Outlook/Acadia braking system

[tpm64]

We now have a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Our next decision is which braking system? I am looking for advice from those with direct experience with an Outlook or GMC Acadia.

Thanks in advance.

[tpm64]

We now have a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Our next decision is which braking system? I am looking for advice from those with direct experience with an Outlook or GMC Acadia.

Thanks in advance.

[FlyingDiver]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tpm64:
We now have a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Our next decision is which braking system? I am looking for advice from those with direct experience with an Outlook or GMC Acadia.

Thanks in advance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, we have an Enclave. It's also a Lambda. We're having an SMI Air Force One installed.

joe

[cwg]

For our 08 Acadia I made the decision to have an Air Force One installed after a subjective evaluation of the competing braking systems. It has worked wonderfully and has been in place over six months.

Several friends who already had a US Gear unit on a previous tow vehicle made a successful transfer to the lambda series as it also seems to work very seamlessly on any of these vehicles.

I grew tired of the "brake in box program" and this is much easier to use. I don't think you would go wrong with such a choice, and you can look up some of the discussions on the Air Force One in the archives. One thing you will want to pay attention to is the battery run down and you will also find discussion on pulling a 50 amp fuse or installing something on the order of a "Battery Brain". Good luck.

[tpm64]

Thanks for the replies and info.

Joe, I didn't mean to slight the Enclave. There are so few around here I didn't think about them.

[MonacoMama]

There is someone here at the RV park with an Enclave toad.. I will try to go ask them tomorrow night what braking system they have. (No...I have not met them yet - but it will give me a reason to knock on their door and then introduce them to iRV2!)

MM

[MonacoMama]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tpm64:
We now have a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Our next decision is which braking system? I am looking for advice from those with direct experience with an Outlook or GMC Acadia.
Thanks in advance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Hey tpm64...I just noticed this is your 3rd post...all on this forum. You need to venture outa here and maybe check in at the New Member check-in and introduce yourself!
MonacoMama
Moderator

[tpm64]

I'll do that. I have read so much here I don't feel like a new member.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'm using a Roadmaster Brakemaster system in my Acadia. Have towed about 16,000 miles now and it seems to be performing fine. I have one minor wrinkle I haven't bothered to iron out yet, but it can affect several braking systems. It is necessary to remove the 50A Batt 1 fuse or disconnect the battery at the post in order to avoid running the battery down on these GM energy hogs. That means you may have to arrange for an alternate power source for systems that use any 12v power on the car end. The Brakemaster normally uses car system power to operate the indicator light in the coach that shows when the brake is engaged. That indicator stops working when the car fuse is pulled. There is a separate brake light switch available that allows you to power this from the coach instead of the car, but I haven't installed it - or made a similar device - yet. I'll get "roun toit" one of these days...

[historyljc]

I have used the Brake Buddy Vantage ever since I started towing the Outlook over a year ago. It has worked well. I like having the monitor that mounts in the motorhome to see when its activating.

[MonacoMama]

I checked with the Enclave owners here in the park. They are also using the Roadmaster. This is the second unit he has had it in ...and he is very satisfied with it also.


MM

[UPS 34]

I helped a fellow RVer install a US Gear system in his. I love that system. Works great. It takes 8 hours to install. But simple to use. Right now Monaco has them for sale on E BAY

[BCook57]

I have the Air Force 1 in our '08 Acadia and it works great. I do pull the Batt 1 fuse, which is kind of a pain. Haven't bothered to have a cut out wired in yet, but may do so.

[tpm64]

Thanks for the great first hand info.

As for pulling the 50A fuse or having a charge line - I have found a way to get my Outlook in Neutral and have the key in the "off" position (and even remove it). I know that GM recommends pulling the Batt1 fuse and leaving the key in "Accy" and I am still trying to find out a reason not to turn the key to "off".