Wrangler toad
We are thinking of buying a older 2002-2006 wrangler which would be auto trans and want to tow it 4 down,are brakes a must or can we tow it without brakes
Forum Discussion
"Now, here's the LEGAL deal. In all but VERY FEW states, it is required to have auxiliary brake systems in your toad. You can go on line and simply do a search for legal towing your toad behind your RV with or without brakes and, you'll find charts that tell you which states demand it and which don't."
SORRY,that just isn't true! While many states (and the FMVSS) have a braking performance law, and the state laws closely mirror the FMVSS, most states do not have any law that specifically addresses braking on a towed motor vehicle. In fact, I know of only one, NC, that does (see GS20-124). The lists of laws found on the internet almost always specify TRAILER brake laws. Nearly all states have a list of legal definitions, and the definition of a trailer usually does not include a towed motor vehicle. For an example, see Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 61-1-101 (82) (a). For an example of a braking performance law, see MCA 61-9-312.
So, is a braking system on a towed vehicle a GOOD IDEA? YES!!
Is a braking system required by law in "most" states? If you can stop the rig within 40 or 45 feet (depending on the state) from 20 MPH on a clean, dry, level, hard surface, probably not.
Are the lists of towing laws published by braking unit manufacturers factual?
Not even close!
SORRY,that just isn't true! While many states (and the FMVSS) have a braking performance law, and the state laws closely mirror the FMVSS, most states do not have any law that specifically addresses braking on a towed motor vehicle. In fact, I know of only one, NC, that does (see GS20-124). The lists of laws found on the internet almost always specify TRAILER brake laws. Nearly all states have a list of legal definitions, and the definition of a trailer usually does not include a towed motor vehicle. For an example, see Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 61-1-101 (82) (a). For an example of a braking performance law, see MCA 61-9-312.
So, is a braking system on a towed vehicle a GOOD IDEA? YES!!
Is a braking system required by law in "most" states? If you can stop the rig within 40 or 45 feet (depending on the state) from 20 MPH on a clean, dry, level, hard surface, probably not.
Are the lists of towing laws published by braking unit manufacturers factual?
Not even close!
