Community Forums

bruscifer · 10-14-2015, 02:48 PM

Hello IRV!
My name is Bruce. My Wife Teri and I recently purchased a 2007 Winnebago Voyage 33 footer. It's not our first. We traded a 2003 Winnie Minnie Class C in for it. Before that we had two Travel Trailers. So we aren't complete Newbies, even though it feels that way to us.

We haven't had much time to travel

. The longest trip was in the Winnie up to Colorado via New Mexico(we live in Texas) a couple of years ago.

Anyway, I wanted to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker, and usually can find answers that way, however I have a few that I can't seem to find what I want to know.

First off...We felt the need for a Toad with our Winnie, even rented cars a couple of times. Now with this Class A we REALLY need to figure out what to do.
We just bought a 2016 Jeep Trail-hawk

for our first Toad. I think I have it narrowed down to a Blue Ox plate, with a Ready-brute Elite Tow Bar set up.
I have a couple questions, but let me ask this first.

Virtually everything I've read about the Ready Brake has been positive. So much so in fact I can't understand why EVERYONE doesn't use one, and why the other Manufacturers don't make something like it. They are apparently the cheapest way to start short of a used set up. Obviously I must be wrong about that since People are still using Brake Buddy's and other systems.

What am I missing?

Thanks Guys
Nice to meet you!

denlock · 10-14-2015, 03:38 PM

TeJay · 10-14-2015, 04:00 PM

We have the Ready Brute system. I also did the research and wondered why most don't use the RB system as well. Here's my take on it.

It is way different from the early types that used an actuator in the vehicle to push on the brake pedal. Anytime a company deviates from the usual way of doing things there can be some skepticism as to the units ability to deliver the braking as advertised. I read nothing but good reports about it.

When your unit is different it takes more time for it to become an acceptable alternate choice to the other styles. I liked what I read so that's what we got.

I did the wiring of the TOAD, with a lot of help from a very nice forum member form SD, CA. Installed the plate with not to much trouble but the day before we were to leave i realized that I needed a drop hitch to keep the TOAD and the MH as close to the same level as possible so the inertia system would work correctly. Because of the time constraint it cost me $160 for the drop hitch. Had I the time I would have built one. So keep that in mind.

Our Honda Civic is a light TOAD so I'm not to concerned if the system is really giving me good braking. I believe it is. Unlike a TT where you can electrically apply the TT brakes and see if it will slow down your tow vehicle you can't do that with an inertia brake system. We have never had any close calls but have had to apply the coach brakes a few times in a hurry.

We have over 13,000 miles on the coach and most of that time we've pulled the TOAD and so far it's been good. I'd buy it again and as you noticed it's a lot cheaper that the standard in the car units.

TeJay

IdahoSRT10 · 10-14-2015, 04:07 PM

I have the ReadyBrute and it's ok IF you dial it in correctly. It takes some time to get it working near 100%. Installing a LED indicator on your dash from the Toads brake switch is a must.

Bruce C · 10-14-2015, 04:08 PM

hal1phx · 10-14-2015, 04:16 PM

bruscifer · 10-14-2015, 05:11 PM

Thanks TeJay and EVERYONE else! I was thinking the same sort of thing about the RB. If I didn't go that direction....what would be my next best choice ya think?

Got to head to work, so I'll check back in the AM

Deny · 10-14-2015, 05:17 PM

Congratulations on your new Rig-Hope it keeps you infatuated with Travel....the best of ambitions.

MSHappyCampers · 10-14-2015, 05:17 PM

Hi Bruce! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

I highly recommend the ReadyBrute Elite towbars!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Fred1609 · 10-14-2015, 08:22 PM

Welcome aboard ....glad you found us.

Safe and Happy Travels.

bruscifer · 10-15-2015, 07:34 AM

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!
I called the closest "dealer", to me, that NSA lists as a "dealer". It's a couple hours away, and the thought was we would drive the MH and Toad to them that let THEM do all the heavy lifting. The guy says, a "Ready....What??? Oh yeah..we don't really do them much. Besides the guy that did that is retired..." Talked to a fellow at Camping World here in our Town, and he said...'A what?...Ready What?..." Anyway, NOBODY around here seems to know what they are. I think we are going to be able to get CW to do the plate, and they should be able to run the cables and all. Thinking we might get the parts from Amazon.
I have the tools to do it I think, but better leave it to experts. Besides the Wife said she didn't want to listen to the cursing...It's making me wonder if it isn't better to just stick to a regular set up. Maybe, buy a aux brake later...dunno....