Tests* performed on a flat stretch of
dry pavement have shown that an unhitched motor home traveling
at a speed of 50 mph needs an average of 132 feet of braking
distance to reach a complete stop. Under the same speed and
surface conditions, but with the added weight of a small car
in tow, the stopping distance of the motor home expands to an
average of 209 feet. A significant distance! In an identical
test performed using the Roadmaster BrakeMasterT, the coach
and towed car averaged a stopping distance of 137 feet. That's
a mere five feet more than the unhitched stopping average.
Required supplemental braking for towed vehicles is
becoming a hot topic. In some regions, such as most provinces
in Canada, heavy fines and citations may be levied on those
who are found not to be in compliance.
Braking assist devices range in design from simple to
complex mechanisms. Some models are intended to operate
independently of the driver, automatically activating the
brakes of a car or trailer in response to limited presets,
whereas other systems are directly influenced by the actions
of the driver. One other key factor is the manner in which the
devices conform to the vehicle(s). Some, like the Roadmaster
EvenBrake, are relatively easy to install, while other designs
require tampering with the master cylinder, or simply cannot
be adapted to many makes or models of cars. * Test Data: Motor home: 1996 34' Winnebago
Adventurer Ford Superduty chassis w/460 gas engine, GVWR=
17,000 lbs. 4 wheel disc - hydraulic brakes Car: 1995
Oldsmobile Aurora GVWR= 4,690 lbs. (Actual test weight: 4,110
lbs.) Braking pressure: 80 lbs of force directed to the brake
pedal representing a "hard stop."
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