've found is usually wrong. For some reason they get the trailer towing and self propelled vehicles mixed together. In WA towing a motorized vehicle makes you a "combination vehicle" and the braking requirements are different. Add'l brakes are NOT required on a combination vehicle IF you can stop from XX mph in XX feet. However here's the kicker: You are required to have a breakaway device the will hold the towed vehicle in place on any highway grade for 15 min. So, even if you can pass the combination vehicle braking requirement you still have to have something that will hold the towed vehicle in place. We have the RoadMaster Brakemaster unit with the optional breakaway unit. That consists of a small air tank to supply the brake actuator with air to set the service brakes.

bruceisla · 09-03-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calguy42

We have a 2002 Jayco Greyhawk and plan on towing a 1989 Suzuki Sidekick behind it. The Sidekick weight is approx. 3300#. Is it ok to tow it without a braking system?

Are you sure about the weight? My 1996 Geo Tracker ragtop weighs 2450 lb ... the 4-door weighs 2600 lb. The Geo is just a rebranded Suzuki. makes a big difference in what is legal to tow without aux. braking.