What mountain grade .....
What mountain grade would you consider a bit uncomfortable when towing a car with no brakes on the dolly? We have to go up and down Mounteagle mountain in TN which is a 5% one way and 6% the other. W...
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I understand the desire for brakes on the tow dolly. However, as several have said, it can be done safely with care and caution. From 1990 until 2005, I drove a 34' and 37' Pace Arrow. For most of that time I used a tow dolly with no brakes. That was also before I joined RV.Net and understood better the risks involved.
California allows towing a trailer up to 3,000# without brakes, but reduces the towing speed from 65 to 55. The ten mile per hour reduction in speed is about the level of reduced kinetic energy to be comparable to 65 with toad brakes. So by slowing down and watching distance to the next vehicle, this can be done with reasonable safety.
Make sure to gear down early on the descent. Most vehicles are best between 40 and 45 in a lower gear on the downslope.
I now have a DP with a very good M&G braking and breakaway system on my Buick, so I understand the best system. However, with care your tow dolly can be operated with acceptable safety.
California allows towing a trailer up to 3,000# without brakes, but reduces the towing speed from 65 to 55. The ten mile per hour reduction in speed is about the level of reduced kinetic energy to be comparable to 65 with toad brakes. So by slowing down and watching distance to the next vehicle, this can be done with reasonable safety.
Make sure to gear down early on the descent. Most vehicles are best between 40 and 45 in a lower gear on the downslope.
I now have a DP with a very good M&G braking and breakaway system on my Buick, so I understand the best system. However, with care your tow dolly can be operated with acceptable safety.
