russ wrote:In Florida, if the weight of the towed vehicle exceeds 3000 lbs then a brake system is required as well as a break away device.
Common mis-perception. That rule (and most states restrictions) applies to trailers, and vehicles on dollies. It does not apply to towed vehicles using "a-frame" style in what is referred to as "drive-away/tow-away" mode.
FL is pretty specific with an actual performance test you have to meet for flat-towed vehicles:
http://law.onecle.com/florida/motor-veh ... 6.261.html
See exception 3, item C
Performance specifications:
http://law.onecle.com/florida/motor-veh ... 6.262.html
Very few states properly specify flat-towing, and per the RV forums virtually none other than BC are enforcing them.
BC allows up to 2000kg (4400 lbs) as long as the towed vehicle weight is less than 40% of the GVW. And that's a pretty good guideline. The pinz fits (barely) at 4300 lbs and is less than 40% of my Dodge Ram Cummins GVWR.
Flat towing has entirely different dynamics.... the towed vehicle really wants to continue straight and has virtually no tendency to jack-knife. Trailers want to jack-knife and the brakes are there primarily to prevent/reduce that effect. (And of course help stop faster)
You are right about one thing, the rules are not clear, well understood, and I'd probably be cautious about flat-towing through NJ. Or even taking a pinz into NJ.
Enforcement, who knows. I do think a properly operating Pinz will flat tow quite well, i.e. straight. As I mentioned earlier, all wheels need to be on the ground if you do flat tow, two wheel tow dollies are bad.
I agree, tow dollies to me have all the bad traits of trailers and none of the advantages.
The real risk with flat towing is tow bar angle. Never angle upwards, that can lift the rear of a light tow vehicle and cause major problems. Too far down and the vehicle can "ride up" in a collision. But in a collision, a vehicle on a trailer is a huge risk as well.
I'd sure not flat tow a pinz with a small SUV. Pinz towing pinz is self limiting, speed wise.
p.s.
I did feel a little guilty when I stuck Alan's Pinz. When I saw the headlights of my truck come round the corner to help I felt better. When I saw how deep it was buried I started to feel a little proud of myself,
especially after how hard we had to snatch the strap to get it to move!
It was a good stick, no need to feel guilty. Not much you can do when you straddle duece rut's and your tires no longer touch! I think inertia mgt and all 4 locked would have been the only way to avoid it. I'm just glad we did not have to wade & walk, I was relieved to see your truck as well!
That was a very fun trip, and I have to say that having you familiar with the area and capabilities was a huge help. I'd have been far more cautious in the swamp water if you had not told me where it was safe. Seeing a 404 sized mog-hole was sobering! I almost dropped into it when I ran up on the bank in the swamp.
I still don't have all the mud off of mine, and herbert tells me I have plants sprouting now.
Have fun!
Alan
