Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Traveling to Canada (Read 935 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Traveling to Canada

Yahoo Message Number: 22481
We are headed to Alberta and British Columbia (Banff, Jasper, and Revelstoke) this summer for a couple of weeks. I don't have a braking system on my toad. Has anyone ever been checked for a toad braking system at the border? I have heard that they do.

Thanks.
Mike

95 Intrigue (10061) towing a Acura MDX

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22483
They do check from time to time and you should have one especially for

a toad that weighs as much as yours. We use a Roadmaster Air system and have now trasfered the same equipment to three vehicles and like it very much. It also only take a minute to hook up the "plunger".
We run an RV park and I have seen too many rigs come in where the toad

kissed the back of the MH even at an emergency stop of 15mph. Not only damaged the coach but the tow bar and the toad. Not worth it to

me to go without.
My .02.

Allen and Virginia '01 Allure 30694 Fulltimers 5 years and counting ;D

Quote from: Mike Brundage
>

We are headed to Alberta and British Columbia (Banff, Jasper, and > Revelstoke) this summer for a couple of weeks. I don't have a

braking

Quote
system on my toad. Has anyone ever been checked for a toad

braking

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22484
They do check from time to time and you should have one especially for

a toad that weighs as much as yours. We use a Roadmaster Air system and have now trasfered the same equipment to three vehicles and like it very much. It also only take a minute to hook up the "plunger".
We run an RV park and I have seen too many rigs come in where the toad

kissed the back of the MH even at an emergency stop of 15mph. Not only damaged the coach but the tow bar and the toad. Not worth it to

me to go without.
My .02.

Allen and Virginia '01 Allure 30694 Fulltimers 5 years and counting ;D

Quote from: Mike Brundage
>

We are headed to Alberta and British Columbia (Banff, Jasper, and > Revelstoke) this summer for a couple of weeks. I don't have a

braking

Quote
system on my toad. Has anyone ever been checked for a toad

braking

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22488
Allen G.

On separate occasions I've pulled a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited From Toronto around the Gaspe' to Halifax NS; and later a heavily loaded Tundra from Calgary to Vancover. I was not questioned about aux. braking at any time. At one time BC had an aux. braking requirement which was rescinded--I'm told because of the requirement's negative impact on tourism.

Furthermore due to a brake failure (In circumstance where I tho't it unwise to employ the emergency stop) I deliberately drove my rv (dragging my Grand Cherokee) @ 45mph into the rear end of a stopped tractor/trailer rig to avoid smashing through 4 lanes of crossing traffic. My Roadmaster tow-bar stopped the Jeep without a scratch, although my 40 ft rig was totaled.

Heretofore I've not used an aux brake because they've been of little value (unless your tow bar fails--a not infrequent occurance with some of the lighter wt. aluminum tow bars). However Roadmaster has just recently up-dated their Easy Brake, and an old flying buddy who owns a major rv repair facility got to try the new version out with a Mgr. from Roadmaster. I purchased one for my Tundra for none of the reasons outlined above. This past Summer an idiot driver approaching me on a two lane Idaho road, overshot his destination, U-turned directly in front of me, and then came to a dead stop (for approaching traffic) before making a left turn off the highway. Again I didn't dare use the emergency (a rain-wetted asphalt road) and it was only luck, my blaring horn and squalling brakes that frightened the idiot into a jack rabbit departure to the left. That's the second time I've had a driver suddenly enter my lane on a two lane road; and then make a sudden stop. In both instances, it was only the grace of God, that kept me from plastering the other car and seriously injuring my wife and myself.

I know much too much about the physics of motion to think that aux. braking would have significantly effected either of the foregoing situations. However in less challenging circumstances, the aux. brake could make a difference. But the real clincher came when I discussed the foregoing situations with my rving daughter (an attorney): who pointed out that had an accident occurred, my legal position would have been significantly improved had I had an aux brake on board. That coupled with my Friend's good words about the improved Easy Brake convinced me I should get out the credit card. I've not yet had much driving time with the new installation, but it seems to shorten my stopping distance with a heavy tow.

All best rog

Traveling to Canada

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22495
Went to Banff last August and were not asked about toad braking or were we ever checked. We all know about taking guns and the problems. The surprise was pepper spary. They asked at the boarder and took what we had. Check the amount of alcohol, including beer or you will be charge. Check with your cell phone company about additional charges. You will not get satellite coverage or we didn't. Passport helps.
Ned Inspire 51677

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22496
We've been through Canada several times and have never had our braking system checked, but like the others here, you really do need to have one. In fact, many states require that you have an auxilliary braking system for the weight of your toad. Anything we can do to help stop in a shorter distance might mean the difference of a fender bender or a major accident. We use the US Gear one on our Jeep GC.

Ditto the pepper spray warning. Also, returning to the US...they'll confiscate your meat, so eat those steaks up!

Have a great time...we're returning this year. Nice campgroud in Valemount on the way to Jasper...IRVins...near Mount Robson.
Also, MUST stay in Whistler's Provincial Park in Jasper. Lovely campground with elk wandering all around. They were the source of much of our entertainment. Also stayed at Lake Louise Trailer Park (another Provincial Park)...great location for exploring that area.
Banff is awfully "touristy" so we preferred staying up in the Jasper/Lake Louise area. Moraine Lake is a must visit (10 min. from Lake Louise). Email me if you need more info.

Jan McNeill

2001 Intrigue 11320

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22499
Hi Jan

After many years, this will be our year for Canada, if we do not sell the motor coach. I tried to look up some of the RV sites that you mention below, but could not find them in my Trailer Life Directory.
Also, after looking at my map, if appears that Jasper is quite a ways from Banff. Am I looking at the wrong place? Also, what are the roads like. I assume it is fairly hilly (mountainous) from Calgary to Jasper.

What is the best way to get up there? I-15 through Montana with a side trip to Glacier National Park.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Tom Royer

2003 Allure #30858

we're returning this year. Nice campgroud in

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22501
HiTom

I am a Canadian, and have been to Calgary, Banff and Jasper many times.
First the distance - Calgary to Banff is about 80 miles, great roads, and a slight climb, but nothing to worry about at all.
Second - Banff to Jasper, which is further north, is about 180 miles of the most beautiful drive you may ever make! Very gradual hills. The road quality

is very acceptable. It is not potholed. Bring your cameras.
While in Banff take a tour of the Banff Spings Hotel. Just walk in and tour around. Nobody will notice. There is also a hot springs here that you can go into year round. Take a trip in the gondola up the mountain right to the top.

On the way north from Banff be sure to stop at Lake Louise. You won't be sorry!

You will pass the Athabasca Glacier as you travel further north. You can walk right up to the edge of it, or take a ride up on top of in a bus-like vehicle with huge tires meant for ice. Wear a jacket even in summer on the glacier.

I'm afraid I can't help with campgrounds as I didn't use any.

Enjoy your trip.

Bob Leger

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22502
Mike,

Better get a braking system on the toad. Not just for checks at the border but believe me the minute you are in a wreck your fault or not they will see no brakes then continue going over ever inch looking for any other violations. Get your wallet ready.

Gary F. Bender
o4' Intrigue 11701

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22503
Quote
Better get a braking system on the toad. Not just for checks at the > border

but believe me the minute you are in a wreck your fault or not they will > see

no brakes then continue going over ever inch looking for any other > violations. Get your wallet ready.
Interesting. Do you know of any *actual* instances of this happening? Tom Fisher
Dallas, TX

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22596
I think the real question here is can you get away with not having one? Canadian law requires a braking system. Also, remember to ask your insurance carrier for a Canadian proof of insurance ID card. I spent six months traveling through Canada and Alaska last year and was never asked or stopped or checked for either. But, I was prepared and had piece of mind.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Quote from: Mike Brundage
We are headed to Alberta and British Columbia (Banff, Jasper, and
Revelstoke) this summer for a couple of weeks. I don't have a

braking

Re: Traveling to Canada

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22599
Some info I gleaned off the internet. I suggest looking at the Canadian laws rather than go on hearsay.
We went with a brake system, but then again we always tow using a aux brake.
Don

'02 Intrigue #11427

Canadian Towing Laws

Alberta: 909 kg (2,004 lbs)

British Columbia: **2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) limit except for motor homes towing a vehicle with four tires on the road. In this case it is less than 2,000 kg and 40% of the motorhome weight.
Manitoba: 910 kg (2,007 lbs)

New Brunswick: 1,500 kg (3,308 lbs) Newfoundland: Required if vehicles cannot be brought to a stop within a distance of 10 meters from the point at which brakes are applied.
Northwest Territories: 1,360 kg (2,999 lbs) Nova Scotia: 1,800 kg (3,969 lbs)
Ontario: 1,360 kg (2,977 lbs)

Prince Edward Island: 1,500 kg (3,308 lbs) Quebec: 1,300 kg (2,867 lbs)

Saskatchewan: 1,350 kg (2,997 lbs) Yukon: 910 kg (2,007 lbs)

** Must be equipped with an automatic braking system.
This information was collected from a variety of third-party sources.
While reasonable efforts were made to verify the information, Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation, its employees and agents do not warrant the accuracy of the information and disclaim all liability for any claims and damages of any nature that may arise from errors omissions. If you have any questions regarding state or local laws, please consult with the appropriate agency. (Feb. 2001)

Quote from: Jim Hughes
'02 Intrigue #11427