Most US states and Canadian provinces have their own laws on the requirement of brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle that is towed behind a motorhome. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. One problem with this is that it might be legal to tow a 2,000 pound trailer without brakes in the state where you live, but as soon as you cross a state line from a border state, it is illegal to tow the same trailer without brakes. Add to this that 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 for your safety and the safety of others.

The brakes on a tow vehicle or motorhome are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the extra weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely.

Travel trailers and fifth wheels come equipped with electric brakes, and RV dealers educate the RV consumer on the requirements for adding electronic brake control to the tow vehicle. Some pop-up windows are ordered with brakes and some without them. Again, this is often based on the braking laws of the state you live in. Be aware that once you cross a state line, it could become illegal. My advice is that if you are going to buy a pop-up window, get one that has brakes.

The real culprit for ignoring braking laws is a motorhome towing a vehicle behind it. Most people assume that due to the size of the motorhome there is no need for a supplemental braking system on the towed vehicle, and RV dealerships sometimes do not communicate the requirement for a supplemental braking system.

For my part, I was guilty of towing a vehicle without a braking system for quite some time. A close call, while driving through a major city during rush hour, suddenly taught me 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 you have everything that will be in it when you are towing it. After weighing it, double check to make sure the motorhome receiver is qualified to tow that amount of weight and is not exceeding any of the motorhome weight ratings like the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) . The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded motorhome and fully loaded towed vehicle combined. Most RV chassis manufacturers base their GCWR on the assumption that a supplemental braking system is being used.

Regardless of which brake system best suits your individual needs, the important thing is that you have one. There are many reasons for having a braking system on your towed vehicle.

1) it’s the law
2) It may void your vehicle’s warranty.
3) You can cancel your insurance.
4) It will reduce the wear on RV brakes and other components.
5) Responsibility

But most importantly, it SAFELY reduces stopping distance 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