To Brake assist or not to brake assist ?

Blue Ox base plates come with a second set of safety cables, in addition to the standard cables, that connect from the base plate to the toad frame. If you used an installer, make sure they were installed per the instructions.

In the instructions with my base plate, in bold print they remind you to check all the bolts for torque on a yearly basis. Sometimes they may be properly installed, but not checked, or either improperly installed. I used red loctite on mine, will check in the Spring.

On the car coming loose---20 years ago my Aunt nearly lost her life when a car came loose on the other side of the Interstate, came across the medium and hit their car going 70mph near Salt Lake City. I myself had one come partially loose from a U Haul tow bar but I got it stopped without incident. So it does happen. A braking system is always good.

rockhillmanor wrote:
If your base plate comes off OR your bumper comes off with tow bar????


It WAS NOT installed properly period.

Glad you believe yourself. Not all of us are gullable with everything we hear. Putting all that aside, what does it have to do with using a auxillary braking system or not. Seems like a good reason to use one wouldn't you agree?

If your base plate comes off OR your bumper comes off with tow bar????


It WAS NOT installed properly period.

For many years I towed a 3200 pound Explorer Sport without auxiliary brakes, and my last experience with it in the mountains convinced me this was not a good idea. For the last seven years I've used the EvenBrake with great success. It moved from the Explorer to the CR-V with only adding an extra charge line to the Honda. HTH

Here's one that was very close to getting away.

I know off two cases where the toad broke lose and was free wheeeling on the interstate. I was personally told by the individuals who said there is no way they would ever post the situation. But that’s not why I have the supplemental braking system. It just makes sense.

jplante4 wrote:
In all the years I've been poking around RV forums, I have never heard of a toad breaking free and playing Hopper on the highway.

Well I had it almost happen (Due to the towed and a few other things we stopped safely) and then I had another time where the safety cables held.. That's all I'll say about it.

I've read of it happening to several others. So you must be doing as I do and skipping topics you do not feel interested or qualified in .

But as I said. IT HAPPENED TO ME save for the hopper part. We came to a safe stop. THe full story is funny. but I've already posted it oh perpahs 10 years ago .

Tripalot wrote:
If you decide not to use a braking system, check with your insurance company. If you were to have an accident, they might determine that you were knowingly driving an unsafe vehicle and therefore would not be covered by insurance.

I can't respond to Canadian laws and insurance policies, but here in the States, this statement makes no sense and is not valid. Nowhere in any policy will you find language like in this post.