Yes, this is always a very volatile subject. One of the reasons being, it frequently results in a lot of misinformation, urban myths, etc. getting spread. Those that know better then feel like they need to speak up.
A previous post here is a prime example of that:
...If you have an accident, realize not having a supplemental braking system is a good excuse for the insurance company to deny your claim.
..This is a very common urban MYTH, that has been proven to be false over and over and over, yet some folks still insist on spreading this myth. Really wish folks would stop propagating this myth.
Your insurance may well raise your rates, or even cancel your policy after paying on a claim, where something like this happens. However, they are NOT going to be able to deny coverage, just because you exceed a manufacturer recommendation like GVWR, GCWR, braking capacity, etc. If that were the case, they could weasel out of paying ANY and EVERY claim in one way or another. Insurance would be worthless. That whole idea is ludicrous, and just needs to die, haha.
Oh, and here's another one:
...Also leaves another opening for a lawsuit because you did NOT do all you could have to be safe..
LOL, using that 'you didn't do all you could have to be safe' logic, leads down a ridiculously slippery slope, and proves nothing.
You COULD have also spent a ton more $$, and upgraded the brakes on your MH, 'to do all you could to be safe'.
You COULD have also just not towed the vehicle at all, drove it separately 'to do all you could to be safe'.
You COULD have also just rented a car at your destination and not brought another vehicle on the road 'to do all you could to be safe'.
You COULD have also just sold the MH, drove a much safer car, stayed in hotels, 'to do all you could to be safe'.
You COULD have also spent $1M on a Prevost bus conversion MH with air brakes, 'to do all you could to be safe'.
(..You see how ridiculous this 'you didn't do all you could have to be safe' argument really is?)
...Anyway, to answer the original, specific question: No, you do not necessarily need a Brake Buddy for your CRV. There are several other brake systems to chose from, some of which are a much better choice. I highly, highly recommend a Readybrake system over Brake Buddy.
As to the more broad question, of whether you need a braking system of some kind with a CRV behind a 40' DP: Check with the laws of the states you'll be towing in, see if they require braking on a towed vehicle. If so, you'd best be adding a brake system. Doubtful you'd get stopped and ticketed for such, but still not a good idea to be ignoring laws like that.
If the laws where you will travel do NOT require such, then its really a personal decision that you have to make, based on how much $$ you want to sink into it, vs just how much increased safety you think you'll get. No doubt you'd be safer and could stop quicker with a braking system added. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be a ticking time bomb on the road just waiting to kill a bus full of nuns without the supplemental braking system either, hahaha.
๐ People towed cars with MHs for years and years without issue, long before there ever were toad supplemental braking systems.
Regardless whether you chose to get a braking system or not, you should seriously consider getting some kind of break-away setup. I personally recommend a Readybrake system, with their Readystop breakaway unit. Simple cable-operated system, works great, no electronics to mess with or foul up, nothing to have to put in and take out every time you travel, and costs a LOT less than all the other systems.
Will and Cheryl
2021 Newmar Baystar 3014 on F53 (7.3 V8) Chassis ("Brook")
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK ("Wilbur")
