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badbob1's avatar
badbob1
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015

Smart Car Supplemental brake

Just wondering how many Smart Car owners are using supplemental brake when towing behind Sprinter based motorhome. I was not planning on any supplemental brake.
Thank You
BadBob
  • If I had known about the ReadyBrute Elite when I bought my smart car, I would have gone that route. I would have used the ReadyStop for the breakaway requirement.

    I went with a Roadmaster Falcon 2. At some point I may add a ReadyBrake (different from the Elite) to my Falcon 2. I may also add the ReadyStop as well.

    A smart car is very light - at just over 1,800 lbs (US). I like the simplicity of NSA's system in a smart car instead of a brake controller. Yes it is a surge brake, but it is simple to maintain and, IMO, the ReadyBrake system is more than adequate for a smart car.
  • lanerd wrote:
    How about a breakaway system? I understand that is a requirement of most (if not all) states. And I think even some states will require some sort of supplemental braking.....

    Ron


    Only on TRAILERS over a certain weight, often either 1500 lbs. UNLADEN weight or 3000 lbs GROSS weight, depending on the state.
    In many states, a towed motor vehicle is NOT a trailer, according to the legal definition of a "trailer".
    However, most states have incorporated some form of the FMVSS Braking Performance Standard into their laws. See MCA 61-9-312 for an example.
    North Carolina and California have similar laws, as do many other states.
  • How about a breakaway system? I understand that is a requirement of most (if not all) states. And I think even some states will require some sort of supplemental braking.....

    Ron