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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / Brakes for towing dingy

Lane User ID: 0004344	Jul 23rd 7:45 PM We have been talking to the local RV dealer about a tow bar for our vehicle. We have a 94 Dutch Star 34' motor home with a Ford 460. We have just purchased a 98 Honda CR-V to tow behind our motor home. We were told that a lot of the states are passing laws that your dingy must have a brake system on it. This we were told is also a must if we plan to go to Canada. We would love input on towbars and brake systems. If there is a web site that shows what states have these laws we would love to know about that too. Thanks in advance for your help.
Mike Administrator	Jul 23rd 9:46 PM Lane, While most states require brakes on towed trailers, many don't consider a vehicle towed four wheels down a trailer and don't require brakes on one. Calif. is one such state. The best source of information for different states would be the Dept. of Transportation of the state. Here's a list of them. (You may end up being referred to another agency.) http://www.bts.gov/external_links/government/state/department_of_transportation.html The different Provinces of Canada each have some different laws so it would be wise to contact them individually as well. You should find some links here as well as some other useful links for Canadian agencies. http://www.bts.gov/external_links/government/state/department_of_transportation.html Also, you'll find a useful link and other information in the 'Crossing into Canada' thread right here. I tow a 2000 lb. Suzuki Samurai behind or 34' class A MH. It does not have aux brakes but if it weighed any more it would have. Mike
Gil User ID: 9530533	Jul 23rd 11:28 PM Don't second guess the system. If your going to "TOW", SAFETY is the No.1 priority. Please ensure an auxillary braking system is utilized , regardless of tow method. ( In Canada or the US of A.) Gil
Jim R User ID: 1704034	Jul 23rd 11:41 PM I do believe that a brake away divice is required for many States and Provinces could some please explain ? Jim
Mike Administrator	Jul 24th 12:51 AM Lane, Here are the laws for British Columbia. http://www.icbc.com/FAQs/faqs.html Mike
Joe User ID: 7775003	Jul 24th 5:20 PM A CRV weighs about 32oo lbs and most states require a brake. Even if they don't the difference in stopping with a brake is significant. I use the Roadmaster Falcon tow bar and have for about 8 years now. I tow a Honda CRV. There are many types of brakes. The one I chose, which I believe is one of the best is the US Gear Unified Brake. It is electricly activated and sends a signal to the toad. The toad has a vaccuum pump wo when the brake is applied it is powered. Some brakes just put force on the pedal which is like stepping on the brake in your car without the power on. Another feature the Unified system has is there is a controller in the coach which tells you when and how much the brakes are being applied as well as an adjustment to put on the toad brakes more or less. Also a buzzer sounds if it does not work or there is a disconnect between the toad and coach. There is also a cable from the coach to the toad that if toad becomes discconnected from the coach, the toad brakes will be applied and stay on until released. This is the law in many states also. The system is pricey, but I believe worth the cost. Joe in Seattle Sorry for the long post. You can get towing requirements off of the FMCA website, I believe. There is also a tow brake comparion at: www.towbrake.com/chart_p.html
Freddie User ID: 8834313	Jul 25th 5:42 PM Lane, There's also a good product comparision in the August issue of "Motor Home" magazine for different toad brakes.
Jim R User ID: 1704034	Jul 26th 9:20 AM Mike can you explain what they mean re a brakeaway divice? As I did't make my ?? clear before. Thanks Jim
Ram Administrator	Jul 26th 10:08 AM Mike might be out takin' a break, so I'll give this answer a shot. Jim R., a break-away device is nothing more than a switch which will apply power to the brakes of your trailer/towed vehicle in case it should become separated from the towing vehicle. On many trailers, you'll see a cable with a pin (usually plastic) which fits into a switch. This pin holds the switch open so no power goes through. However, if the trailer gets away from the tow vehicle, the pin is then pulled, for the cable it's connected to is hooked to the tow vehicle. When the pin is pulled, it no longer prevents power from getting to those brakes, and they'll be applied, stopping the trailer from just going on its merry way down the road.
Jim R User ID: 1704034	Jul 26th 7:16 PM Thanks Ram as I thought but needed conformation as a lot of the States require that a toad be equipped with a brake away divce so it follows that a braking divice would be a must in my mind or am I wrong. Jim
Ram Administrator	Jul 27th 12:58 AM My personal opinion only, a braking device would be a good idea...period. Why NOT install one? Then you'd be good for whatever state you travel in, no matter what.
Red from Texas User ID: 9802413	Aug 14th 10:54 PM We tow a 3000 lb Saturn SW behind a 27 ft Southwind. Before "BrakeBuddy", coming to a complete stop on a 40 deg incline would cause the breaks to "stutter" (particularly at our home exit returning from trips). Since BrakeBuddy, we come to a smooth stop. It is so simple to install, and the sensitivity levels are convenient for wet/dry roads, mountains/flats,etc. Check it out for yourself. red
fisherman1964 User ID: 0596854	Sep 17th 12:31 PM If your looking for a braking system I would definately recommend Brake Buddy. I can't see anyone giving better after sales service than them. It can also be moved easily to other toads and works very well. As for tow bars, Blue ox or Roadmaster would be the way to go. If your towing a new car I would also check into some sort of Toad protection..here is a few websites to check out: www.brakebuddy.com - Brake buddy www.aemfg.com - Blue Ox www.protectatow.com - Protect-a-Tow Hopefully these sites will give you some assistance.
Bob Pharr User ID: 1989294	Oct 28th 10:48 PM Lane, if this is still an open item in your mind let me agree that a BrakeBuddy is great. I also tow a Saturn behind a 32' MH and think it is the best. The MH dealer installed another system initially and it burned up the brakes on my brand new Saturn. They had to buy me a brand new car! Lots of wasted time and mental anguish in that process, but all is well now. Bob
jd User ID: 9809413	Sep 28th 5:34 PM Brake Buddy Owners! Since the BB uses the toad's battery to run its internal air compressor - Is the battery drain a concern? Like if I tow a day, spend the night in a WalMart lot, continue another day, and go to unhitch at the end of that second day, will the toad probably crank? Thanks and God Bless, jd
wayne m. User ID: 1509104	Sep 29th 1:42 PM JD, probably depends on the condition of your battery. On my last trip I found the battery on my Tracker ran down after a day's towing. Battery was 4 1/2 years old. I replaced the battery and no more problems. On my return trip I towed the Tracker for two days and it started right up when I unhooked at home. I would stop every two hundred miles or so to run the Tracker for 2 or 3 minutes, per owner's manual, but doubt if this provided any significant battery charge.
Jerry Larson User ID: 8973393	Jan 26th 12:04 AM I also have a brake buddy and absolutely love it. I tow a 4500 lb Acura SUV behind a 33 ft Etasca, and would never be without toad brakes again. The system is adjustable based on toad wt. and mine rarely comes on under normal braking and slowdown. When needed however, it works fantastic and really reduces braking distance. It comes standard with brakeaway switch and activation warning now, and in my mind is an exceptional system. I have not had a problem with my battery. One previous comment about brakes not working well because of brake pressure without the enging running. During setup prior to each trip you activate the system 3 to 4 times. This bleeds off vacuum pressure and the brakes work normally just as if you were driving.
Randy Z User ID: 1223124	Feb 8th 2:49 PM I guess I am the odd man out, I used to use a tow bar but after all the restrictions with what you can or can't pull (automatics or standards)(what speed, how many miles etc.)and the troubles with remote braking systems and dead batteries, I have gone to a tow dolly with surge brakes and clip on lights. Now I can tow any frontwheel drive vehicle I want (a little car or my minivan), quite well. I think it tracks better, the brakes work well, and I don't have to install anything on a vehicle to void a warrantee. Lastly, I have never lost a windshield or even single light bulb lens because the front of the towed vehicle is above the rocks. By the time you buy a good tow bar and a mounting plate and a braking system you have probably spent more than a good dolly costs. It may take a few minutes longer to load but all in all I think the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Before you commit one way or the other, rent one and try it. Randy Z