Do I Really Need A Brake Buddy

Regardless of any laws, and by chance your toad breaks loose ( yes it's happened), how do you plan to stop it from doing all kinds of damage, or perhaps killing someone ( maybe even you).

The laws that apply to ALL states are the laws of physics. And they say you WILL stop shorter in a panic situation with a properly working auxiliary brake system than without one. End of story...

I second Mr.Mark's assessment. We too use supplemental brakes. Of the 90,000 miles we've put on the coach less than 10k have been freeway miles. All the rest are back roads. We've had a school bus pull out in front of us, a car make a left turn and an older couple that cut us off and slammed on the brakes as the light turned yellow because they saw a black and white. Not positive I'd been involved had I not had the supplemental brakes but what I am sure of is that having it sure helped my psyche....my advice? You have it, use it.......Dennis

Mr. Bobby,

I understand that you probably want to make things simpler. And I'm like you, I don't travel in the hills too much while in the coach with toad. I'm probably one of the slower coaches on the road as I like a leisurely drive.

But, the thought of me jamming on the brakes and having my toad push me gives me the eebie-jeebies. What if I needed that 2 extra feet of stopping distance? I surely don't want to ever be in an accident and I'm sure you don't either.

Our coach is equipped with a 6 speed retarder. The minute I touch the service brakes, the retarder kicks in and increases as I push the pedal harder. So, I always have assistance stopping the coach (we weigh 55,500 lbs., toad weighs 4,200 lbs.).

I'm using the SMI Air Force One supplemental braking system on the toad. I know that my hitch set-up is also not being over stressed in a panic stop.

If you decide to go without, be extra careful!

Safe travels,
MM.

Retired VSP wrote:
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 foot mountains but not now. Any thoughts on this. Thanks.

if you'll check your MH's documentation or check with the mfg. I bet you'll find that the brakes on your MH are rated for the GVWR of the MH and not the GCWR. that means that if your actual MH weight plus the actual towed weight of the accord is less than the GVWR of the MH you might be able to get away with it. but IMO you should continue to use your brake buddy cuz it's one of those things I'd rather have and not need vs need but not have. since you already own one and assuming it's in working condition then all you're really out is setup and take down time.

“I don't want to use the brake buddy. Most of my travel is level...”

What will be your increase in stoping distance if you disconnect Brake Buddy from..oh..65 mph to a dead stop? Level ground of course since Virginia has no hills....none! I’m betting you have no idea. Like a Corvair, you’ll be unsafe at any speed. Being “legal” is the minimum, not necessarily what’s right.

Most states require the use of supplemental braking for TRAILERS.
I sent out inquiries to every State where I would travel and not one of them required a braking system for a "vehicle in tow" with an RV.
The stipulation being that your combined vehicle still had to stop within a certain distance.
The companies that sell braking systems will all post the requirements for TRAILERS, and never for a vehicle in tow.
All you have to do is contact any State highway patrol and you will get the same answers as I got.

Most states do not have laws requiring auxiliary braking systems on towed motor vehicles. They have laws for trailers!
I would recommend using you Brake Buddy even though I do not care for them.
I like a system like mine, an SMI Stay-n- Play. It does not have to be removed to operate the toad.

Aside from the weight, MOST states require you have a braking system. The reason is that without it, your braking distance is increased, making the likelihood of a rear-end collision more likely. Plus panic stops will engender more panic whilst braking. Not to mention that if you do have an accident, you could be liable big time if you didn't have the system. Please use it.