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Topic: Tow brake (Read 513 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow brake

I have towed a 6600 pound truck behind my 88 GV....

That was 10 years ago, I'm not as adept or brave now. Switched to a tow-dolly.

Anybody have experience with a 4200lb MKT/MKX?

What kind of brake assist - this is all NEW to me. ANY feedback will help.

If ya got an old one, I'm in the market...

Thanks, prepping for Q, Good Lord willing. ^.^d


The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Tow brake

Reply #1
John,

Are you saying that you are now going to use a tow dolly?  If so, most of the better quality tow dollies are equiped with some sort of brakes.  I would recommend you look for a used Demco Kar Kaddy.  The Kar Kaddy SS model is equipped with a "surge" type hydraulic disc brake system that is very effective.  We have used one for the past 5 years, and other than a couple of wheel and tire problems it has been 100% trouble free.

If you get a cheap tow dolly that does not have brakes, any braking system that operates the car brakes would only have the rear wheels on the car doing the braking.  I don't think that would work very well, although it might be "technically" legal.

Demco Kar Kaddy SS

Kar Kaddy SS Chrome Wheel Failure
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"It goes without saying..."

Re: Tow brake

Reply #2
I have towed a 6600 pound truck behind my 88 GV....

That was 10 years ago, I'm not as adept or brave now. Switched to a tow-dolly.

Anybody have experience with a 4200lb MKT/MKX?

What kind of brake assist - this is all NEW to me. ANY feedback will help.

If ya got an old one, I'm in the market...

Thanks, prepping for Q, Good Lord willing. ^.^d



If you intend to tow 4 wheels down you can check here: Store : Remco
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Tow brake

Reply #3
Chuck, giving up tow dolly.. the car a mkx or mkt only 4 down
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Tow brake

Reply #4
Dan, thanks for the lead..
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Tow brake

Reply #5
Good decision.  I used a tow dolly for 4 years, while it worked well, when you arrived it was usually a problem finding a place to park it.  Also if you do not live on reasonably level ground it can get away from you when trying to move it
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Tow brake

Reply #6
I towed a ford fusion with a Demco Kar Kaddy SS for the last 3 years and switched over to an explorer and wheels down this year. Although the Kar Kaddy was a good piece of equipment, a tow dolly should be a last resort. They are a pain in the rear. Tire maintenance is critical. The tie down straps have to be watched constantly. A back in sight requires you to unhook and find a place forthe tow dolly as well as the car. Breaks work but so-so. etc.
Rick and Wendy Green
1998 U270 3600 The Coach Formerly known as Princess
Build# 5336
2007 Ford Explorer