Ok, was just informed that my in laws are going to give us a blue ox tow bar that they had for their motorhome. I originally wanted to pull our explorer behind the class c, but looking at its weight, I definitely will have to have some sort of brake system. Our other alternative is to pull my 6 yr old Toyota yaris which can be towed 4 down as well, but it's weight is under 3000lbs which is more favorable anyway. According to nc, we can pull anything (except house trailer) that is under 4000 lbs without a brake system. So my question is, technically all I will need is a base plate for the yaris correct? I know a brake system would be better as well, but just looking for the minimum requirements right now.

You need the brake system, a base plate on the Yaris (not sure if anybody makes one), and lights for the Yaris. You can save some bucks by using a surge brake system to provide braking.You can't change the laws of physics and you can't change what the manufacturer of your motorhome says abut the need for supplemental braking.

JMHO. I have towed with & without braking system. I have my Blue Ox Patriot set high & still find with not following close, watching far ahead my toad brakes very seldom activate. However, if you do make a panic stop they help. Plus many states require them. My state of WY does not. I Just don't want to get a cite in a state that requires the braking system. I recommend getting it.

luvlabs wrote:You need the brake system, a base plate on the Yaris (not sure if anybody makes one), and lights for the Yaris. You can save some bucks by using a surge brake system to provide braking.You can't change the laws of physics and you can't change what the manufacturer of your motorhome says abut the need for supplemental braking.Surge brake system such as?

WyoTraveler wrote:JMHO. I have towed with & without braking system. I have my Blue Ox Patriot set high & still find with not following close, watching far ahead my toad brakes very seldom activate. However, if you do make a panic stop they help. Plus many states require them. My state of WY does not. I Just don't want to get a cite in a state that requires the braking system. I recommend getting it.I'm actually amazed at how lienent most of the country is. Just a few states require them on anything less than 3000 lbs. According to Brake Buddy's website.

Dinghy towing question | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

mowermech
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
wbwood wrote:
WyoTraveler wrote:
JMHO. I have towed with & without braking system. I have my Blue Ox Patriot set high & still find with not following close, watching far ahead my toad brakes very seldom activate. However, if you do make a panic stop they help. Plus many states require them. My state of WY does not. I Just don't want to get a cite in a state that requires the braking system. I recommend getting it.

I'm actually amazed at how lienent most of the country is. Just a few states require them on anything less than 3000 lbs. According to Brake Buddy's website.

Chances are, you will find on closer examination, that Brake Buddy is quoting TRAILER braking laws. In many states, a towed motor vehicle is NOT considered a trailer, according to the legal definition.
It is obvious the various states do not consider the risk worthy of legal note.
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Thanks...that's one of my fears is any of the braking systems hanging up or messing up the breaks...
ronfisherman
Moderator
Jun 16, 2013
If you are going to purchase a Ready Brake or similar system. You may want to read this thread on proper way to setup cables.
ReadyBrute braking problems--Follow-up
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Thanks...I found it soon after I asked that. $300 is better than a $900 brake buddy or similar.
ronfisherman
Moderator
Jun 16, 2013
wbwood wrote:
luvlabs wrote:
You need the brake system, a base plate on the Yaris (not sure if anybody makes one), and lights for the Yaris. You can save some bucks by using a surge brake system to provide braking.

You can't change the laws of physics and you can't change what the manufacturer of your motorhome says abut the need for supplemental braking.

Surge brake system such as?

Ready Brake.
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
WyoTraveler wrote:
JMHO. I have towed with & without braking system. I have my Blue Ox Patriot set high & still find with not following close, watching far ahead my toad brakes very seldom activate. However, if you do make a panic stop they help. Plus many states require them. My state of WY does not. I Just don't want to get a cite in a state that requires the braking system. I recommend getting it.

I'm actually amazed at how lienent most of the country is. Just a few states require them on anything less than 3000 lbs. According to Brake Buddy's website.
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
luvlabs wrote:
You need the brake system, a base plate on the Yaris (not sure if anybody makes one), and lights for the Yaris. You can save some bucks by using a surge brake system to provide braking.

You can't change the laws of physics and you can't change what the manufacturer of your motorhome says abut the need for supplemental braking.

Surge brake system such as?
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
JMHO. I have towed with & without braking system. I have my Blue Ox Patriot set high & still find with not following close, watching far ahead my toad brakes very seldom activate. However, if you do make a panic stop they help. Plus many states require them. My state of WY does not. I Just don't want to get a cite in a state that requires the braking system. I recommend getting it.
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Try here...

baseplate for yaris
luvlabs
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
You need the brake system, a base plate on the Yaris (not sure if anybody makes one), and lights for the Yaris. You can save some bucks by using a surge brake system to provide braking.

You can't change the laws of physics and you can't change what the manufacturer of your motorhome says abut the need for supplemental braking.

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Dinghy towing question

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