RE: SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKE SYSTEMS
Once again, someone tries to equate safety, common sense, morality, and logic with what is LEGAL. The LAW does not recognize safety, common sense, morality or logic. The LAW only knows what is written in the LAW, period!
Now, which do you want to discuss? YES, having a "supplemental braking system" is probably safer, common sense says there should be one, it is the moral thing to do, and it is logical. Does that mean you will be legal if you have one? Not necessarily. Does that mean the LAW requires you to have one? Again, not necessarily. Is a towed vehicle a "trailer"? Maybe. It depends on the legal definition of trailer as stated in the laws of the State you are presently operating in.
The FACTS I presented are based on my research and reading. If you want to know more, YOU will have to do your own research. You are probably much better at it than I am anyway. you will note that each of the FACTS I presented is modified by "some" or "most" or "many" States. How these FACTS apply to YOUR State you will have to research for yourself.
I will not do any more research on the issue, because it just isn't important to me anymore. My TRAILER has brakes, as required by law in every State. The brakes are approved by every State DOT and USDOT. For me, the problem no longer exists.
Edit: While statements made in the Owner's Manual might be grist for some lawyer's mill, they have NO force of law.
If you can stop within the specified distance from the specified speed in those States where a performance stanard is the law, you do NOT need supplemental brakes. Professor Mark is just wrong.
I guess by you giving me the title of professor you would have the title of judge and jury, quoting all these facts and conformity to laws on this topic. Matters of fact are issues for a jury, while matters of law are issues for the court.
Mark Polk
RE: SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKE SYSTEMS
If you are towing a vehicle in one of these states without supplemental brakes you are violating the law.This one statement tells me he has a lack of knowledge, just as the other websites do. He has absolutely no idea if my combo will stop within the legal requirements or not(which it will FWIW). His brain functions in one mode only, safety, not legality. What is his response to the States that have legally defined a toad as NOT a trailer, as some have :? You have to look at his agenda and truthfulness, not his statements as gospel. Yes I agree that all should use aux brakes, but when a person is in compliance with State law, then don't lie to him and tell him he is violating the law.
I hope when you have to make an emergency stop with your Z71 in tow, with a curb weight in the neighborhood of 5,000 pounds, and your tow bar snaps like a toothpick that the only thing hurt is your pride.
Unfortunately I have been involved in several law suits surrounding towing issues where individuals were injured, paralyzed and some killed, so I won’t apologize for focusing my efforts on safety where RV’s are concerned.
Mark Polk
Cold Weather RVing
There are lots of things to do and see in the wintertime; beautiful winter scenery, snow skiing, hunting, riding snowmobiles and much more. It’s no wonder so many people enjoy using their RV’s year round. When winter approaches each year I get numerous e-mails requesting information about using RV’s in cold temperatures. One reason I haven’t written on this subject in the past is because it would require more than just a short article to thoroughly cover this topic. Another reason for not writing about this in the past is that there are no guarantees that your RV can or will be 100% protected from the harsh winter elements by following written advice on the subject.
What I can do is offer you some suggestions and ideas that will help to protect your RV if you plan to use it during the cold winter months. I posted the article at RV.Nets blog..
I would like to have you post comments on things that I was not able to cover in my blog article....thanks
Mark Polk
