Yaj
The Milky Way Galaxy (Hartford, WI)
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Joined: 05/07/2009
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I am just finishing up installing a Readybrake and am more than happy with it. I studied all the systems and felt this was the most fool proof one made. Now that it's in I really believe that it is! All mechanical and nothing to remove to drive the toad. The install went very smoothly and I was able to completely hide the hook up cables behind the license plate so when not in use they can't be seen.
1996 HR Endeavor LE,Cummins 5.9 230hp, Allison 3060,
Front-Yamaha Enduro, Rear-Honda Helix Geeser Cruiser + 2 bikes,
22ft 1977 Cruiser in tow.
1 DW, 2 kids.
2 dogs, 2 cats.
I wasn't thinking this far ahead!
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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2Sooners wrote:We are getting our Class A and toad outfitted to pull 4 down. We will be pulling a 2010 Chevy Equinox weighing approximately 3800 lbs.
Our installing dealer advises against an auxiliary braking system since they know of some instances (gave me names) where the brake locked up and it did major damage. Their argument is that unless we are going into Canada, for instance, the MH can handle 3800 lbs.
Even though I like my dealer, I would like to hear from some of you about this. Have you had that happen to you or do you know of someone it has happened to? Do I really need to go through the expense or installing a braking system? If so, what do you recommend and about what should I expect to pay?
I notice there is another question concerning brakes that was just posted, but it does not really answer the question I have asked here.
Thanks for your help. You are a great resource of knowledge to me.
DFd and WorkHorse REQUIRE supplemental braking if the towed weighs 1,500#'s or more to keep the warranty in force. On a Spartan the limit before needing aux braking is the GVWR (NOT the GCVWR) as that's all the brakes are certified to stop.
Most states do NOT require brakes on a towed, but I've never heard anyone say "I've got too much braking and stopped short of that car ahead. If I didn't have the brakes I'd have hit them instead of missing them!"
If you find the rig accelerates slower with the toad on then you'll find it stops slower too.
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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trop-a-cal wrote:29 US states have it and a breakaway cable as required. Then there is the insurance companies that won't pay claims if you are not in compliance with state laws. The brake will stop you in 20% shorter distance which is about 80 feet at highway speeds, a life or death distance. You are probably looking at a chart showing a "compilation" of the laws, but it's only true for trailers. In some states motorized vehicles being towed are not "trailers" as defined by the law.
BUT, you are required to have proper eqipment in EVERY jurisdiction you are in, there is no reciprocity on equipment laws like there is for drivers license. So if you travel to a state that requires them you need to be in compliane with those laws too, no matter what your home state says.
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SRT
Head of the Lakes, MN
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Joined: 02/18/2001
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Have used a Brake Buddy in 2 different vehicles. Early on the circuit board was replaced free as it took too long to disengage once. Since then it has responded quite well in some emergency stops. I like the BB since I can easily change cars.
SRT
2000 32' HR Vacationer with Banks
1998 Subaru Outback Ltd. 5 spd
Brake Buddy & Blue Ox Aventa II tow bar
FMCA #266040 HRRVC #84109
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Toolslinger
Portland, Oregon
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Joined: 02/24/2005
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I used a Roadmaster Even Brake, same design as the Brake Buddy, borrowed from a friend for a 50 mile trip. Hadn't towed the car before so didn't know what to expect. It did seem to help with stopping. Our AC failed when it was 90 so we went home early. The MH AC doesn't do to well at cooling when the coach has gotten close to 100 inside. I didn't have the written directions, just verbal + the demo. Still don't know what I did wrong but when we got home and I went to park the car, the brake pedal went to the floor. The brake fluid had boiled. The tires had gotten so hot from the breaks dragging that the air pressure sensors in the front tires were melted.  Didn't need new tires though.  That convinced me to get the Brake Master. It's faster and easier to connect, doesn't draw on the battery, and takes much less room to store. DW connects it while I do the tow bar. Also, there is a red light that comes on when ever the brakes come on. It feels good to be safe as well as legal.
38' 2 slides w/"voice" activated awning & 2 flat screen HD TV's, Kenwood DNX5120 sound w/GPS, cell booster, Airtabs, Banks & other upgrades
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Chuck_Sl
Custer, SD
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Joined: 12/06/2007
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Another vote for the Ready Brake system. I just finished the install on my '05 Honda CR-V along with their Ready Brute tow bar. I installed the break-away system and wiring for tail lights. Ready Brake includes a LED light that you install in the Motorhome dash that indicates when the brakes in the toad are applied so you know when the brakes are applied. It is a proportional system, the more the motorhome decelerates the more brake is applied to the toad.
I bought my system from Tow Bars Unlimited http://www.towbarsunlimited.com/page/page/286216.htm . Their tow system is a bargain, it included a Blue Ox base plate, tail light kit, Ready Brake system, Ready Brute tow bar, coiled wiring cord for attaching toad to motorhome, break-away system and a vinyl tow bar cover. The price was under $1450 including shipping. -- Chuck
Located it the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Proud owner of a 36' 1997 Country Coach Allure. 2005 CR-V AWD toad with Ready Brute/Ready Brake tow system and Blue Ox base plate.
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Badeye
Bonaire GA
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Joined: 03/06/2003
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I also use the Ready Brake system along with their Ready Brute Tow Bar and all the associated systems. I also use the Blue Ox base plate on my 2002 Dodge Durango. The Durango is not a lite vehicle and the brake system performs very well in keeping it from pushing me. The tow bar is rated at 8000 lbs.
Badeye
"No one can guarantee success, only effort."
Bob & Fran
2005 Coachmen Sportscoach Elite 40 ft DP
2002 Dodge Durango
Ready Brute Tow Bar
Ready Brake Tow Brake
FMCA F324606
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JaBob
Roswell, Georgia
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Joined: 06/10/2004
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I've had the Brake Buddy for 2 years and am happy. Don't know who's chasis and engine you have but if its Workhorse and you tow #1500 without one your warranty is toast.
Buy a name brand and learn how to use it.
Bob
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Heir Max
membership 1/16/2001, Bay Minette, AL
Senior Member
Joined: 03/29/2006
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Well, let me be the different one. I have towed 4 down. 173,000 miles with a vehicle being towed. Have been to AK via Canada. Never had anyone inspect. I have had emergencies and have always had enough stopping power. I also run with exhaust brake on except when in city driving. My MH is rated for towing 5000 lbs without auxillary braking.
99 Tradewinds
2000 Explorer Toad
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rmmpe
Milford, PA
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Joined: 06/22/2007
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We use an "Even Brake" but don't like to rely on a wireless indicator 50 feet away from the sender. I also didn't want to tap into the Edge's lighting system and made a removable light-bar having Red and Yellow LED lights for the brakes and signal lights.
Also on the light bar are 2 bright forward facing red LED lights that I can see in the rear-view monitor. 1 of the red forward-facing LEDs indicates the Alpine's actuated brake lights and the other indicates the Edge's brake lights.
When driving normally neither of the lights are illuminated.
When using the Alpine's brakes or under Pac Brake operation, 1 of the forward facing LEDs illuminate. The other forward facing LED illuminates only when the Even Brake actuates the Edge’s brakes.
Hard braking causes both red LEDs to illuminate.
All this is easily seen in the rear view monitor and eliminates doubt.
"In God we trust"
Carry on, regardless.................
Alpine Coach
Ford Edge TOAD
Modified 1933 REO Roadster
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