vintage42

The car being pulled follows the tow vehicle because its wheels turn when the tow bar pulls it to the side. The wheels turn because they have caster or trail in their alignment. A small tow dolly adds 500 lbs to the 2,500 towing weight of an xB. Most cars and 4-cyl trucks can cope with 2,500 lbs even though they may be rated for 2,000 lbs, but it takes a full-size truck or a mid-size SUV to pull 3,000 lbs.

Tomas

Keep in mind, too, that the requirement for having active brakes on what is being towed vary state by state.

For example, in my state (Washington) brakes are required on all trailers on all wheels. Under 3000 lbs not required unless trailer exceeds 40% of the towing vehicle gross weight. Some states require brakes with as little as 1500 pounds towed weight.

Tom

BLAKBOX06

There are about ten different towed vehicle braking systems that i have dealt with for this. the state patrol is really cracking down on this as well as the border patrol. I have had numerous customers turned around entering canada because they didn't have brakes on there tow car. I have a list of the exact regulations for each state as well as Canada if any one is interested.

George

In some states, a towed vehicle is not considered a trailer so you can tow a 2500 car without brakes even if they are required for a 2000 pound trailer. The state laws are truly Byzantine.