Community Forums

micki49 · 03-28-2011, 07:58 PM

Need Help: Do you need braking system for tow car and if so which one is best?

dons2346 · 03-28-2011, 08:13 PM

You will get a lot of opposing answers here. I personally think everyone should have one, I have an M&G installed on the Jeep GC.

UFO Pilot · 03-28-2011, 08:24 PM

I wouldn't tow without one. Check out SMI, they make one for gasser's and one for diesels. Both get high praises from users.

paintman607 · 03-29-2011, 05:01 AM

A matter of preference and a whole lot of research. When all is said and done. All have pros and cons. Depends on how much money you want to spend and how much bother you are willing to contend with while hooking up. I myself went with SMI AF0. I installed it myself after the Service department wanted 8 hours labor to install it. The AFO reps at the Rally I went to told me how and what I needed, the amount of time it SHOULD take. PLUS the TECH support you get on the phone is outstanding. I even went to the extent of sending pics and they called back with the answers I needed to finish job. Also on a side note. They said that the dealer I went to that quoted me 8 hours labor should fire all their techs cause they can and should be able to do it in 4 hours. The job took me a total of 6 hours and that was my first install. with phone calls.

gripper · 03-29-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micki49

Need Help: Do you need braking system for tow car and if so which one is best?

First, you should check with your state's laws, about towing a car. Do whatever the law says and you should be good in all states. However, I would not be without one, for my own peace of mind and the potential liability that exists. I have a "BrakeBuddy" and am happy with it.

DavidC1225 · 03-29-2011, 06:29 AM

We towed our Wrangler for 2 years without a supplemental braking system. That changed when the state we are originally from began actively checking RVs for supplemental braking systems. We use a Blue Ox Patriot and are completely satisfied with the performance. I have to say that I can definitely tell a difference since I began using the system and I would strongly recommend that you consider using one when towing.

llib enad · 03-29-2011, 06:46 AM

Have used the M &G system since 01 as I use the KISS theory( keep it simple stupid) . When I enstall anything I have to be very aware of a SUE ( stupid user error).

Bill Dane
99 Country Coach Allure

shortimers · 03-29-2011, 06:52 AM

Used M & G for 6 years, no problems.

Highflyer · 03-29-2011, 09:13 AM

Most states require one on anything being towed over 1500 lbs. We use an M&G system and it works great and is very easy to hook up in 20 seconds.

scenic route · 03-29-2011, 01:32 PM

Wouldn't tow without an aux. braking system. We use the SMI Stay N Play Duo. Very happy with it. Nothing to move around...flip a switch and go. Bob

GaryKD · 03-29-2011, 01:40 PM

Hi micki49,
I have the US GEAR system. Go to Unified Tow Brake and read about it. That being said, get the braking system that interfaces with you the best. Your the one who need to connect and disconnect. Your the one who must decipher the lights and noises it makes when something goes wrong. Have the units you are considering demonstrated to you. Then decide what is best, for you. They all work. The difference is how they will work for you.

johnsonjm209 · 03-30-2011, 04:56 PM

I have used a Brake Buddy since 2001, on two different HR Gassers. I have had minor problems which the company addressed right away. One was a circuit boad failure and they asked me for a General Post Office mail address that I might be at in (x) amount of days. I got a new one waiting for me and the box was used to send mine back. Naturally there was a fee cause it was out of warentee. 3 weeks ago I had a problem with the reciever ( my fault). I could use the Brake Buddy w/o the receiver cause it only told me when the brake was activated. I called them. A new one was $150.00, but if I sent the old one to them they would repair it and send it back to me for $40.00. They completely serviced the old one and I got it back UPS in 3 days.
These are only my experiences, but I didn't like the idea of cutting into my m/h braking system with another brand. I like being able to move it with me to my next m/h.

WheelingIt · 03-30-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi micki49,
I have the US GEAR system. Go to Unified Tow Brake and read about it.

That's what we use too. Been very happy with the system so far.

wkdwitch · 03-30-2011, 05:31 PM

DavidC1225 - Just curious, (we have a brake system ) was the state "checking" for brake systems Georgia? Have snow-birded there over 10 years and never ran across a checkpoint.