Do I Really Need a Braking System to Flat Tow My 2001 Mazda Miata Behind 2021 Winnebago?

Question

Question:

Hey there, I am towing a 2001 Mazda Miata behind a 2021 Winnebago Travato 59K, do I really need this Brake Buddy Classic 3, or is it overkill? I have a Roadmaster base plate with removable crossbar and the Falcon 2 tow bar. I think Im good, but what are your thoughts? Thanks.

asked by: Nancy M

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Expert Reply:

Hello Nance,

I do still recommend going with the Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset # HM39494, since a braking system is actually required by law in all states. If you’re flat towing without one and happen to get pulled over, there’s a good chance the officer will say something like, “Which one do you want us to tow, the motorhome or the car?” That’s not just a theory, it actually happened to one of our customers!

I’ve also attached a helpful article that goes over the must-have components for flat towing. It’s a great resource if you’re double-checking your setup.

By the way, are you new to flat towing, or just setting up a different vehicle this time around?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Nancy M.

3/24/2025

I am absolutely new to flat towing, this is my first set up, but have towed boat trailers most of my life.. . My concern with the Brake Buddy Classic 3 is power pull & how to hook to the camper van (without having to take into the shop, ie. doing it myself) to share the power source with the magnet mounted tail lights I have coming from y'all. Can you do that, splice the power coming from the towing vehicle into 2 plugs? Also just wondering how much drag it will produce. Thanks for your reply.

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Kate F.

3/25/2025

@NancyM Hey Nancy, I'm glad I asked, here is how you are going to do the set-up: Since you’re using magnetic lights and the Brake Buddy 3, setting up your flat tow system is pretty simple. Start with the magnetic lights. These give your towed vehicle working brake and turn signals without needing to mess with its wiring. Just stick the lights onto a metal spot on the back of the vehicle like the trunk, bumper, or roof. Then run the wire up to your RV or tow vehicle and plug it into your trailer plug. Make sure the wire isn’t dragging on the ground. Before you leave, test the lights to make sure the turn signals, brake lights, and running lights all work. Next, put the Brake Buddy 3 on the floor of the towed vehicle, under the steering wheel. Line it up with the brake pedal and use the clamp to attach it securely. Plug it into a 12-volt outlet (like a cigarette lighter socket, if you do not have one then you will need the 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps # RM-9332). Some vehicles need the key turned to accessory mode for that outlet to have power. You’ll also need to mount the breakaway switch on the front of the towed vehicle’s frame and run its cable to the hitch on your RV. If your Brake Buddy came with a remote monitor, you can pair it now so you can see it working from the RV. Press the test button to make sure it pushes the brake pedal like it’s supposed to. As for drag: the Brake Buddy doesn’t create noticeable drag while driving it only applies braking when your RV slows down and needs help stopping. It reacts to deceleration, so it shouldn’t be a constant pull. Most people don’t even notice it’s there unless they’re braking hard or going down a steep grade. Finally, put your towed vehicle in the right mode for towing, usually neutral with the key in accessory, so the steering wheel stays unlocked (you will need to check your owners manual). Hook up your tow bar and safety cables, connect the magnetic lights, and check that the Brake Buddy is powered on with the breakaway cable in place. Do one last walk-around to make sure everything looks good, and you’re ready to hit the road. Please let me know if you have any questions at all =)

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Nancym

3/25/2025

@KateF My concern is that the Brake Buddy will drain the power from the towed vehicle, & I will arrive with a dead battery. No bueno.

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Kate F.

3/26/2025

@Nancym Hey Nancy, The Brake Buddy # HM39494 actually comes with it's own charge line kit. What kind of connectors do you have on the back of the Winnebago?

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Mark B.

5/14/2025

Each states laws are different. Generally, the weight of the vehicle determines whether brakes are required or not. In most states, the Mazda MX-5 Miata does not require brakes.

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Kate F.

5/14/2025

@MarkB Most states do require a braking system, so I always recommend one for all flat tow setups. Most people travel across multiple states on road trips, and laws can vary. We once had a customer whose home state didn’t require a braking system. Unfortunately, during a trip, he was pulled over in a state that did require one. During the inspection, they noticed he didn’t have a braking system and gave him a choice: tow the RV or the towed vehicle. He chose to tow the vehicle it was the cheaper option and ended up purchasing a braking system afterward. Beyond legality, it’s simply a safer and more responsible way to flat tow. It also reduces strain on both your RV and the towed vehicle. So you’re absolutely right in your thinking, and I’ll always continue to recommend a braking system. Hopefully, for safety’s sake, it will eventually become a universal requirement in all states.

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Do I Really Need a Braking System to Flat Tow My 2001 Mazda Miata Behind 2021 Winnebago?

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