Do I Need A Brake?
Five Reasons You Need Supplemental Brakes
1. Safety
- Take the load off the motorhome so that both vehicles brake in tandem, taking significantly less time and distance to come to a controlled stop.
- Relieve stress on the tow bar and the mounting brackets.
- A panicked stop without supplemental braking is a leading cause of tow system failure
- Reduce the chance of catastrophic brake failure at the motorhome because of sustained braking
2. It’s Required
According to the American Automobile Association, most states and many Canadian provinces now require supplemental brakes if the towed weight exceeds 3,000 lbs (1,3060 kg)
3. Chassis Warranty
Workhorse/Chevrolet will void your warranty if you tow more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) without supplemental braking and Ford stipulates 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
4. Wear and Tear
- Without a brake the tow bar stops the dinghy, squeezing the bar on each stop and stretching on acceleration. Much like an accordion. Possible cause of tow bar failure.
- Because they aren’t braking for two vehicles, your motorhome brakes may last significantly longer than without additional braking
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5. It Just Makes Sense
Every other trailer on the road today, a fifth wheel, travel trailer,
boat trailer, or a semitrailer, has its own braking system. When you’re towing two to three extra tons, supplemental braking just seems obvious.
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