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maudski92's avatar
maudski92
Explorer
Mar 25, 2015

brakes for dinghy tow

We have a 2007 36 foot Damon Challenger with a GVWR of 20,500. We have sold the tow dolly we have been using and want to dinghy tow our 2013 Ford C-Max. Do we need a additional braking system for in side the car?
  • It is best to have auxiliary braking in most cases. Even if some say you do not need one, it is still a good idea.
    I prefer one that doesn't have to be moved before driving the toad. I have a SMI Stay-N-Play. Roadmaster has a good one also.
  • Two issues if you do not have a toad braking system:-
    1) Your EMERGENCY braking distance is increased by the ratio of the toad weigh to your total GCW. ie if your RV is 27,000# and the toad is 3000#, then your stopping distance is increased 10%. (30000/3000)
    2) Think of your liability in the unlikely (but not impossible) event the toad breaks away from the RV. What is going to stop it? Hopefully not a minivan full of kids going the opposite way!

    Your comfort level, your call, but give it some thought.
  • We used a "Brake Buddy" when towing our jeep. Some states require the assistance. They are pricey - but worth the piece of mind.
  • Been using Ready Brake for the last 9 years. Inexpensive and works well. Nothing to put on the floor or store. Hook up and unhook in 30 seconds. What more could you want? Also available built into a tow bar.

    Jim
  • Most states either have law requiring one or have laws that require a certain stopping distance. And probably there are some that don't have either. And probably most require some sort of breakaway system.

    In any case, as mentioned above, your stopping distance under an emergency situation will be shorter with a toad supplemental braking system installed than the coach would without or even by itself.

    Yes, they can be pricey, but what price do you put on your safety and those with you or the ones you run into?

    There is almost a "daily" post on this subject. Just put in "toad braking" in the search area and you'll find many post that probably will provide you with the answer you are looking for.

    Personally, I will not pull my toad without one. See my signature for what I use.

    Ron

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