Do I Really Need A Brake Buddy
I tow a 2006 Honda Accord....been using a brake buddy but since it's not a heavy vehicle I don't want to use the brake buddy. Most of my travel is level with some slight hills. Used to do the 11,000...
Forum Discussion
msturtz wrote:
Just a point of fact. A vehicle in tow for legal purposes is in fact a trailer. I can prove why.
Every time this subject comes up, some people always try to dig up some version of the law that they can interpret their own way. They always refuse to contact their own law enforcement agency because they have some tired old excuse that they can't believe them and it will never stand up in court etc, all BS.
In any case, in the State where you live, Washington, here is what the LAW says and the specific Statutes for you to confirm it.
RCW 46.37.340
Braking equipment required.
(3) Brakes on all wheels. Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels EXCEPT:
(c) Any vehicle being towed in driveaway or towaway operations, provided the combination of vehicles is capable of complying with the performance requirements of RCW 46.37.351.
RCW 46.37.351 says, C-4
All combinations of
vehicles in driveaway-
towaway must be able to stop in less than 40 feet at 20 MPH.
To review.....a "Vehicle in tow" is NOT a trailer, except in the minds and advertising brochures of the people that sell supplemental braking systems.
I do not advise driving without supplemental brakes BUT if your Brake Buddy, or other system fails, you do not have to abandon your toad on the side of the road. You can legally continue to drive to some place to get it fixed, or wherever else you want to go.
The OP asked a simple question and the answer is he should use the Brake Buddy, but he doesn't legally have to.
