Supplemental Brake... Necessity or Preference
We seem to have a good number of discussions on the issue of the need for supplemental brakes... Unfortunately many of the discussions are not very productive in terms of giving those who have an open...
Forum Discussion
stevelv wrote:
So here's a technical question
If a manufacturer rates their braking system for the GCWR of the MH (that's the weight of the MH PLUS the weight of the toad) then can braking distances be shortened by having a supplementary braking system operating on the toad?
First I do not think there are many Motorhomes with brakes rated to full GCWR...
I believe that supplemental brake "can" shorten the stopping distances under some circumstances... The question is how much and under what circumstances... And it would depend a great deal on which supplemental brake system... Since many of the supplemental brake systems have user settings which will vary the amount of braking force.
Supplemental Brakes are not the panacea for accident avoidance...I do believe that no amount of added braking force will overcome driver errors due to inattentiveness, fatique or mistakes in judgment. Or add any predictable protection due to actions of other vehicles, road hazards, or road conditions.
I do believe that aside from failure of the supplemental brakes which is possible that the addition of a supplemental brake system can add a safety margin.
JohnnyT Moderator
