Anyone using a NSA surge auxillary brake system

[Solask]

Originally Posted by TwelveVolt

Intuitively, this seems like the most sensible solution in that it uses a feedback loop to apply brakes when and as hard as needed. No electronics or pumps or pneumatic fittings to fail.
My one question is how does it perform on a long downgrade with the engine/exhaust brake on? Will it apply the towed brakes all the way down the hill?

The tow bar integrates a heavy spring that must be overwhelmed, as would happen upon initial normal braking. As the toad slows or equalizes with the MH, the spring pushes the tow bar back. Going down a grade, the toad brake is engaged only during the initial and periodic act of
slowing the MH down to a safe speed.

[Redridge]

here is how I did mine... wrap 3 industrial tie wraps around the brake pedal one on top of each other. Insert 2 tie wraps between the 3 tie wraps and the brake pedal. Wrap the 2 tie wraps around the brake switch. Adjust the switch so it only actuates the limit switch. It is very secure if you do it right and tighten everything down properly.

The brake switch requires very little pressure to actuate it. Remember that inside the brake switch is only a micro switch and only switches ground.


here it is coming out of the jeep along with the mopar wiring harness.


here is the plug that goes to the jeep end and the towbar end


these are the two plugs that are attached the motorhome end. These are the two wires that are attached to a frame (ground) and is routed to the 2 led. Then I tap a fused 12volt under the dash to the 2 led mounted on the dash. So, the Jeep brakes and the surge actuator are switching the ground.... Hope that makes sense.

Originally Posted by TwelveVolt

Intuitively, this seems like the most sensible solution in that it uses a feedback loop to apply brakes when and as hard as needed. No electronics or pumps or pneumatic fittings to fail.
My one question is how does it perform on a long downgrade with the engine/exhaust brake on? Will it apply the towed brakes all the way down the hill?

On long downhills with exhaust brakes, the surge may or may not activate depending on the grade... it will def activate if you suddenly step on the brakes. Thats why that adjustment cable is crucial to knowing when the toad brakes (not the surge brakes) are applied... again, I have the cable adjusted to when I step on the MH brakes is the only time the toads brakes are applied.

[Solask]

Red ridge, so you ran a new wire the length of the mh? Where are you splicing/connecting the 12v and ground for the new brake switch?

[Redridge]

Originally Posted by Rkh

Red ridge, so you ran a new wire the length of the mh? Where are you splicing/connecting the 12v and ground for the new brake switch?

I ran an extra (2 wires total) from the rear to the front Of the coach... at the rear of the MH, connect one side of both limit switch to the frame. The other side of both limit switch will go to the front of the coach and connect it to one side of the indicating lights and 12v+ to the other side of the indicating lights...
here is a schematic... that 12V fused is 12V+, the frame is GND or 12V-

[Solask]

I got it! Appreciate your help here. I am definitely able to do this now.. May not be for a few weeks but I'll update the thread.. Thanks so much again..
Not sure where I'm going to mount the switch on my Focus. Doesn't have the same access your jeep has.

[Redridge]

you can mount the brake switch a couple of ways... if you look at this pic there are 2 brake switch, the other brake switch is under where I mounted mine. So you have options.