Five Reasons You Need Supplemental Brakes
Utilizing supplemental brakes ensures both vehicles brake in tandem, significantly reducing stopping time and distance.
This helps mitigate the risk of a panicked stop, a leading cause of tow system failure.
Supplemental braking relieves stress on the tow bar and mounting brackets, preventing potential catastrophic failure.
Incorporating supplemental brakes also helps reduce the chance of catastrophic brake failure
in a motorhome caused by sustained heavy braking.
A Legal Obligation According to the American Automobile Association, most states and many
Canadian provinces now require supplemental brakes if the towed weight exceeds 3,000 lbs. (1,360 kg).
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to serious legal issues.
A Matter of Adherence It is very important to note that failing to use supplemental brakes when required can void the chassis warranty.
Workhorse/Chevrolet will void the warranty if you tow more than 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) without supplemental braking,
and Ford has a 1,500 lbs. (680 kg) limit. Adhering to these manufacturer guidelines is not just important; it's a warranty-saving necessity.
Without supplemental brakes, the tow bar must absorb the total braking force of the dinghy, leading to increased wear and tear, like the action of an accordion. This can contribute to premature tow bar failure. Additionally, the motorhome brakes will experience less wear when supplemental brakes are utilized, as they are not solely responsible for braking both vehicles.
It is worth noting that most trailers on the road, including fifth wheels, travel trailers, boat trailers, and semi-trailers, are equipped with braking systems. Given the significant weight being towed, including supplemental brakes for a dinghy is a widely recognized best practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using supplemental brakes when towing a dinghy is a crucial safety and compliance requirement in many jurisdictions. It also helps to protect the integrity of the tow system and chassis warranty while reducing overall wear and tear on the motorhome's braking components. Considering the industry norms and best practices, supplemental brakes are strongly recommended.
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