Do we need another brake system ??

donsuefuggrwe wrote:
What is a $8000. FBP ?

FBP = full body paint (which can easily cost $8000 or more).

Bumpy makes a valid point. However, I think if you talk to folks that do not use a supplemental braking system, you'll find that cost is frequently not the main reason they choose not to use one. More common, realistic reasons not to use one are probably more along these lines:

1. Not worth the hassle, risk. Might allow you to stop just a little quicker which slightly reduces the risk of a rear end collision, but overall adds more risk of the system malfunctioning and doing MAJOR damage to the towed vehicle and causing a much worse catastrophy. A risk vs reward thing, basically.

2. Just plain not necessary, given the specific factors, situation involved. For example, someone with a new $1M 45' Prevost bus conversion towing a smart car. Would anyone really try to suggest someone in that circumstance should have a braking system?

3. Distrust, grudge against the companies that make these systems. When a company shamelessly and boldy LIES about state laws to sell their products, some folks consider such a company, product as a SCAM and they want nothing to do with it.

4. Simply NOT required by law in the states where one plans to travel, so don't see a need. Contrary to what braking system web pages lead you to believe, there are a lot of states that do NOT specifically require these systems.

Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree or disagree with any of the above reasons. Just trying to illustrate some reasons I've heard people discuss over the years for not using the systems. There is a lot more to one's decision to use these systems or not than just $$.

For the record, I use a brake system, Readybrake, and would not want to travel without it. However, I am NOT convinced that such systems should be used by EVERYONE towing a vehicle with a MH. Just too many factors involved to make any hard, specific rules on this.