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
rgatijnet1 wrote:
I understand and I will post the reply that I get from the Washington State Highway Patrol. Before when I mentioned that I contacted the various States where I travel, that did not mean that I talked with some cop on the beat. It meant that I sent the question right to the home office. The replies that I got from EVERY State mirrored the one I got from Florida HP:
A vehicle towed behind a motor home would be exempt from the braking requirements in Florida statute 316.261 as a drive away, tow away operation. Please contact me if you have any other questions.
Lt. Jeff Frost
Florida Highway Patrol
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 45
850-617-2279
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
To keep things short. Here is what Connecticut had to say:
I concur with FL and CT would treat it the same way.
Respectfully,
Donald Bridge, Jr., Lieutenant
CT Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Commercial Vehicle Safety Division
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5446
Fax: (860) 263-5587
I appreciate the fact that you asked the Commercial Enforcement division since they have a much better idea of what is or is not legal. However, for their answer to be valid you would need to provide them with the Chassis manufacturer's certification or other data stating what weight trailer would require brakes. Tow operations such as done by tow truck operators have vehicles specifically designed to be able to stop the tow vehicle and the towed vehicle with the service brakes on the truck. My company manufactures Class 5 - 8 trucks. Trucks manufactured for tow company duty have larger brakes and a heavier weight than standard box trucks or tractors of the same weight class. Think of a class 5 tow truck which is designed to tow most passenger cars. Why do they use a Class 5 truck? To be able to tow without supplemental brakes on the toad vehicle. I think I will ask the Washington State Patrol Commercial Enforcement division if towing behind a motorhome would still be brake system exempt in spite of the chassis requirements or non-commercial use. It would be very interesting to find out.
