When I push the "Brake Test" button on my auxiliary brake unit while coasting on a level road, I can feel the added drag from the toad brakes. I would think that to be normal. For weights, this is a 4,500 lb. minivan connected to a 21,500 lb. (loaded) motorhome. (Kind of like dragging your kid behind you. If he's happy, it's an easy pull. If he's yelling and screaming, you'll feel the difference (and that's comparing a 50 lb. kid to a 200 lb. adult! LOL)
I don't know if I'd feel much difference if the brakes were on when I started up, though, as I've read stories of people dragging their toad around with the brakes on. But from a free-roll to a "brake test" condition, I can feel a slight tug from the toad. I would think that to be normal and would be more concerned if I didn't feel anything.
Under normal braking conditions, the rig seems to brake the same whether I have the toad or not. However, I have done a few tests with the auxiliary brake disabled and I can definitely notice the added stopping distance of the motorhome with the toad attached and no auxiliary brakes. So in my opinion, yes, there SHOULD be some noticeable difference.
~Rick
