Brake Buddy Brake away switch

Oct 2013 we were southbound on I-75 through KY. Saw a car against a tree on the far side of the northbound lane. Several cars stopped but didn't see any damaged. Just ahead of us was the southbound motorhome less their TOAD. I think they were lucky and everyone managed to avoid the TOAD so no one was killed.

While in Key West I talked with one long time full timer. He said that he had lost his TOAD twice. Once when the bracket came off and again when the tow bar failed. One resulted in no damage as the TOAD stopped just short of a concrete bridge.

I always use mine!

I only know of one break away that was posted on these boards years ago and I'm sure it's rare.

Several years ago a MH/toad was involved in a head on, ended in a ditch with the toad rear end up in the air but it remained connected, pictures posted. All 3 vehicles destroyed and the young couple in the car didn't survive.

For myself I've done everything I could to ensure that I comply with all state and Canadian laws and I'm not concerned about changing anything for border crossings. And that includes insurance as well.

John&Joey, Good points. Certainly not all of the information on towing that is posted on commercial websites is consistent. It can be difficult to determine just what are the various state requirements.

I needed a new pin for the BB break away. They sent me a new one free.

Gets me how people can spend $$ on fancy RV Parks and things. But do not want to keep there sat fey equipment in working order.

Bumpyroad wrote:

wallynm wrote:
Some boat trailers do not have brakes.

John&Joey wrote:
Just something to think about. How many of you tow boats without a break away feature. How many tow other types of trailers that don't have break away brakes. Is the law more harsh for toads then those trailers?

my light weight boat trailers did not, the heavier ones did. don't know the breaking point.
bumpy

I think the brakes that you're talking about are the inertia type brakes and not break-a-ways. If that boat pops off the ball without an electrical brake unit installed it's going to run away. That's why there are safety chains on trailers. BTW how many pull horse trailers, or low boys with only inertia brakes and chains?

To the OP if you really want a good answer you should ask how many on the forum have ever had a toad come off the tow bar and break away from the MH. I only know of one incident, and that happen to a FT'ing couple some 20 years ago prior to brake units. It was their turn at the parks' Thanksgiving meal to tell the worst thing that ever happened to them while RV'ing.

Not saying a break away is a bad idea, just saying that sometimes this forum can run on paranoia, then it turns into gospel. It keeps the new from getting out there, putting on miles, and enjoying themselves for fear that disaster is looming around every corner if they miss something, like a corroded connection on a break away.

Now if the state you're in requires a break away for your weight, that's a different story.

A variation: I now have a Roadmaster Invsibrake and the pin stays in 24/7 and the cable is disconnected by a carabiner. And I mean 24/7 - the MH could be a mile away, the car key off etc. No pin and the brake is set...

But then there is no brake hookup, nothing at all.

But then I could leave the cable off but I don't.

Somehow lost the pin on mine a couple of summer's ago. Haven't bothered replacing it yet, so no I don't use mine.

I get a chuckle out of " I do not use it because it may fail comments". Every thing mechanical may fail, ABS system, ignition switches, hydraulic systems, power steering, hubs, water separators, to name a few and last but not least the human driver. We use all safety systems we have and that includes a break away switch.

wallynm wrote:
Some boat trailers do not have brakes.

John&Joey wrote:
Just something to think about. How many of you tow boats without a break away feature. How many tow other types of trailers that don't have break away brakes. Is the law more harsh for toads then those trailers?

my light weight boat trailers did not, the heavier ones did. don't know the breaking point.
bumpy

Some boat trailers do not have brakes.

John&Joey wrote:
Just something to think about. How many of you tow boats without a break away feature. How many tow other types of trailers that don't have break away brakes. Is the law more harsh for toads then those trailers?

Went all last year without and it made me nervous. Bought one and installed it last week.