Community Forums

efstewart · 12-05-2013, 11:08 AM

I am looking at slightly used brake systems for my CRV and found 2 for sell. One is the Evenbrake, used only once, and the other is RVI brake. The RVI brake looks more user friendly, simple in design, and very compact. Their website shows that they now have a RVI 2 update....makes me wonder if the first system had some issues.

The Evenbrake is large, with a compressor, and professional looking. All I want is something that works only when needed. Anyone already have one of these systems and care to comment?

UFO Pilot · 12-05-2013, 11:16 AM

I started with the EvenBrake in my CRV and was never quite happy with it. Taking it in and out, storage when not in use, set up, etc. When it failed on the road, nobody could or would repair it. I replaced it with the SMI Stay-in-Play and I wish I had installed it originally. Nothing to set up, just plug in the light cord and the brakes are ready to go.

wa8yxm · 12-05-2013, 12:52 PM

There are, in my view, 4 types of braking system.

the EVEN brake is what I call a System in a box. It has to be installed EVERY time you tow, and it's very easy to say "Oh, i'ts only a few miles" and forget it... and be sorry later.

The next 3 systems are all installed (bolted in)

One either pulls or pushes on the pedal based on either air pressure or electric "Pressure" from the towing vehicle (motor home)

One (M&G is this type of system) goes between the brake booster and the brake master cylinder and is NOT affected by brake vacuum.. This is an air based system

And surge brakes like the Ready Brake.

....

My recommendation is AGAINST the box systems like Evenbrake... I have used US-Gear unified brake decelerator and it worked very well, It gives you an amazing amount of control over the towed from the towing cockpit.

My next buy will likely be the Blue-Ox auto stop (Equivlant of the Ready Brake) surge brake system.

efstewart · 12-05-2013, 06:31 PM

The "RVI brake" instructions says that when installed, it pumps the brake pedal five times to disengage? the brake vacuum. I do not know what the role of the brake vacuum is, and why it has to be disengaged.

KIX · 12-05-2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efstewart

The "RVI brake" instructions says that when installed, it pumps the brake pedal five times to disengage? the brake vacuum. I do not know what the role of the brake vacuum is, and why it has to be disengaged.

When the car engine is running there is a vacuum in the vacuum brake booster. With the engine off pumping the brake pedal depletes the vacuum in the booster. When vacuum is depleted it takes less pressure on the pedal to produce braking action.

luvlabs · 12-06-2013, 07:48 AM

Just to clear up something - it takes far more pressure to brake without vacuum. Vacuum is used to boost braking action or lower pedal pressure.

The reason you remove the vacuum is to get consistent braking action. If vacuum was present when your RVi brake pushed on the pedal you would get a four wheel lockup.

KIX · 12-06-2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

Just to clear up something - it takes far more pressure to brake without vacuum. Vacuum is used to boost braking action or lower pedal pressure.

The reason you remove the vacuum is to get consistent braking action. If vacuum was present when your RVi brake pushed on the pedal you would get a four wheel lockup.

You are correct and I am incorrect. I actually know what you stated. Trying to watch TV and surf iRV2 is apparently not a good thing at least for me. My apologies.

UFO Pilot · 12-06-2013, 10:08 AM

The SMI Stay-in-Play creates its own vacuum to make braking easier.

lanerd · 12-06-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

The SMI Stay-in-Play creates its own vacuum to make braking easier.

So does the US Gear Unified brake system and the Roadmaster Invisa Brake system.

In my opinion, these vacuum assisted units are the best on the market and the most efficient as they require much less pressure on the toad's brake pedal and all are activated proportionally to the mh's brakes.

All are as described above in a previous post... once installed, only the connection of the umbilical cord for lights is required.

Ron

tropical36 · 12-12-2013, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efstewart

I am looking at slightly used brake systems for my CRV and found 2 for sell. One is the Evenbrake, used only once, and the other is RVI brake. The RVI brake looks more user friendly, simple in design, and very compact. Their website shows that they now have a RVI 2 update....makes me wonder if the first system had some issues.

The Evenbrake is large, with a compressor, and professional looking. All I want is something that works only when needed. Anyone already have one of these systems and care to comment?

Others have answered your question, so for thinking outside the box, why not look to eBay for a READYBRAKE setup, so you won't have to ask for pros and cons?

woodytrwo · 12-13-2013, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanerd

So does the US Gear Unified brake system and the Roadmaster Invisa Brake system.

In my opinion, these vacuum assisted units are the best on the market and the most efficient as they require much less pressure on the toad's brake pedal and all are activated proportionally to the mh's brakes.

All are as described above in a previous post... once installed, only the connection of the umbilical cord for lights is required.

Ron

Couldn't agree more. I have the US Gear braking system. Came with the M/H that I bought. Was fairly easy to re-install myself on a SRX. Factory was good with install advice. Great proportional braking that you can adjust from the M/H dash.

JFXG · 12-26-2013, 11:47 AM

I've been using an RVi system for almost two years. It works well, easy to set up, and stores easily. Additionally, if you have a question or two as I did, the folks at the company are very friendly and accommodating.

When you have it set in place and press the start button, it goes through its own setup for about 20 seconds. This includes the RVi's air cylinder pushing hard on the toad's brake five times to dissipate brake vacuum from the toad's brake system. Normal.

The RVi2 is their latest model. It is not a response to design or operating problems, but merely includes a tire pressure monitoring system in the package.

I would recommend the RVi system.

brobox · 12-29-2013, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropical36

Others have answered your question, so for thinking outside the box, why not look to eBay for a READYBRAKE setup, so you won't have to ask for pros and cons?

I have used a few of the others over the years, and I couldn't agree more with your statement. No more failures, it just works and is about as simple as it gets.