D.E.Bishop wrote:
lanerd wrote:
Most rv connectors have a provision for running a extra 12vdc line from the rv to the toad which will eliminate the need for disconnecting the toad's battery. Also, it sounds like you're speaking of the legality of towing with or without aux toad brakes...ie; brake buddy.
The law differs from state to state with some not even having this law. Some are regulated to weight of toad, some are regulated to how far it takes you to stop from a certain speed.
The most important aspect is all about safety. It's a proven fact that in an emergency situation, you will stop quicker and in less distance if your toad is equipped with an aux braking system as oppose to not having one.
In addition you have to take into consideration that if you are traveling in a state that has this requirement and you are involved in an accident, you more than likely will not only receive a citation but also your insurance will refuse your claim.
So, it's your choice.'
Ron
Ron, I agree with almost everything you had to say, especially the third sentence about safety. I loved mine and I hope that the sucker who bought it from the thief who broke in my towed and stole it, finds out it won't work in his towed or that some LEO checks the serial number against the theft report I filed.
I do wonder, however, about the last sentence, CA has reciprocity with the other 49 states on the subject, and with a very few exceptions the other 49 states have the same agreement with CA.
And how can an insurance company refuse to pay a valid claim without first stating in the exceptions that it does not cover toweds without aux. breaking systems. Do you have a list of them so we can avoid them.
One thing to know is that insurance companies are "for profit". Meaning they want to maximize income (our payments) and minimize output (their payouts). They will go to no length to keep money in their account. Regardless of what we see in commercials, they never show up at an accident with a checkbook. So if you are in any kind of accident where the other person is liable, you are not at all their customer. You are never right.
That said another group to worry about in accident situations is trial lawyers. Say your toad comes unhooked, crosses the median of an interstate at 60 MPH and hits someone head on, you are liable. Even if you have the same company insuring your RV as the toad, they are going to look for ways to get out of what will be a huge payout. And the other driver your toad hit (or worse, the surviving family) will get a high powered TV lawyer to get everything you have. Then a 1000+ supplemental braking system seems cheap.
That said we tow without a supplemental brake. One thing I want to know is this: if your toad does separate from your RV now it's going from 60+ MPH to 0 quickly! What happens if someone rear ends it? Are you at just as much fault as the unbraked car hitting someone?
