handyman2
florida
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Joined: 02/03/2003
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I'm new to RVing. I just bought a 40' DP. My question is, Do I need brakes if I'm only towing a Jeep Cherokee?
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Chuck S.
Tonasket, Wa. 98855
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Joined: 03/13/2001
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I grew up believing that any thing over 3000# needed aux. brakes. Also many states, but not all, require it. That would mean that only light cars ie: Saturn,etc. would fit. On the other hand, your jeep is less than 20% of the mtrhm gross so is probably ok. Your state of registration should be the governing factor. Chuck....
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big ben
SW Florida
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Joined: 04/30/2002
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Something else to consider is your driving habits and how well dose your MH stop with the Jeep behind it.
Ben & Jean
Tick a GSP
Full time since 1995
Spending the summer in Utah
2002 39' Winnabago Jouney DL
330 Cat
2005 GMC 4X4 PU
2 Yamaha Kodiak ATVs
web site
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patnchris
Gurnee, Il. USA
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Joined: 08/06/2002
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And don't forget MOUNTAINS...!!!...Pat
Patrick and Christine
and Maggie, the cocker spaniel pup
1995 Damon Ultrasport 3470 F53 Ford 460cu.in.
1995 Ford Windstar toad
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Dirt Rod
Coquille Oregon
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Joined: 08/27/2002
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Aside from the legal requirements
We were sure we wanted an auxiliary braking system and while we were still traveling and trying to decide on which unit to buy we lost our brakes. We were towing our Jeep GC and traveling in an area with short 13% grades and some very long 9% grades when we boiled the brakes. You only need to survive that experience one time to know auxiliary brakes are very cheap insurance. We chose the Brake Master system mainly because it’s proportional, it’s worked perfectly. It uses a compressor mounted in the coach so I’ve added an airline quick disconnect fitting and I now also use the compressor to inflate tires, bike tires etc.
Happy Camping
Dirt Rod W7WAF
1995 Rexhall Rexair 32 ft. Ford F-53/460
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4
1971 Bronco 4X4
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PUSHTOY
Everywhere USA
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Joined: 01/01/2003
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aside from the law in most states i know you want to be safe and not hurt anyone. Even if you dont have brakes on your toad, you need a brake a way in case something on your hitch brakes or comes loose. IT'S JUST GOOD SENCE
*This Message was edited on 11-Feb-03 10:14 AM by PUSHTOY*
GREG and LAUREN
2001 Endeavor 40FT. ISC 330
Dakota Quadcab 4x4 toad
FMCA 200924,GS Lifetime,CB.CH.13
Teamster Local 710 retired 
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Easley
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 01/10/2003
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According to the January issue of Family Motoring Coaching, every state except four specifies a towed vehicle weight requiring independent brake system. This magazine is not always 100% accurate but usually reliable.
My take is get brakes. If you should get into an accident, even though it is not your fault, a lawyer might use your no brake system a reason for you being at fault. Additionally, you will be amazed at the results of a brake on your toad. The added stopping power of your rig is really noticeable.
Jim
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msmith1199
Central, CA
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Joined: 10/07/2001
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Contrary to what you may read here or on RV web sites, most states would not require you to have brakes on your Cherokee especially since it's going to be behind a 40' DP. The only state law that I've seen that would require it is New Hampshire. There may be others out there, but when you get right down to reading the actual law most people are reading the law wrong, including trailer life magazine and the RV web sites.
Having said that, you decide on your own whether you think you need the brakes or not.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP.
2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or
2002 Harley FLSTF Fat Boy on a Trailer or
2004 Polaris Quad on the Trailer
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resqguy
Flat Rock, NC
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Joined: 06/07/2002
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With the weight of the Jeep, I would not take any chances. Get the toad brake.
Do a search in the Dinghy Towing on the Jeep Cherokee and you will get lots of information.
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Tsalla Apopka
Crystal River, FL
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Joined: 06/04/2002
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No Toad but have hauled a #5000 horse trailer many times and the brakes make a huge difference. As important! is knowing it will stop on it's own if disconnected!!!! AND with the new braking systems , like ABS, it'll probably stop fairly straight..............
Denny & Karen
Florida's Beautiful "Nature Coast"
Holiday Rambler Traveler 29' (A TREK in disguise!!)
Brit,TDI,BH & Claire,TDI (Belgian Sheepdogs)
Glady(Morgan Mare - retired),Toes & Beemer(Barn Cats-retired)
WA4OMG (Old Mangy Goat)
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