rv.nirvana
MA
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Joined: 11/06/2009
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We are new to dinghy towing. We own a Class C RV powered by a Ford 460. The tow car is a manual trans. Mini Cooper which weighs about 2600 lbs.
We just had both vehicles rigged for dinghy towing, i.e., towbar, cables, dinghy plate, etc.
The towbar installer was not sure whether the RV and tow vehicle would be legal in all States without any additional braking system assistance being necessary. We are asking whether any RVer(s) has any experience in this matter and can suggest anything, including any type of braking system, if they are required.
Also, we would like to add a rear view monitoring system that would show the dinghy at all times for traffic situations and safety sake.
With the present mirrors, the tow car is not visible. We would like to have some type of camera installed in the rear, mounted high, or internally with a view out the rear window. A wireless system would be preferred.
Any help in this area will also be much appreciated.
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VintageRacer
Dundas, Ontario
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Joined: 04/02/2005
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http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm
there are three columns that impact your toad. Breakaway switch required, that means you need brakes for the breakaway switch to work. Trailer brake laws - a toad is first and foremost a towed vehicle - a trailer. Finally any special requirement for towed cars.
Cameras I don't know about, except that the cheap ones don't work very well and the good ones are expensive.
Brian
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
1980 MCI MC-5C highway coach conversion
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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my suggestion, get a braking system, I use a brake buddy myself. don't care if it is required or not. your owner's manual for the rV may say something like, "if towing over 1500 lbs. use a braking system". the person you hit will have his lawyer read that sentence even if you don't.
bumpy
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BaldyD1
Central Florida area
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Joined: 12/01/2003
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Dinghy brakes are not required in most states and provinces. Few states and at least 1 province do require brakes on a dinghy. Recommend you research your states requirements.
Whether required or not, the physics of towing and stopping with a 2600 lb dinghy behind a Class C unit indicates brakes should be used on the dinghy. The brakes on the motor hoime may not be sufficient to to properly/safely stop the rig without brakes on the dinghy to assist.
Speedy, Jackie & Dusty {Shih-Tzu/Maltese}
2006 Kountry Star KSDP 3912
2005 Saturn Vue (dinghy)
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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I would put a braking system on any toad being pulled with a light weight class C. You might want to look at the Ready Brake, great system, easy to install and only runs $380.
Here is a current post regarding rear cameras. Cameras.
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
09 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
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Stennis
Starkville, Mississippi
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Joined: 04/28/2003
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I have never had one but I wonder about these clear plastic things one sees stuck on rear windows. They are about 12"x12" and appear to be convex and provide a view downward from the rear window. No idea how or if they work but they might be adequate if all one wants to do is see the toad. Except while turning, I have never been able to see my tires from the camera - and then I can see them better with the mirrors.
We have what appears to be what someone referred to as a cheap camera - it is adequate for viewing the toad but poor for backing. If all you want is to view the toad, cheap may be adequate. Our last unit must have had an expensive camera, very crisp, clear picture. I had markers painted on the floor and the rear wall. When the first marker hit the bottom of the screen, time to dump; when the wall marker hit the bottom of the screen, time to park. I guess it just depends on how you are going to use it.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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they are fresnel lenses and they do work quite well, if you have a rear window. they are really designed to eliminate the blind spot behind a pickup with cap, SUV, etc.
bumpy
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rv.nirvana
MA
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Thanks for all the info. We did purchase one of those convex lenses, while not perfect should help out some. We are in the process of figuring out which brake buddy system to install. Seems we need it.
If you see RVTOAD on the road, give a holler.
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