Manual Towcars with Foot Operated "Hand" Brake

[Chris_374224489]

Has anybody experience of towing with a manual car that has an American style foot operated parking (hand) brake?

If so how did it work out? Things like hill starts sound daunting particularly as getting the foot into the right position to apply the parking (hand) brake isn't the physically easiest manouver in the world.

I admit to being lazy & using the foot barke at traffic lights etc but I have always used the handbrake for hill starts.

 

[Mel]

We had a Kia Sedona with that sort of parking brake. I hated it and avoided driving it at all costs, but my husband who drove it all the time said that you got used to it. Hill "starts" (once the parking brake was on) were no different as you released it with your hand via a lever under the dash. Hill "stops" were a pain as you had to stop using the foot brake, put it in neutral as you cannot keep the clutch depressed and put the parking brake on, then put the parking brake on, then depress the clutch to put it back into gear ready for the off. When not towing a bit of rapid footwork on a hill might mean you could manage without the parking brake occaisionally, but of course, no chance when towing. The parking brake always held the unit as firmly as a hand brake though. As I said my husband said he got used to it and the size and towing power of the sedona compensated. We've got a Sante Fe now with a conventetional handbrake for which I am grateful

mel

 

[Chris_374224489]

Thank you.

That is what I feared.

Chris

 

[Heethers]

Our company Mercedes vito van has it, pile of c-p, never use it just use the footbrake on hill starts and be quick with the clutch.

Bet it would be a pain towing.

NigelH

 

[Francis_374353316]

Hi there I had a manual Mercedes E class with this system and hated it. It was fine when not towing but when I had the caravan on the back it was a nightmare I dreaded having to stop on a hill with the caravan and had a couple of scary moments as it was difficult to operate. I ended up changing the car for a Peugeot 406 with a "normal" handbrake and it is a lot better its a shame though because apart from that brake the Mercedes was a really good car. Hope this helps!

 

[hasbo]

we have new shape kia sedonna with foot hand brake for only 2 weeks , no problem! get real get with it!....c&p

 

[Heethers]

Carol/Pete l take it you have towed with it.

NigelH

 

[COCAROBR@AOL.COM]

hi

like carol and pete i also have new shape sedonna.Iuse it to tow a bailey wyoming .once i got used to it like anything else new i have had no probs.

 

[Chris_374224489]

The consensus seems to be against except with a Kia Sedonna. I didn't like it but though that it might be just me. Apparantly not.

Thanks all.