Toad brakes

This topic gets beat to death about once a week. I have yet to see any evidence where an aux braking system prevented an accident that would have otherwise occurred. Not saying that it doesn't happen but there is simply no data that I have seen, and I have asked on here repeatedly. The bottom line is; the law is the law and it's contingent on the state you are in. If the law in a state you'll be travelling says you need brakes, then you need brakes. Not sure why this is such a heated debate. Err on the side of caution, but some folks on here snubbing others for not having brakes when the states they are in don't require them, and in some cases they just don't need them, need to chill. There is a reason they sell dolly's without brakes and why tow bars and brakes come in separate systems and not integrated. Because some folks just don't need them. But stick to the law or whatever helps you sleep. There is a lot of doom and gloom on this topic and frankly I haven't seen much in the way of supporting evidence. Everyone one of us could do a thousand things to make their rig a little safer, stop a little faster etc. All the "what if this happens, or what if that happens" could go on forever.

timmac wrote:
Nope its not a issue unless in a accident or highway patrol inspection, the inspection may never happen in your life time.

I don't have brakes on my toad {04 Wrangler} and don't need them, my tow-haul trans has the engine/trans brake and I can stop in a short order, also drive slower and don't tail gate and you won't need them..

That's unless your toad is very heavy..

What stops your Wrangler if were to break loose and starts careening down the highway? I guess whatever it runs into first. I hope it is not a person or an oncoming vehicle. I hope you have a large liability insurance.

IMHO If you can afford the Motorhome and the toad and all the accessories and the gas or diesel, then buy and install an Aux Brake system. Safety first!!!

enblethen wrote:
Your home state laws should apply.
However I would start thinking about getting an auxiliary braking system. It is a good safety item.

For some licensing requirements you are right, your home state laws apply. Not this one. Like in previous posts how would you feel if your toad broke loose and killed someone? It isn't how I would feel so much about that but how would it feel being in jail because of it? If you break a state law and accidentally cause a serious injury or death you are responsible. It may just mean a law suite or it could mean jail time.

I can give you a good example of state laws. Just because I can drive 65 in Wyoming and tow a toad with no brakes doesn't mean I can drive 65 in CA and tow a toad with no brakes.

Careful with the safety chains. I know of two incidents where the hitch on the motorhome failed or came loose from the motorhome, thus releasing the toad. One time the break away switch was attached somewhere else to the motorhome and stopped the toad. The other time it rolled down into the median and did not hit anything, but could have. So if you are going to rely on chains, make sure you don't hook them next to the receiver. Also, a trooper told me that toads were considered trailers in or state, Florida, and all trailers over 1500 lbs must have brakes here.

mtofell1 wrote:

Executive wrote:
So much misinformation.....

All States have reciprocal agreements that allows for you to travel from State to State and if it's legal in your home State it will be legal in the other States.

However, these reciprocal agreements DO NOT apply to SAFETY issues.

Using the argument that whatever is legal in your State would apply in other States, try driving over 55MPH in California while you're towing. Other examples besides speed are weight and length limitations. Reciprocal agreements apply to such things such as driver's licensing, registration and NON SAFETY items. In other words, if you're driving in a State that requires brakes on your toad, you will be in violation if it does not and subject to citation depending on the mind set of the LEO that stops you.....Dennis

I really mean no offense by this but isn't every traffic law ever made written with the intent being increased safety? If not for safety, what would be the point?

Of course different states have differing ideas as to what is safe. Hence the different laws in different states. I've hear the reciprocal agreement thing with states but have never seen the "except for safety" tag tied to it.

Executive has it right. And safety is mentioned often and is the reason for non reciprocity.

So then the signs that say no engine braking are saying not to use our safety devices. The issue still is that a car is not a trailer. I noticed my braking without my retarder is much worse then with it. I keep it on. I never felt my wrangle behind me so no need for a brake. I have enough CCC in the coach to pick up the wrangler and put it in the coach. Now wit the grand, I would be a bit over the CCC of the coach when I am fully loaded. Thus I finally put on a brake.

But would not the F-53 tow-haul trans that uses the engine to help with stopping also consider a additional breaking system, that's why I don't have a brake system in my Jeep cause the motorhome and trans breaking system stops just fine.

Hook-up your toad and take a ride at highway speed. Make an emergency stop, then decide for yourself. I did and bought the Aux brake, my gasser brakes faded during that hard stop. At that time I had a Work Horse.

Executive wrote:
So much misinformation.....

All States have reciprocal agreements that allows for you to travel from State to State and if it's legal in your home State it will be legal in the other States.

However, these reciprocal agreements DO NOT apply to SAFETY issues.

Using the argument that whatever is legal in your State would apply in other States, try driving over 55MPH in California while you're towing. Other examples besides speed are weight and length limitations. Reciprocal agreements apply to such things such as driver's licensing, registration and NON SAFETY items. In other words, if you're driving in a State that requires brakes on your toad, you will be in violation if it does not and subject to citation depending on the mind set of the LEO that stops you.....Dennis

I really mean no offense by this but isn't every traffic law ever made written with the intent being increased safety? If not for safety, what would be the point?

Of course different states have differing ideas as to what is safe. Hence the different laws in different states. I've hear the reciprocal agreement thing with states but have never seen the "except for safety" tag tied to it.