Brake issue
Just bought a 2005 Nat. Dolphin 38' Class A MH and now looking at braking issue. MH stats: GVWR 24,000 GCWR 30,000 UNLOADED WR 20,000 MAXCC 3,160 CCC 1,782 TOW CAR...
Forum Discussion
mowermech,
Thanks for the link.
Here's the clicky: Stopping Distance.
For those interested, here's a link to the parent site: Random Science Tools.com
It does state that actual stopping distances will vary greatly depending upon the vehicle and condition of the road, etc. Using this calculator, the total stopping distance is 239 feet at 60 mph per that link. The "thinking distance" (time to see hazard and apply the brakes) is given as 59 feet, which would correlate to about 0.67 seconds. That's using the number given by "The Highway Code", again, per the link.
But for someone who wasn't paying attention or wasn't fully alert, that distance grows by 88 feet for every second of delay at 60 mph.
OP, with your tow car, your combination will definitely by over the GVWR of the chassis. Also, I believe the majority (if not all) braking systems have a "break away" feature so that if the toad should detach the brakes on the toad will be applied to bring it to a controlled stop.
As I said, regardless of what the legal requirements may or may not be, I think brakes on the toad is a good idea.
~Rick
Thanks for the link.
Here's the clicky: Stopping Distance.
For those interested, here's a link to the parent site: Random Science Tools.com
It does state that actual stopping distances will vary greatly depending upon the vehicle and condition of the road, etc. Using this calculator, the total stopping distance is 239 feet at 60 mph per that link. The "thinking distance" (time to see hazard and apply the brakes) is given as 59 feet, which would correlate to about 0.67 seconds. That's using the number given by "The Highway Code", again, per the link.
But for someone who wasn't paying attention or wasn't fully alert, that distance grows by 88 feet for every second of delay at 60 mph.
OP, with your tow car, your combination will definitely by over the GVWR of the chassis. Also, I believe the majority (if not all) braking systems have a "break away" feature so that if the toad should detach the brakes on the toad will be applied to bring it to a controlled stop.
As I said, regardless of what the legal requirements may or may not be, I think brakes on the toad is a good idea.
~Rick
