Towing the car without a braking system

[ncsteve]

Originally Posted by brandss

We are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning and just discovered that our braking system is not working. Do any of you tow without the braking system? Our Malibu is ~3400 pounds.

It is funny how a simple yes or no question turns in to a debate about safety, legalities, what if's, I heard this, ect. Happens on all forums though, so I guess it is to be expected. It seems very difficult for a lot of folks to just answer with a simple yes or no. I know most of the time it is meant to help, but it is obvious the OP has a braking system and it is normally used and will be getting it fixed.

To answer the OP question, Yes. That was really easy.

[Crasher]

For those who say they cannot tell the difference with or without brakes on the toad are kidding themselves. I had replied earlier that the OP' brakes had the capacity to safely stop his coach with a toad w/o brakes. That is still true, but to say brakes on a toad make no difference is not true. On any MH, in an emergency stop, brakes on the toad "WILL" shorten the stopping distance. On a normal trip with no urgent braking needed, a DP does not need the assist of the toads brakes. When I need to stop "firmly" I can tell when the toad brakes get aggressive enough to stop itself and actually help the coach stop, but my Avalanche weighs 6400# and I have the M&G air brake kit. Toad brakes make a difference even if you can't feel it.

[LifeSalt]

Originally Posted by schwansnest

I have never towed my car with a braking system.. My dolly doesnt have one. I leave lots of room in front of me and slow well in advance of stopping. Maybe Ive just been lucky, but its never been a problem. I have a gasser so no air brakes

Or exhaust brake, jake brake. Makes a huge difference when stopping. I don't have to touch the pedal until right b4 a stop sign/lite etc.... Another plus for diesel... For safety, it's a huge plus imo... Alot of rig to whoa up......

[F4Gary]

For all you folks that don't read or at least skim threads before posting, at least read post #37.

[LifeSalt]

Lol. Threads get too long to read all the responses...

Originally Posted by brandss

Just to put an end to the thread, I made it just fine, all is good, and I had no idea I would create such a lively discussion. LOL.

Sometimes threads never end...😁

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by F4Gary

For all you folks that don't read or at least skim threads before posting, at least read post #37.

So you expect them to read post #60 if they've already skipped #37?

[Paisano]

slow n steady, ha so u were that guy causing the 2 mile back up.
One can tow a toad w/o brakes with no problems.
Just be sure to tap into the exsisting elec. system so the toad has brake lights or buy the magnetic tow light set up otherwise not only will u be causing the 2 mile back up but u'll have no brake or marker lights.

[Cat320]

I have a braking system for CYA reasons. My 45' coach with a three speed engine brake can very easily stop my CRV. But, if in an accident, I want the CRV to have brakes so some hot shot lawyer can't get me for violating the "towed vehicle must have brakes" law.

[Rorytug]

Originally Posted by twojayhawks

Oh I've towed without aux brake before. There someone admitted it. In your case you have a 45' motorhome with very capable air brakes & you are only towing a 3400 pound toad. Yes I would go on with my trip without the aux brake & I'm sure you'll have it up & running soon.

Although required by law in virtually every state, Aux breaking is not the only concern. I know two people who lost their toad in transit. One had no Aux brake. The toad passed them on a slope, crossed the median and rolled down oncoming travel lanes. Thankfully, nobody was injured. Near as we could figure, somebody pulled his pins at a lunch stop.

The second was a caravan guide. After dropping his flock and leaving for home, his base plates pulled off. Brake away switch activated and stopped the car right in the middle of the travel lane on a rural highway. He discovered it gone 5 miles down the road when he turned on camera.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by tfryman

So you expect them to read post #60 if they've already skipped #37?

Good point, what was I thinking.

[rrtribble]

Glad you made it safely - never thought otherwise.

i've read all the posts and find it amazing that none of us - including me - posted a web page providing the individual States and Canada's legal requirements for auxiliary brakes when towing. Years ago several dealers told me it was 4000# and I just accepted that as gospel (forgive me)(LOL). In my research after your original post and my admission that I had done it with my previous jeep liberty I came across this site. I share it so we all may know the legal requirements, whether we follow them or not. (I'm not says that just because it's on the internet it is true but this one seems pretty straight forward.

Braking System Requirements By State and Province | Hitchsource.com

Best wishes guys and drive safe - Richard

[stuccosteve]

Other than having emergency break-away braking capacity I often wondered about the dynamics of a 50,000 lb coach towing a 5000 lb toad. I can’t picture the toad pushing the coach around in any scenario at least nothing like when I would tow 10,000 lbs with my F250 which weighed half as much as the loaded trailer.

[Spdracr39]

Those that tow without a braking system are going to do it regardless of what is said here. Those that tow with a braking system are also going to keep doing it regardless of what is said here. While the thread title isn't as specific as it should be please limit the reponses to the OP's question. Can he travel without repairing the system until he gets to a location where he can repair it.

[radar]

We towed a smart car on a trailer for about 10 years ish with no problem even in heavy braking operations. Total weight was about 2500 pounds though so pretty light. .