amore
USA
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Joined: 10/03/2001
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There is no confusion at all, if your trailer or towed vehicle is over 1500 lbs. you better have a supplemental braking system of some sort. Sure each state has different regulations, but they all have one thing in common, you are responsible for your actions and the actions of the vehicles you tow on public highways. I suggest you practice safty first and formost. We're on the same roads with you and don't want any vehicle out of control, in our lane.
We have places to go and people to see!
amore
Rich & Vickie & spoiled Yorkies
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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hamguy: You bring up an interesting situation. You representing a client..etc..etc.
BUT!...( dont ya love that "but"..*S*) The MAJORITY of states in the CONUS...DO NOT require "brake assistance" on any "vehicle" that ...( here it come..*S*) WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE TOWED to start with ( meaning CARS) With a trailer...thats a different story...but with a "toad" ( commonly referred to as "cars") there ARENT required.
NOW....Im not saying they arent a good idea...because they ARE...but "a good idea" and "required" are 2 different things!
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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hogbreth: I think you'll find that the "general opinion" is there is no way you can be wrong buying/installing/using additional brake equipment. PLUS...it just might save your butt!!!
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Ax5
FTBenning, GA
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Joined: 09/02/2003
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As you can see & read you will get different opinions on this issue! It's like Wade vs. Roe... You spend plenty of money for your class A, so a few more hundred bucks for a brake buddy, safety and a piece of mind it's worth it! It's like having earth wake insurance in your permanent resident, you might never need it, but it you do, you will be damn glad you had it! I have a BB and it's simple to put on and off and yes, you can tell the difference when stopping!
Hope this helps and welcome to the interesting world of RV!
Ax5
2004 Sea Breeze 1321, V-10 Triton, 310HP, 2-Slides
1-Golden Retriver (RV Security Commander!)
2-Army Soldiers
XM Radio w/Boom-Box
Brake Buddy system
Not much time to go these days~ Army Staff, Pentagon, DC for 1 more year and then retirement~
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JTrac
Oklahoma
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Joined: 10/27/2003
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I don't see how having one or not increases your liabilty. If you are at fault in an accident, no matter what the reason, you are going to pay, even if you have a supplemental braking system. I don't think the person you hurt, or their lawyer, is going to let you and your insurance company off the hook because you had toad brakes. I think we should do everything we can to reduce the odds of having an accident. It would seem to me the best reason for having one is for the safety of yourself and others no matter if some states may require it or not.
JimT
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retired logger
WA USA
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Joined: 12/10/2003
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Quote:I don't see how having one or not increases your liabilty. If you are at fault in an accident, no matter what the reason, you are going to pay, even if you have a supplemental braking system. I don't think the person you hurt, or their lawyer, is going to let you and your insurance company off the hook because you had toad brakes. I think we should do everything we can to reduce the odds of having an accident. It would seem to me the best reason for having one is for the safety of yourself and others no matter if some states may require it or not.
The difference is, being charged with minor negligence or gross negligence (If at fault). and the out come of the judgement.
Short time young and a long time old !
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ploiselle
South Shore, MA
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Joined: 05/28/2003
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Weight by state
http://www.towbarsunlimited.com/page/page/474106.htm
41' Mountain Aire (MADP) -Spartan- Cummins 350 ISC
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Brake Buddy - CoachNet
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DDVTX
Houston, Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Quote:hamguy: You bring up an interesting situation. You representing a client..etc..etc.
BUT!...( dont ya love that "but"..*S*) The MAJORITY of states in the CONUS...DO NOT require "brake assistance" on any "vehicle" that ...( here it come..*S*) WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE TOWED to start with ( meaning CARS) With a trailer...thats a different story...but with a "toad" ( commonly referred to as "cars") there ARENT required.
NOW....Im not saying they arent a good idea...because they ARE...but "a good idea" and "required" are 2 different things!
I believe an argument could be made in a court that if you have a car, that is set up as a toad, or better yet one that in the owner manual explicitly indicates it can be towed 4 down, the vehicle is then intended to be towed.
It would be down to slitting hairs (such as Clinton and did he or didn't have sex with Monica?)...but in a court in front of peers which probably don't all own RVs and preceive RV owners to be rich, no brakes in a toad car, probably gets the book sent flying at ya!
100% in favor of safety factor increased by having the toad breaks.
David (N5SNS), Darlene, and young Victoria (a RVing family)
FMCA; AAA; Tousand Trails; Good Sam Club Life Members; HR Club
38' HR Endeavor-D
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barbjohn
Newburgh, NY, USA
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Joined: 09/30/2003
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Wow, 1000 bucks for me to put a box in my Suzuki Samurai. My 13 year old son can push it by himself. They get you coming and going. Maybe only lawyers should own RV's.
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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This is always a "hot" topic!
Washington State requires brakes on trailers, but not on motorized vehicles being towed. Towing a motorized vehicle puts you into a different class and all they go by is a performance standard, you must be able to stop in 40' from 20mph. But, that said, I would NEVER tow a toad without supplemental brakes. Wonder why they think the laws of physics are changed just because the vehicle you're towing has an engine in it? Weight is weight and mass is mass and velocity is velocity. A heavier vehicle will take longer to stop. Spending $300-$1000 for the security is worth it to me.
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