Ace1001
Heber Springs, AR 72543
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Joined: 04/28/2008
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I'm towing a Grand Cherokee without brakes. Hear a lot about insurance companies not covering accidents if you don't have auxillary brakes on tow vehicle. If that is the case, why don't they make it clear in their policies. Also, have not heard of any states aggressively enforcing any laws regarding same. Is their actual experience out there that would suggest this is a bad practice? I bet there are a lot of folks towing without.
2003 National Islander
Country Coach Chassis, 400 hp Cummins, drives and rides like a dream
Starting retirement this year.
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PF&PM
Lethbridge, Alberta
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Joined: 08/02/2007
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I don't use them. I'm still looking at the options..heard of too many poor performance issues.
2005 Newmar 34' Kountry Star, 8.1L W22, Blue Ox 10K, Honda Pilot, Bijon Shitzu (Sassy) dash dog, Two teenage boys..we get around !
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firemanmn
Bowstring Minnesota
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Joined: 08/27/2004
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I believe it relates to law abiding or unlawful use. If you are towing with out brakes and the state law requires it, you may not be covered by insurance.
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jeep2relax
Lakeside, CA
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Joined: 02/09/2005
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The non-coverage of accidents by Insurance Co's is just plain not True.
For example: It is against the Law to Drive while Intoxicated and Insurance Co's pay claims of accidents that occur.
As for weather you need them or not, Only way to truly find out is to test for your self, with and without. If you are satisfied with your braking performance without them, after trying with them, then you can make an informed choice.
I have tried My Rig with and without, I choose to use them.
My Grand Cherokee weighs in well over 4000 Lbs ready for the trail.
JMHO
YOMV
PS.
It would probably not be too hard to borrow a Box Brake to test.
Then If you feel you need them get the System of Your Choice.
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Joined: 08/10/2007
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We use the "Brake Buddy". Have I ever tested it? No. Do I really think it will save the car if I have to JAM on the brakes to avoid from slamming into something? Probably not by the time it all comes on after all reactions. Will it protect me against someone suing me if the toad breaks loose? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how shrewd a lawyer someone wants to pay for.
So as far as the cops go... do you really think if you didn't have one they would know? Now no disrespect here to police, but some of these rookies wouldn't know if you has three tires on the car never mind an auxiliary brake. Now D.O.T. police might be a little more knowledgeable, a little.
So why do we use one? Probably the same reason we have insurance on everything we drive. Warrantees on everything. Life insurance, house insurance, and the list goes on.
I hope this didn't confuse you. Have a safe and happy summer. 
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 RC/LB 6.0 
2007 Chevy GS Conquest Super C 6349
2007 Chevy HHR Toad 2LT 2.4
1990 Chevy G20 Cargo Van 305 
1967 Chevy Camaro Pro Street 468/650hp BBC
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jeeperman
florida
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Joined: 04/24/2008
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I know here in Florida its the law, when you by from a dealer they have you sign paper work saying that you understand that,Its probably for the Ins. co.
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Troubleshooter
Anchorage, AK
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Joined: 05/02/2002
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For other than about five states, it is a personal choice. I won't banter the towed trailer vs towed vehicle debate.
In my case, I towed a vehicle without supplemental braking for 80,000 or so miles, and felt secure. One 10 second panic stop without them, and a near miss that could have ended in at least four injuries/deaths made me "see the light".
While there is no guarantee that supplemental braking would have allowed me to stop short enough to prevent the near miss, I feel comfortable in stating that they would have allowed me to stop in a shorter distance.
Ergo, I now have supplemental braking, and will not tow without it.
Only One Old Fellow's Opinion
Bill
2002 Discovery 3126E CAT
2004 Saturn VUE
Mountain Master Tow Brake
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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Seems a bit retarded to me to spend the kind of money an RV costs and then refuse to use something that might keep you out of a crash. Of course, you could really bet the farm and not even bother with the insurance.
Me, I'm going to give myself all advantages I can, and also pay for insurance in case things really go south. I just hope I don't end up anywhere near you gamblers.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
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okgc
southern Michigan
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Joined: 09/25/2006
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There is a lot of bogus information bantered around regarding different state towing laws and what insurance companys will and will not do. Most of these are scare tactics to get someone to spend money on their product. IF these products are really that great where are the real documented test results?
Just remember most(all?) accidents are caused by someone doing something illegal. I have never heard of an insurance company not paying because the driver ran a red light etc.
Please note: I am NOT saying you do not need aux brakes.
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firemanmn
Bowstring Minnesota
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I think they will pay for the damage you caused while driving intoxicated, but they won't pay for your damaged vehicle.
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