How to tow our Wrangler?

MPond wrote:
...

I used to have links to specific DMV articles about flat towing, break-away brake exceptions, etc..., but I bought a trailer and now my toad rides on that.

If anyone is interested, while looking for some other info on the CA DMV site, I stumbled into the DMV article that says cars being towed with a tow bar are NOT required to have a break-away switch:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/dl648/dl648pt11

Note: for some reason, this isn't working as a clicky, but if you copy and paste it, it will work... I've also made a TinyURL link to it that works:
http://tinyurl.com/mr4y5te

Again - it's not that I'm recommending not using a break-away brake system, just saying that it's not illegal in CA, even though some brake system manufacturers would have you believe otherwise.

Update: we're ready for testing!

Tow bar: I bought and installed a Smitty Bilt tow bar (+ 4 safety chains), cost around $160.

Lighting: I bought and installed the Roadmaster kit, which comes with 2 bulbs that install right into the Jeep's light housing, cost around $52

http://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/Jeep/TJ/2002/RM-155.html?vehicleid=20021137177

Brake: I got a BrakeBuddy classic with the breakaway system, cost around $850 new.

To hook up the lighting (4 prong) on the Roadmaster kit (on the Wrangler) to the RV (7 prong), I got a connector from O'Reilly that goes from the 7 prong to a 7 prong + 4 prong, cost around $16. (needed because we need the 7 prong for the truck camper)

Total spent: $1,078

Now it's on to testing the whole deal ...

tropical36 wrote:

bshpilot wrote:
oh lord hear we go again w/ the brake laws !

I refuse to discuss these laws at all and don't really care about any of them. My only concern is with stopping my rig and if installing a supplemental braking system helps even one iota, then it belongs on there. I mean even a little, could make all the difference in the world with someone's life and or major property damage.

And that's an excellent reason for you to have one - it's worth it to you.

tropical36 wrote:

I refuse to discuss these laws at all and don't really care about any of them. My only concern is with stopping my rig and if installing a supplemental braking system helps even one iota, then it belongs on there. I mean even a little, could make all the difference in the world with someone's life and or major property damage.

you're preaching to the choir brother Tropical36.

My concern doesnt end w/ stopping our coach....in fact stopping the coach WITH our Wrangler attached is a cake walk (even w/out supplemental brakes).

My concern is more for others - i do not want it on my conscious that our wrangler broke away and killed someone.....just because i cheaped out trying to save a few hundred bucks.

there are plenty of braking systems & break-away systems available (even on craigslist) !

I run Grade 70 safety chains w/ TRIPLE clevis hooks AND i run a Break Buddy w/ break-away set up...its ALL CHEAP INSURANCE (even if you pay full retail).

svcheerio wrote:
Well, then, here's another site with tow vehicle by state information:

http://www.actiondonation.org/articles/state-by-state-rv-and-towing-laws.html

It does seem to be trailer specific. My feeling? Do what you feel most comfortable doing. I would rather NOT have a fight with my insurance company if I were in an accident so I have a separate braking system. I'm a lover not a fighter!! :B .I am just more of a "safe than sorry" person and felt that the additional cost to protect myself further was worth it. But to each his or her own.

I'm not saying not to use them, I just have a problem with all the people who claim that it's illegal. It's my opinion that every rig and every situation should be evaluated on it's own merits.

When I was flat towing, my DP couldn't tell the difference with or without the Jeep behind it. But if I were going to flat tow behind a much smaller rig, my opinion would be different.

You do raise another question: People often claim that insurance will deny you coverage if you have an accident without the necessary braking devices. I've never believed that, as it would be no different than having an accident while speeding or while driving drunk. In both of those cases your insurance still has to cover you, but will likely drop you afterward.

But for the sake of argument (as I'm not an insurance expert), I contacted my insurance agent to ask. And he gave me a very similar response to what I said above - they can't deny you coverage for breaking the law; they can only decide not to renew your policy.

bshpilot wrote:
oh lord hear we go again w/ the brake laws !

I refuse to discuss these laws at all and don't really care about any of them. My only concern is with stopping my rig and if installing a supplemental braking system helps even one iota, then it belongs on there. I mean even a little, could make all the difference in the world with someone's life and or major property damage.

Well, then, here's another site with tow vehicle by state information:

http://www.actiondonation.org/articles/state-by-state-rv-and-towing-laws.html

It does seem to be trailer specific. My feeling? Do what you feel most comfortable doing. I would rather NOT have a fight with my insurance company if I were in an accident so I have a separate braking system. I'm a lover not a fighter!! :B .I am just more of a "safe than sorry" person and felt that the additional cost to protect myself further was worth it. But to each his or her own.

mowermech wrote:

bshpilot wrote:
oh lord hear we go again w/ the brake laws !

Yessir, "here we go again".
BUT, not very far.
I will just point out that many states have a firm definition of a "trailer", and that definition often does NOT include towed motor vehicles. The weight limits usually refer specifically to "trailers". Some states show UNLADEN weight of the trailer, some have GROSS weight.
Many states have a Braking Performance Law.
California is one of them.
Montana is another.
Braking laws are usually not reciprocal. You have to comply with the laws of the state you are currently driving in.

By the way, this website (http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws) is WRONG about Montana. That 3000 lbs. is the GROSS weight when a TRAILER requires brakes. The definition of a trailer in Montana does not include a towed motor vehicle. If you can stop your "combination of vehicles" within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, hard, dry, level surface, you are legal (see MCA 61-9-312). It is worthy of note that the site is sponsored by Brake Buddy. OF COURSE, they want you to believe that THEIR product is required by law nearly everywhere. the truth is, it is not.


Perhaps someday RVers will actually become knowledgeable about the laws in their own states, and this discussion will just fade away.
One can certainly hope so.

mowermech is right on here! I've researched the state vehicle codes for CA and a few other states I travel to, and trailer-brake laws don't apply to cars being flat-towed in many states.

I used to have links to specific DMV articles about flat towing, break-away brake exceptions, etc..., but I bought a trailer and now my toad rides on that.

bshpilot wrote:
oh lord hear we go again w/ the brake laws !

Yessir, "here we go again".
BUT, not very far.
I will just point out that many states have a firm definition of a "trailer", and that definition often does NOT include towed motor vehicles. The weight limits usually refer specifically to "trailers". Some states show UNLADEN weight of the trailer, some have GROSS weight.
Many states have a Braking Performance Law.
California is one of them.
Montana is another.
Braking laws are usually not reciprocal. You have to comply with the laws of the state you are currently driving in.

By the way, this website (http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws) is WRONG about Montana. That 3000 lbs. is the GROSS weight when a TRAILER requires brakes. The definition of a trailer in Montana does not include a towed motor vehicle. If you can stop your "combination of vehicles" within 40 feet from 20 MPH on a clean, hard, dry, level surface, you are legal (see MCA 61-9-312). It is worthy of note that the site is sponsored by Brake Buddy. OF COURSE, they want you to believe that THEIR product is required by law nearly everywhere. the truth is, it is not.


Perhaps someday RVers will actually become knowledgeable about the laws in their own states, and this discussion will just fade away.
One can certainly hope so.

oh lord hear we go again w/ the brake laws !