Towing without a car braking system??

[supercub]

Just curious how many out there tow without a brake system. I have a brake system that has a light plus audio to alert you when the brake is on. Since I have a diesel pusher with an exhaust brake, which I use, I seldom have the aux brake system engage. So I was wondering, how necessary is it to actually have a brake system in the tow car if one has an exhaust brake?? Thanks
Brian

[Bumpyroad]

rgatijnet1 wrote:


The breakaway requirements in California is for TRAILERS, not vehicles in tow.

I can see your lawyer now, convincing that jury hearing your case where your toad broke away and ran head first into a mini-van full of Nuns, but trailering my toad is not a trailer because.
bumpy

[CA_Traveler]

Nit picking is good to a point... But keep in mind that if you are in an accident and you don't meet the requirements as determined by insurance or a court you will not be a happy camper. ie Many of us have different views on toad brakes and keep in mind that the courts might have their own interpretation of your situation.

I want to protect my assets, prevent a accident or break away and not think about what state has what ever requirement.

People sue for anything. My son was in an accident (his fault), the other person was not hurt and the insurance paid everything. Still he sued us for $500K because he could. He eventually settled for $20K. And this person was a minister...

BTW Do you know what happens when the insurance company expenses (legal etc) reach your coverage limits?

[rgatijnet1]

conceptumator wrote:
For regulations by state, check out the website www.towingworld.com

Supercub: Your state trooper buddy is correct for CA....almost. The reg's there require you to have protection for braking the vehicle in case of breakaway. The only way you're going to get that is with a supplemental braking system. Better safe than sorry, for sure.

The breakaway requirements in California is for TRAILERS, not vehicles in tow.

[conceptumator]

For regulations by state, check out the website www.towingworld.com

Supercub: Your state trooper buddy is correct for CA....almost. The reg's there require you to have protection for braking the vehicle in case of breakaway. The only way you're going to get that is with a supplemental braking system. Better safe than sorry, for sure.

[conceptumator]

Whether you need it or not, a lot of states require it....period. If you drive through GA, for example, I don't care where your vehicle is registered, you best have one in place or you'll wind up sitting on the side of the road with a trooper while you get one installed. Check the towing regulations for your state, but I think you'll be surprised how many actually do require you have one in place.

[mowermech]

supercub wrote:
For what it's worth, I called the California Hiway Patrol today and talked to a 25 year veteran. When asked about a brake system in the tow car, I was informed it is NOT required by law when towing a car 4 down.

That may very well be true. However, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) AND the State Braking Performance Standards must still be met!
In California, IIRC, any "Combination of Vehicles" (a motorhome and towed certainly is a "combination of vehicles") must be able to stop from 20 MPH in 45 feet or less on a hard, dry, clean, level surface.
In Montana it is 40 MPH.
This standard is not just for commercial vehicles. It applies to nearly all vehicles. There are, of course, some exceptions. The Montana law is MCA 61-9-312. Look it up if you are interested in the exceptions.

It is also worthy of note that in Montana (and many other states) a towed motor vehicle does not meet the legal definition of a "trailer".
See MCA 61-1-101(82)(a).

[supercub]

For what it's worth, I called the California Hiway Patrol today and talked to a 25 year veteran. When asked about a brake system in the tow car, I was informed it is NOT required by law when towing a car 4 down.

[Mr_Mark1]

We use the SMI auxiliary braking system on our toad as I want ALL the stopping power I can get (if I ever need it).

At about 54K lbs., our 6 speed retarder is amazing at slowing us down. We also have a 'crash avoidance' system that will gear down the transmission quickly. When inches count, I want to stop NOW!

It seems to me, especially those towing heavier vehicles without aux. brakes, that a panic stop would put major stress on your tow bar and hitch mount.

MM.

[Kayteg1]

Just for clarification, CA require brakes on trailers 1500lb or more.
Boat trailers are exempt to 3000lb.
Law is often behind the life. Years ago road signs here would say "Vehicles with trailers 55mph" and motorhomes with toads could go at higher speed as toad is not a trailer.
Lately road signs were changed to "All vehicles While towing - 55mph"
About 10 years ago, shopping for car trailer in Nebraska was offered 7000lb trailer with no brakes. Brand new and perfectly legal in the state. The observation changed my braking habit a bit.

[Crespro]

While I use an M&G braking system now and think that it is much better to have brakes on the toad, from 1990 to 2008 I used either a tow dolly or four down with no toad brakes and no problems. So I and many others know that towing without brakes on the toad can be done safely.

I currently have a 2008 17' Bayliner that was bought new in California. It does not have brakes because California law did not require them for trailers under 3,000#. The state reduces the driving speed from 65 to 55 mph when towing, so it is likely that the state of California assumes a ten mph reduction in speed is equivalent to driving 65 mph with trailer brakes.

IMHO, the boat behind my Buick Enclave is a greater risk (even at 55 mph) than a car without brakes behind a motorhome. Again, I now use and prefer a braking system, but believe that a careful driver may operate safely without a braking system.

[dubdub07]

I use mine sometimes. Sometimes I don't. Depends how I feel. I have only noticed a big difference in the mountains, where I use it all the time. The MH takes such a distance to stop that I do not tailgate and am pretty slow in traffic. I suppose that my 5K could push me a little more without it. I watch the light and the brakes really don't come on much anyway. On the interstate it doesn't seem to be an issue.

WW

[wa8yxm]

Supplemental braking system inspections are kind of rare though Texas has just instituted an upgraded inspection program (I have no clue as to what they inspect I am proud to say I am NOT a Texan, I do know they have improved the inspections though).

The real danger comes when you do not stop in time, and thus rear end someone, and that someone hired Dewy, Cheatum & Howe attorneys at law (Fictional firm, thank you Messers Howard, Fine and Howard for that one) or their other firm.

Then you end up with a charge of "Reckless Endangerment" and one heck of a civil liability.

That is the law I fear, not so much the traffic ticket but the civil case.

[Skid_Row_Joe]

mikeintn wrote:
How does all this apply to a tow dolly?

Depends.

If your tow dolly has auxiliary brakes, then no sweat. If not? You better look into them pronto, if I were you.

[Skid_Row_Joe]

CA Traveler wrote:
I've got one and always will for a simple reason: Liability: Should I ever be involved in a serious accident (my fault or not) I don't want to be in court explaining why I didn't meet the states or Canadian requirements.

It also helps with an unexpected sudden braking situation and also ensures I meet the requirements during my travels.

Your liability goes well beyond what you've mentioned here. With or without towed vehicle auxiliary brakes may or may not have anything to do with your liability in all likelihood. If you're driving a big rig and a towed, you really ought to have something called; an umbrella liability policy for a minimum of two million dollars. Very few of us (but certainly several) can write a check for one million dollars or more beyond a court judgment against us, so I'd advise you to get that umbrella policy ASAP.

[Skid_Row_Joe]

mockturtle wrote:
My late husband and I towed a Blazer with our Foretravel DP for years without auxiliary brakes.

Not advisable - then or now. Too many pitfalls doing w/o towed brake systems.