Community Forums

mdalberts · 03-06-2013, 04:59 AM

Just purchased a 2007 Saturn Vue that was already setup to tow. I have a 2011 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser. I am looking for advice on a braking system for the Saturn. There seems to be a lot of options, can anyone advise?

Mike

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-06-2013, 05:10 AM

If you've seen the opinions , you'll have to pick one. I have the SMI Stay N Play Duo and have been totally satisfied with it. The ease of set up is unmatched by the others.
Cliff

Jim Estes · 03-06-2013, 05:13 AM

Brakebuddy Vantage...Works great plus I can use it in multiple vehicles...Sometimes I tow my Chevy 2500 with the golf cart in the back...there are many good braking systems out there...it does take some money though ;-)

Wayne M · 03-06-2013, 07:51 AM

I have the same vehicle. I use Air Force 1 as my braking system. I have had it in since 2008 with no problems (knock on wood). It is very unobtrusive, and does not have to be removed. It stays in place.

Happy trails.

JBDISCOVERY · 03-06-2013, 08:24 AM

We have a 2006 Vue which we have towed for about 36,000 miles with no trouble. I had to make two changes to allow easy daily towing. The first was to install a Roadmaster Brakemaster 9000. This requires running an brake airline from the coach to the Vue. I installed quick disconnects at the coach, the front of the Vue, and inside at the driver position. The Brakemaster fits over the brake pedal which has a mount on the floor. Changing the unit in and out daily is quite easy. My wife does this when we get started in the morning.
The second change was to the electric engine system. I installed a on/off switch inside the Vue under the driver side dash. It was wired to the 30amp position that is on when the car key is left in the ignition switch. Leaving the key in allows the steering wheel to be unlocked while the Vue is being towed. When the switch is off, this prevents the car battery from running down. I installed a stand alone 30amp fuse holder inline with the switch wiring.
If one is interested in purchasing a Brakemaster 9000 I suggest looking on Ebay. The unit is offered there for around $150.

Regards,
JimB

Wayne M · 03-06-2013, 08:42 AM

JimB,
Do you have a diagram or simple instructions with parts on the switch you made?

Thanks.

CampDaven · 03-06-2013, 09:07 AM

I suggest going camping and seeing what the neighbors have, how they work, etc. Talking to them, asking all of the questions.
You will find one you like best. I did.

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-06-2013, 09:09 AM

I think the op has a gas coach. If so some of the systems being discussed here may not be applicable. That of course depends on my being correct here which has a 50/50 chance

Cliff

JBDISCOVERY · 03-07-2013, 08:20 AM

Wayne M,
The circuit is a simple loop. Starting at the ignition circuit 30amp fuse in the Vue fuse box, I removed the fuse for the ignition circuit and inserted one wire from a two wire electric cable that I ran through the firewall into the driver side of the passenger cabin. I installed a on/off toggle switch in the underside of the dash and connected the two wires from the cable so as to make or break the circuit.
Back at the Vue fuse box, I connected a stand alone fuse holder using the 30amp fuse to the hot side of the ignition fuse socket and to the second wire coming from the firewall. The connectors used in the ignition fuse socket were simple spade connectors. I took care to seal the hole I punched into the fuze box and firewall to minimize moisture.
This set up allows shutting off the ignition circuit, which if not done, will drain the battery. Interesting is that the Vue brake lights still work when the coach brakes are used. I get two sets of lights when using the brakes.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
JimB

iRV4FUN · 03-07-2013, 08:47 AM

I researched the others and then went to the annual national FMAC exhibit hall. It took me several days to get through all the booths (hehehe) and almost all the braking systems where on display. I settled on RVBrake (www.rvbrake.com) 1-800-815-2159. I love it!!! A wireless monitor you plug into your lighter in the cab makes it one of the easiest to set up and install. It's very trouble free. I never ran power back through my toad and never had toad battery issues for up to 3 day trips. Affordable and dependable and they are very helpful on the phone with any questions you may have at any point in your pre or post ownership experience.

Wayne M · 03-09-2013, 09:50 AM

JimB, Thanks.

Regarding gas coach, Air Force 1 provides an air pump for gas coaches. (At least the did in 2008) I believe it mounts to the TOAD along with AF1.