What mountain grade .....

We Cant Wait wrote:
Doesn't matter what the coach says. Check your registered state laws about brakes on towed vehicles. Most (but not all) states REQUIRE brakes on all towed vehicles if the weight is over 3000lbs. With your car at approx. 2600, AND a tow dolly you'll be pushing the 3000lb aux brake requirements.

You're WRONG when you state MOST... Many states DO...but its a long ways from MOST

WandaLust2 wrote:
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. We'll be towing with the 1999 32' Southwind. The car weights about 2600 and the booklet says the Coach can haul up to 5000 if no brakes on the tow. But no mention of mountains.

If you've done your research and your manuals say you're okay, then you're okay in normal driving conditions. Obviously if you loose control going down the mountain and end up going 100mph down the mountain... then brakes might be nice on that toad.

I think to say that every toad needs brakes is just being a little too militant.

Many mountain grades can be uncomfortable no matter what you're driving, especially curvy ones where you may have to suddenly stop because of an accident or similar incident, but you shouldn't be fearful of them.

A well maintained RV, towing a vehicle at or below it's weight limits, should be able to traverse any mountain grade. It's all about appropriate speed and use of your brakes if necessary.

Remember, back in the 50's, 60' and 70's, a station wagon with drum brakes was often the family vehicle of choice for towing those old trailers. I'm guessing back then, many of the large grades in the US were in worse condition (narrow and windy) then they are now.

It's all about common sense and as Clint Eastwood would say, "knowing your limitations".

You should feel uncomfortable when towing a car with no brakes on any road.
Read your owners manual for towing.

You may be surprised what your MH house/chassis manufacture says about above what weight to use supplemental brakes on the towed.

My Freightliner XC chassis has a sticker in the closet that says towing over 1,000 lb. use supplemental brakes.

Manually gear it down so you stay a 40 mph without using your brakes. The odds are it will come loose before you get to Mt. Eagle.:B

It sure would be nice if you could get at least an emergency brake on that setup. It would be awful if it disconnected and rolled down the mountain unattended.

Take it slow on the downhill runs. I see no issues.

You should be Ok doing Mt Eagle. Use your gears and pump your brakes. I assume your coach brakes are good.

Would be interested in a link to a chassis owners manual that states "towing capacity WITHOUT brakes on the toad/dolly". Most say just the opposite, that you have to have brakes on the toad/dolly.

Doesn't matter what the coach says. Check your registered state laws about brakes on towed vehicles. Most (but not all) states REQUIRE brakes on all towed vehicles if the weight is over 3000lbs. With your car at approx. 2600, AND a tow dolly you'll be pushing the 3000lb aux brake requirements.