Community Forums

dmurdock · 10-21-2015, 08:18 PM

City, Highway, and gravel road view of towbar in action..FYI - this is the model with the integrated surge brake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztXVykKnd0

Dogpatch · 10-21-2015, 08:35 PM

I had my Ready Brute Elite with Ready Brake through 3 coaches over 4 years. Worked flawlessly! Sold my towbar today as we just switched to truck and 5th wheel. Otherwise I'd still be using it.

Easyrider · 10-22-2015, 04:53 AM

Thanks for the video! We've used the ReadyBrute Elite for a few years now and are very happy with it. As far as I know it's the least expensive way to get into flat towing a toad with new equipment. Simple to install and use, relatively inexpensive, works great! What more can you ask for?

MrBelvedere · 10-22-2015, 05:27 AM

Im considering this model..so thanks for posting this informative video.

Do there a rock guard available for the ReadyBrute?

AKJohn · 10-22-2015, 10:00 AM

I've been using a Protect-A-Tow for about 12,000 miles and am very happy with it. I bought it with my ReadyBrute.

Tow Bar Rock Deflector - NSA RV Products

YC1 · 10-22-2015, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the video. I'm convinced. The brake that likes to lock itself up has already been removed. This should give me peace of mind when towing especially in the rain,. Virtually no power drain on the electrical system either.

dmurdock · 10-22-2015, 02:47 PM

I scaled my coach at a hair under 34000lbs so I wouldn't feel any jerking no matter what. What I did as an experiment was tow my jeep around with an F150 (not on highway, just around rural roads where I felt safe experimenting). There is no "herky/jerky" action and the braking is smooth. You do feel a little extra effort in braking (so the toad is not "invisible" to the coach) but this is due to the heavy spring built into the surge brake that the toad must overcome before the cable is actuated. I think this is an awesome design (having a spring to overcome to activate toad braking) that keeps braking proportionate and also encourages disengagement. In the video you'll notice during a couple of hard stops the jeep actually rocks back an inch or so as the spring in the surge brake pushes back (releasing the cable tension). Not sure if it matters to anybody but unlike some electrical or air brakes the toad brakes are not active while you're stopped..only when you're in the process of slowing down.

cwit · 10-26-2015, 03:56 PM

Greatest system on the market.

baraff · 10-26-2015, 05:10 PM

Love our ReadyBrute Elite, had it for about four years, almost 30,000 miles. Dead simple. I don't know why anyone would opt for all the electronics or air brakes. Best towbar on the market.

docj · 10-26-2015, 05:32 PM

We've put ~50,000 miles on our ReadyBrute over 5 years. A year ago I shipped it to the company and they refurbed it for free (plus shipping costs). I agree with what others here have said; it's simple and works, what more does anyone need?

walt2137 · 10-26-2015, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmurdock

Not sure if it matters to anybody but unlike some electrical or air brakes the toad brakes are not active while you're stopped..only when you're in the process of slowing down.

That is important, most folks that use a toad brake that pushes the brake pedal if not used with a brake light relay it will cover up your turn signal. I enjoyed the video!

BamaBob · 10-28-2015, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt2137

That is important, most folks that use a toad brake that pushes the brake pedal if not used with a brake light relay it will cover up your turn signal. I enjoyed the video!

New to TOAD towing (been a 5er driver until the desire to upgrad hit us last month

So the brake controller on a ReadyBrute will activate the brake lights when you step on your MH brake?

How about turn signals? Is that integrated in the controller as well?

Thanks for the help folks!

P.S. our new MH will have airbrakes - does that make a difference with the ReadyBrute?

dmurdock · 10-28-2015, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVBamaBob

New to TOAD towing (been a 5er driver until the desire to upgrad hit us last month

So the brake controller on a ReadyBrute will activate the brake lights when you step on your MH brake?

How about turn signals? Is that integrated in the controller as well?

Thanks for the help folks!

P.S. our new MH will have airbrakes - does that make a difference with the ReadyBrute?

The ReadyBrute just pulls on the brake pedal, so I'm guessing the brake lights come on *BUT* mine will already come on because I have a wiring connection from the bus to the toad. The readybrute elite is just "physical" brakes has nothing to do with the lights - lights have to be done seperately-if you have a newer jeep like I do it's super easy with the cooltech wiring harness but in all honesty any rv place can wire your vehicle for towing.

I have airbrakes too..

bruscifer · 11-11-2015, 03:34 PM

dmurdock,

Thanks so much for posting the VID and all the information. I am surprised there isn't more information on the Readybrake here. I decided sometime ago that this is the way we will go, but I do have a couple questions if you don't mind. I noticed you live in Texas, so do I. I am having a heck of a time finding anyone that knows what a Readybrake is let alone how to install. Who did your install? Also, we bought a 2016 Trailhawk to use for a Toad. I was planning on a Blue Ox base plate. I am assuming I will need one even though the Trailhawk has built in Trailer hooks. Does this sound like a good plan? Any advice from anybody? Thanks. Pretty much a Newbie to Toads.