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Most US states and Canadian provinces have their own laws regarding towed trailer brake requirements. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle that is towed behind an RV. These laws are usually based on the amount of weight being pulled. One problem with this is that it may be legal to tow a 2,000-pound trailer without brakes in the state you live in, but once you cross the state line of an adjacent state, it’s illegal to tow the same trailer without brakes draw. In addition, your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer without a braking system. Again, the most important reason is your safety and the safety of others.
The brakes on a tow vehicle or RV are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the extra weight being towed behind it. This added weight greatly increases the distance required to stop safely.
Caravans and fifth wheels are equipped with electric brakes, and RV dealers are informing the RV consumer of the requirements for adding electronic brake control to the towing vehicle. Some pop-ups are ordered with brakes and some without. Again, this is often based on the braking laws of the state you live in. Keep in mind that once you cross a state line, it can become illegal. My advice is if you’re buying a pop-up, get one with brakes.
The real culprit for violating braking laws is an RV towing a vehicle. Most people assume that because of the size of the RV, there is no need for an auxiliary braking system on the towed vehicle, and sometimes RV dealers fail to communicate the need for an auxiliary braking system.
In any case, I towed a vehicle without a brake system for a long time. A brief conversation while driving through a big city during rush hour suddenly enlightened me on how important it is. Another thing that surprises people is how much the vehicle they are towing actually weighs. Take your towed vehicle to a scale and have it weighed. Make sure everything is inside that will be inside when towing. After you have weighed it, double check that the RV receiver is rated for that amount of weight and that you are not using any of the RV weight ratings, such as lbs. B. exceed the gross vehicle weight (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully laden motorhome and fully laden towed vehicle combined. Most RV chassis manufacturers base their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) on the assumption that an auxiliary braking system will be used.
Regardless of which braking system best suits your individual needs, the most important thing is that you have one. There are many reasons for a braking system on your towed vehicle.
1) It is the law
2) It may void your vehicle warranty
3) It may void your insurance
4) It reduces wear and tear on RV brakes and other components
5) Liability
But most importantly, it SAFELY shortens stopping distances and helps protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others.
Happy camping!
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101
This is Auto Posted article collected article from different sources of internet, EOS doesn’t take any responsibilities of this article. If you found something wrong in this article, please tell us.
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