Flat tow Ford Edge do I need tow brakes

[snowman789]

Called Winnebago and asked them. They said I really don't need them. Asked a few friends and some don't use them. Just looking for more info. I have a 2004 Adventurer 35U. GVW is 22,000 and GCW is 26,000. Ford Edge is 4,100. Thanks in advance. Doc

[Tom-NC]

Hi,

Yes you do need tow brakes and I would recommend INVSI-BRAKE as that is mounted in the car and stays there.

One note you are 100 lbs overweight and you haven't loaded your personal stuf, nor water or fuel. You may be overloaded when all is said and done.

Good Luck!

[Phil-T]

Originally Posted by snowman789

Called Winnebago and asked them. They said I really don't need them. Asked a few friends and some don't use them. Just looking for more info. I have a 2004 Adventurer 35U. GVW is 22,000 and GCW is 26,000. Ford Edge is 4,100. Thanks in advance. Doc

Don't think towing 4100 lbs. behind your MH, without brakes, is a very good idea. Yes, there are some that do it. I am very surprised at the response you got from WBGO.

[creativepart]

Yes! For a dozen reasons including state law.

I’m towing the same vehicle, Lincoln MKX, behind a 2017 Adventurer. Tow brakes aren’t needed every time I brake, just every time I have to make a sudden stop. Like in traffic, or when a light changes suddenly.

I use a Brake Buddy and it’s really necessary.

[luvlabs]

Many states have a 3000lb limit or stopping distance requirement for towed vehicles. You need to be legal in the state you are in and what your state requires is not relevant.

You have two things to consider: 1) car breakaway - what stops the car if the towing assembly breaks; 2) Stopping distance - 4000lbs added to your 20,000 vehicle significantly increases your stopping distance.

Do all of us other drivers a favor and get yourself a braking system. I personally like and use the RVi braking system. Portable systems are easier to install and fit in really well with gas powered coaches.

[robval1987]

Pic shows what states require.

[dmoritz2]

Don't take chance. Get a brake control

[robval1987]

Ditto to the last post, you can see by the map that brakes are required in just about every state. Look up on the Internet about vehicles that broke away from their motorhomes. There is nothing to stop it till it hits something or departs the road and stops hopefully it doesn't kill someone because that would be a big lawsuit not to mention the possibility of being charged with negligent homicide. Because of the state that your in residing in, or living or passing through your responsible for your vehicles. It just not worth the risk.

[jerrybb]

I also tow an Edge, I use a Brake Buddy because 1) I got a good deal on it, 2) So far I've used it on 3 different vehicles with no big changes to the hardware. It only takes a couple of minutes to hook up and works on any car. As said above, it rarely activates but on a quick stop I can feel it working.