When towing a vehicle behind your motorhome, supplemental braking systems are necessary. Nearly everywhere in the US and Canada, RV supplemental braking systems are required if you’re towing a vehicle or trailer over a certain weight. You may also be required to use supplemental brakes for towing over a certain weight under the terms of your RV’s warranty.
A supplemental braking system for your RV has a number of benefits, in addition to helping you comply with the law and maintain your warranty. In addition to making you safer on the road, they also improve your safety if you have an emergency braking system.
Your RV and towed vehicle will also be less stressed with supplemental braking systems. Unless you have a supplemental brake system, your motorhome’s brakes will wear out much more quickly if you don’t tow. You should also put your towed vehicle on its own brakes, so that it does not experience excessive force from the RV’s brakes.
As well as improving the function of your tow bar, supplemental brakes will also extend its lifespan. Tow bars are less stressed when they have a braking system. In addition to lessening the risk of jackknifing, supplemental brakes also prevent sudden braking from happening.
If you tow a car, you need an RV supplemental braking system
There’s no doubt that RV supplemental brakes are a good idea, but they’re also often legally required. By detecting when you brake your motorhome and applying the brakes on your towed car, these systems keep you, your RV, and your towed car safe. Slowing down in this manner makes it easier and safer to avoid losing control of your vehicle.