Braking system required?

georgelesley wrote:

Y-Guy wrote:
The issue is that the question is a bit more complex then one might think, and comes up here often.

There are some State laws that are very clear about towing trailers based on the weight of the trailer For example one site I checked says that for Texas you are supposed to have breaks if your trailer is over 4,500# - what's not called out specifically is when does a towed vehicle qualify (if at all) as a trailer. This is where it gets a bit crazy so I am not going to debate that aspect. But for me I'd say anything I tow behind my motorhome is a trailer (for me). So when I had my ATV trailer I had breaks, chains and breakaway system. When I pull my boat, same thing. For for my Jeep I'd want those same features, again this is for me - as the laws can be interpreted different.

Your question won't generate a specific yes or no answer regarding at what weight should you have brakes based on the motorhome hitch or capacity. Yep more grey area, isn't this fun? ;) Some of the various State rules get into your ability to stop at a certain distance. Again your question would seem like a simple answer should be available, but I've never found it. My Winnebago owners manual doesn't address it either.

To be honest it's going to come down to your own judgement, some basic understanding of your State laws and risk potential. You could talk to the Texas Highway Patrol and they might help you, or you might get more run around. I really wish there was one clean cut answer to give you. If it helps, and you want some good material to put you to sleep here is the RVIA Trailer Brake Requirements by State.

If a trailer weighs XX lbs, and a toad also weighs XX lbs, even if the state law is vague, the laws of physics still apply. A fact that as a former insurance agent, I am sure insurance companies would be quick to note as they happily deny your claim. To me, the risk/reward is out of balance.