HHR Owners Brake Suggestions

[Frantz]

We just bought a 2008 HHR to tow behind our 2008 40' National Pacifica DP. We have air brakes. I have read most of the threads about braking systems but would like to hear from owners/users what their preferred braking system is. Comments on ease of use & installation would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Marilyn

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frantz We just bought a 2008 HHR to tow behind our 2008 40' National Pacifica DP. We have air brakes. I have read most of the threads about braking systems but would like to hear from owners/users what their preferred braking system is. Comments on ease of use & installation would be appreciated. Thanks, Marilyn

Marilyn

I have a 09 HHr and use the SMI stay and play duo. Mine is a gas coach. That co. makes one for DP , I think it's called air force one. I did a lot of research and this one fits the bill as far as ease of hooking up( you don't have to ) just plug flip a switch in and go. I'm very happy with it.

Cliff

[Pusherman]

I have a 'brake-in-a-box' system (Roadmaster EvenBrake). It works fine.

Problem with these systems is that you have to put it in the car and take it out once you arrive at your destination, and then stow it somewhere.

If I had it to do over, I would install an SMI Air Force One (we have air brakes) so as to not hassle with installing and stowing each time we tow. Installation is a lot more complex than on a 'brake-in-a-box' system, though.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman I have a 'brake-in-a-box' system (Roadmaster EvenBrake). It works fine. Problem with these systems is that you have to put it in the car and take it out once you arrive at your destination, and then stow it somewhere. If I had it to do over, I would install an SMI Air Force One (we have air brakes) so as to not hassle with installing and stowing each time we tow. Installation is a lot more complex than on a 'brake-in-a-box' system, though.

That's a good point Pusherman. It was 4 hours labor to install. However now that it's done , it's a pleasure to plug in and go.

Cliff

[Frantz]

Thanks for the info. We have been leaning toward the under the hood type & away from the mechanical but wanted some "real" input. Seems that most of the advertising all say the same so makes it hard to make an informed decision. We are also stuck with not many options other than Camping World which I'm not too trusting of. Did find we have Brazels just up the road so will probably talk with them.
Thanks again for your help.
Marilyn

[azloafer]

We haven't towed anything yet, but may use a toad on a future trip we are planning. If I buy a very small, light car like a Mini Cooper, do I really need a supplemental braking system for the toad?

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frantz We just bought a 2008 HHR to tow behind our 2008 40' National Pacifica DP. We have air brakes. I have read most of the threads about braking systems but would like to hear from owners/users what their preferred braking system is. Comments on ease of use & installation would be appreciated. Thanks, Marilyn

I installed the US Gear Unified tow brake system because Monaco Winnebago Freightliner and other mfg's wire there coaches for that system. Your HR is pre-wired for it and as far as hooking it up you just plug in the main cord and breakaway wire and your done. After 2 years it has worked perfectly so far. I also see alot on members happy with the M&G braking system.

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer We haven't towed anything yet, but may use a toad on a future trip we are planning. If I buy a very small, light car like a Mini Cooper, do I really need a supplemental braking system for the toad?

In my humble opinion yes, I recommend them. Lot of good choices US gear Unified Tow Brake, M&G, SMI etc.

[two2go]

I will stick by my ReadyBrake system (Night Shift Auto). After two years, the thing just plain works with no boxes or force adjustments or worries about electrical supply or air lines or vacuum pumps. At less than half the price of any other type, it gives me true proportional braking. With just a cable pulling on the car's brake pedal, the harder the coach stops, the harder the car's brake is activated. There are only two cons as far as I'm concerned. The cable adjustment is delicate to set initially, and you have to disconnect the cable to back up (although my HHR doesn't cooperate with the back-up bit very well anyway). Installation might be more effort too. It took me two and a half days combined with installing tow bar brackets and wiring for lights. Having the front fascia off helped in routing the pull cable and emergency stop unit.

[rv rick]

We use a Brake Buddy with our 2009 HHR. Works great and I liked the fact that it was easy to switch the Brake Buddy from our prior car to the HHR. HHR tows great -- do not even know it is there (glad the rear camera is there to tell!).

[Triker56]

I use the BrakeMaster air system on my 08 HHR.
Quick hook up and less then 4 lb. to move.
Put a switch on the #8 fuse and save a lot of time.
You will need a Stop Brake Switch with the air system.
Also a Seat adaptor will be needed.

Camping World installed mine and done a great job. While I sat and watched TV.

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56 I use the BrakeMaster air system on my 08 HHR. Quick hook up and less then 4 lb. to move. Put a switch on the #8 fuse and save a lot of time. You will need a Stop Brake Switch with the air system. Also a Seat adaptor will be needed. Camping World installed mine and done a great job. While I sat and watched TV.

You must have a very nice Camping World. I went to the Tucson CW to have that new piece added to my Sensar Antenna. It is shown on the Winegard Site as a two minute job without tools. I was there
1-1/2 hours with no where to sit period. I was told that they only have two installers and one of them was not feeling well. It's a shame that the store is not run better considering that they are on the grounds of the largest RV dealer in Tucson.

I have to add that I am disabled and could not climb on the roof to do it myself. I will see if the antenna addition is everything Winegard says it is on our next outing.

[Frantz]

I have a chance to purchase a used US Gear Unified Brake System for a reasonable price. Should I be considering this? Comes with all pieces even though our MH is pre-wired (I think).
Thanks again for all your input.
Marilyn

[Triker56]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer You must have a very nice Camping World. I went to the Tucson CW to have that new piece added to my Sensar Antenna. It is shown on the Winegard Site as a two minute job without tools. I was there 1-1/2 hours with no where to sit period. I was told that they only have two installers and one of them was not feeling well.

That is news. A CW without a customer waiting room.

I have only been in 8 of their different stores and had items installed in 6 of those. Some stores several times.
All 8 had a customer waiting room. Usually with free coffee available.
And not any had a very big area. The nicest & biggest one was at the new store in Bowling Green, KY

I always made a appointment for their opening time. Sometimes the service was slow. But everything I have had installed was a fixed install price. Nothing by the hour.

The Wingman does help on some distance stations.