towed brake suggestions
I have just recently downsized from a heavy class A to a much smaller and lighter coach by over 50 %, Never used a tow brake but now strongly recommended Ihave one.I agree, So when it comes to towed b...
Forum Discussion
mowermech wrote:Retired VSP wrote:
I am getting ready to tow for the first time and bought a brake buddy....my car weighs less than 2000 lbs.....blue ox tow bar and 33' gasser class a........going I-40 from Tennessee to California ......a man at Camping World said I shouldn't need supplemental braking......that it's a matter of preference......any thought on this...I know most states only required it if the tow exceeds 3500 lbs.
"I know most states only required it if the tow exceeds 3500 lbs."
Sorry, but I don't think that is true. It doesn't even apply to TRAILER brakes! Some states require TRAILER brakes on any thing over 1500 lbs. UNLADEN weight, other states require brakes on trailers based on GVWR, either 3000 or 3500 lbs, depending on the state.
Montana, California, and many others have a Braking Performance Standard Law. You must be able to stop within a certain distance from 20 MPH on a level, clean, hard, surface. In Montana it is 40 feet, in CA, IIRC, it is 45 feet. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards also have a Braking Performance Standard.
Also, in many states the definition of TRAILER does not include towed motor vehicles!
I have yet to see any list of towing laws on the internet that has this issue correct!
Well said.....actually Virginia Code is silent regarding specific brake requirements on toweds......but Va Code 46.2-1070 addresses brakes on trailers and the 3000 pound rule applies...personally I wouldn't pull a towed without supplemental braking system .....
