studebrucer Report post Posted May 29, 2018 So ,we are new to the RV scene. We have just purchased a 3433 Newmar Ventana LE. I have learned from research that the brakes on our all but 35 footer are the same up to 40 feet. We are going to tow a Prius, on a tow dolly. I thought I would get a dolly with out brakes. Less expensive and less to maintenance and repair. My logic, if the brakes are good for a 40 footer, they should be good for our 35 and Prius. When I was speaking with a salesperson, he told me that many states require brakes on tow dolly's. So question 1- What do you think of my logic? Question 2- Is it true that many states require brakes? The answer to 2 may dictate my choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txiceman Report post Posted May 29, 2018 Some state have a requirement that towed loads as low as 1500# have to have brakes. Do not try to cheap out. If the brakes can get you stopped 6 inches shorter, it may be the difference between stopping clear and have an accident. You do have to follow the road laws of any state that you travel through. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dphorton Report post Posted May 29, 2018 We have an Acme Tow Dolly and there is minimal maintenance required. It has Disk Braking System. Yes a lot of States require some sort of Braking, Electric or Hydraulic. To me Hydraulic is much simpler system and requires no input from you except step on the Moorhome Brakes to make it work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted May 29, 2018 I would not travel without brakes on a dolly or 4 down. Not worth the risk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted May 30, 2018 The surge hydraulic brakes on Acme and several including U-Haul work great, and I would not cheap out, your 35 footer in all probability will not stop any shorter than a 40 or 40+ footer either. The braking systems are installed on a MH proportionately to their size, so assuming that shorter is better for a MH is not a good assumption. Also maintenance of brakes will not break the bank for anyone that can afford a MH. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted May 30, 2018 I have a Acme with surge hydraulic disk brakes. They work great and I would not tow without brakes. "We have just purchased a 3433 Newmar Ventana LE." So now you want to be cheap and not buy brakes to protect your investment. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted May 30, 2018 Same as DD69. Think inertia! This is one thing, we all agree on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted May 30, 2018 Brakes on Towed items - By All Means !!! When you apply the brakes on the coach and there is no breaking system and the roads are wet, THAT towed item is free wheeling and will look for a way to get around what is in front of it as it slides sideways it will meet up with the coach ether at one rear corner or the other and if one of the tow bars fail you will see it parked right next to one of the rear sides of the coach. Something a little more expensive then I want and add to that the possible ticket and some legal fees, No Thank you !!!!! You just can not beat the laws of physic. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted May 30, 2018 The decision would be easy - get the brakes. Do you really want to wake up every day knowing that a decision to save a few bucks caused an accident or took someone's life? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonwink Report post Posted May 30, 2018 Amazing what you can find with an internet search: http://www.hitchemup.com/statetowinglaws.htm https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/vehicle-towing/rv/rv-towing-regulations1.htm https://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info/state-road-laws.php http://www.readybrake.com/state-towing-laws.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
five Report post Posted June 1, 2018 With my coach and my toad, I really don't think I need brakes. However, I have them for one reason....CYA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txiceman Report post Posted June 2, 2018 One reason you need them is the law. It is a towed load and most states require brakes above a certain load. Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
