Toad &a brake assist

mowermech wrote:
........brakes on a towed motor vehicle is a GOOD IDEA, but the statement that such are required by laws in most (or even many) states is just plain WRONG!

Mowermech is right. I really, really wish that when this subject comes up (and it does often), that people would STOP spreading the MYTH that 'most states require it', because just like mowermech pointed out, that just is NOT true. Yet, still, every time this subject comes up (this time included), within the first page there will be at least 2 or 3 people that throw out that myth again.

I think the reason for this is, the manufacturers of these systems are notorious for spreading these lies, and people eat it up as justification for spending thousands on these systems. Manufacturers go as far as putting nice little charts, tables, etc. on their web sites showing which states supposedly require such. However, as mowermech points out, this just simply is NOT true in most cases, when you look deeper at the specific laws, definitions related to this.

Yes, a supplemental toad brake system is a GREAT idea, and something everyone should seriously consider. However, don't let the BS about state laws that some people spread affect your decision one way or the other.

I actually live in the one state mowermech is referring to, I believe, that does require such (North Carolina). However, even with NC, the laws are soooo vague, its just about impossible to comply with it completely. Mowermech has the details, but NC basically says it has to be a system they approve of, but nowhere will you find anything saying just what types of systems they 'approve', hahaha. (right, mowermech?)

Gee, I hope my ReadyBrake system I use is one they approve of. :R Oh, wait, its not, since I can't engage or control it manually from the Motorhome. Guess I'm going straight to jail, now, huh? Hahahahaha. :)

Yes as it helps you stop more quickly when necessary.
and it may help you to keep things straight instead of jackknifing.

aboeck3 wrote:
I am towing a Honda CR-V l, weight 3500 lbs, do I really need a brake assist
In the car? Seems like a lot of hassle.

mowermech is correct that a towed motor vehicle is not a trailer.
Yes, auxiliary braking is a good thing to have along with breakaway feature.

Yes, toad braking IS a "good idea". A good breakaway system is an even better idea.
However, while many (if not most) states have a Braking Performance Standard, as does the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, (you must be able to stop any combination of vehicles within 40 or 45 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, dry, hard, level surface), very few states actually require an auxiliary braking system on a towed vehicle (in all my research, I have found ONE such state!)!
TRAILER braking laws, however, are very clear cut. There is no doubt, brakes ARE required on any trailer over whatever weight the state decides.
BUT, according to the legal definitions in many states, a towed motor vehicle is NOT a trailer!
Again, brakes on a towed motor vehicle is a GOOD IDEA, but the statement that such are required by laws in most (or even many) states is just plain WRONG!

SMI Air Force One is also very good (I'm told by folks in the know). I think Mr. Mark would agree that you should have something and he is driving a coach that could stop itself and that towed without even breathing hard!

aboeck3 wrote:
I am towing a Honda CR-V l, weight 3500 lbs, do I really need a brake assist
In the car? Seems like a lot of hassle.

Mr. Al,

As you can see, we have a '13 Honda CR-V too. Previously, we had an '07 Honda CR-V where we had the M&G system installed. Worked perfectly.

When we traded for the '13 Honda, the engine compartment was designed a little different making the M&G a more labor intensive install vs. the SMI Air Force One unit. They work very similarly. As I recall, the M&G would have been 7-8 hrs. labor vs. the SMI with about 3-4 hours labor. So, we went with the SMI.

Good luck.
MM.

Don't think about it as a good or bad idea, think about what happens if you are in an accident and your "trailer" does not have any brakes. The other guys insurance is going to have a hay day!
You will also be able to feel the difference once you install one. If you want to take the hassle out of a tow car braking system then install an M&G brake. If you car is on this list they have a unit to fit.
http://m-gengineering.com/Compatibility.html

Also, it doesn't matter what your home State's laws are relative to safety issues. If you travel in a state that requires it, you must have it or subject yourself to enforcement. Most States require it if your towed weighs over 1500 pounds...regardless of the law and the hassle, it makes you safer on the road, for yourself and those who share the road with you.....Dennis

Under normal and every day driving, toad brakes are probably not necessary. However it's a proven fact that under emergency conditions, a motor home pulling a toad where the toad has supplemental brakes, the combination will stop in a shorter distance than the combination without toad supplemental brakes.

That shorter stopping distance may mean life or death for someone... maybe even you.

So, use your own judgements.

Ron

YES! Especially the brake-away safety function. Baseplates, towbars, hitches fail, my baseplate did. You truly remember the day your toad passes you on the road.