Readi-Brake for Tow Vehicle?

[Thumpmeister]

Just bought my first tow vehicle to tow behind my 2002 Holiday Rambler Ambassador. My tow vehicle is a 2011 GMC Terrain. I am now searching for a tow bar and braking system and was wondering about the Readi-Brake System. Positive or negative comments would be appreciated. It seems to be the simplest of the systems, Thanks

[psi500]

Thumpeister, I just installed this system to tow our Terrain. I have about 500 miles so far on this set up and have been very pleased. I have a blue ox base plate. Just make sure you follow all the GMC instructions on flat towing the Terrain.

[firedoc]

When we changed to 2012 Terrain we also changed our tow set up from a ReadiBrute to a Roadmaster Falcon all Terrain and and M & G braking system and brake away. I felt more comfortable with the operation and no cables. Towed brakes no longer come on to just activation of exhaust brake on decline. I know it could probably be adjusted out but I was never certain.

[Thumpmeister]

Not sure I understand activation of exhaust brake on decline? Does that mean the cable is being activated by touching your coach brakes on a decline? I appreciate your comments as right now, I don't have a clue to which one to go with.

[Easyrider]

It's really a simple idea. Every time your motorhome is slowing down enough to overcome the spring in the ReadyBrute surge brake, the brakes on your toad are activated. Which is why you have a brake system on your toad in the first place- to slow it down when your motorhome is slowing down. If both your RV and toad are moving at the same speed, the toad brakes are not activated.

[MSHappyCampers]

I highly recommend the NSA ReadyBrute Elite towbars with built-in ReadyBrake! I also use their breakaway system!

[Poohbear7278]

Another vote for readybrake have really liked mine no problems and good customer service

[firedoc]

Originally Posted by Thumpmeister

Not sure I understand activation of exhaust brake on decline? Does that mean the cable is being activated by touching your coach brakes on a decline? I appreciate your comments as right now, I don't have a clue to which one to go with.

Yes, when you put on your coach brakes the 'surge' brake (after all that's what it is) on the reedibrake applies your toads brakes. That's what you want it to do. But when going down a long hill with your compression brake or exhaust brake on, the brakes on your toad could be applied the entire descent. Even if you are just trying to hold a constant speed. Could cause damage to road brakes.

[Easyrider]

Originally Posted by firedoc

Yes, when you put on your coach brakes the 'surge' brake (after all that's what it is) on the reedibrake applies your toads brakes. That's what you want it to do. But when going down a long hill with your compression brake or exhaust brake on, the brakes on your toad could be applied the entire descent. Even if you are just trying to hold a constant speed. Could cause damage to road brakes.

I don't see how this could happen. If you are going at a constant speed, the surge brake would not be activated. The only time the surge brake activates is when you are slowing down your motorhome enough for the pressure of your toad pushing against the RV to overcome the resistance of the spring in the ReadyBrute surge brake. If both the toad and RV are moving at the same constant speed the surge brake does not activate.

[HD4Mark]

We are on the second toad with our Ready Brake. Moved it from our '94 Geo Tracker to our '15 Jeep Wrangler. Easy to install yourself if you are handy with tools.

The system is truly simple. It works a lot like boat trailers. If it is pushing forward harder than it is being pulled the cable pulls down the brake pedal.

Be sure to also buy the Ready Stop emergency cable. It will pull the brake pedal down and hold it down in the event that the toad becomes loose.

[ronjhall]

Originally Posted by firedoc

Yes, when you put on your coach brakes the 'surge' brake (after all that's what it is) on the reedibrake applies your toads brakes. That's what you want it to do. But when going down a long hill with your compression brake or exhaust brake on, the brakes on your toad could be applied the entire descent. Even if you are just trying to hold a constant speed. Could cause damage to road brakes.

I installed a switch on toad brake pedal. This shows me when Ready Brake has moved enough to cause toad brakes to be applied. I have never seen this light come on with Exhaust Brake use. I need to apply some motorhome brake to get this light to come on.
The indicator light supplied with Ready Brake does not indicate that cable has been pulled enough to apply brakes on toad. Only indicates that cable arm has moved off it's resting place.
In order to properly setup Ready Brake. It is best to install some indicator of toads brake pedal position.

[RRR]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I highly recommend the NSA ReadyBrute Elite towbars with built-in ReadyBrake! I also use their breakaway system!

I am looking at the Elite closely. In the occasion you need to back a few feet will the brake activate?

[LeeB]

Originally Posted by ronjhall

I installed a switch on toad brake pedal. This shows me when Ready Brake has moved enough to cause toad brakes to be applied. I have never seen this light come on with Exhaust Brake use. I need to apply some motorhome brake to get this light to come on.
The indicator light supplied with Ready Brake does not indicate that cable has been pulled enough to apply brakes on toad. Only indicates that cable arm has moved off it's resting place.
In order to properly setup Ready Brake. It is best to install some indicator of toads brake pedal position.

I would like to hear/see more about the switch you installed on the toad brake pedal..... I love our Ready Brake this will be the 3rd MH we have used it on.. It is mounted on a 96 Tracker

Thanks LeeB

[rjsupersonic]

25,000 miles with the Ready Brake and no issues. Works great!