toad braking systems

[mrschwarz]

I have a Roadmaster Even Brake. After 3 years of use it failed and I had to pay $300 for a repair. The repair turned out to be a replacement unit. If I had to do it all again, I would get the Air Force One unit.

My repair guy, whom I trust a lot, says that once he installs it, he rarely has to repair it.

[tllapointe]

I like the designs that use the RV's air to apply proportional pressure to the toad's brakes.

What prevents the RV from losing brakes if the air line breaks or becomes disconneted?

Thanks,
Tom

[AFChap]

What prevents the RV from losing brakes if the air line breaks or becomes disconneted?

My Breakmaster system won't leak if it becomes disconnected as there is a small valve in the connection. If the line were cut/breaks, it is small enough that it would not cause a large enough leak to cause failure of the coach brakes.

[Hikerdogs]

Another vote for the Roadmaster Brakemaster. We've towed our 04 Wrangler over 35,000 miles without a single problem. It's truely proportional, takes only a couple minutes to install or remove, and doesn't take up much space in the towed vehicle.

[Cruzer]

Originally Posted by tllapointe

I like the designs that use the RV's air to apply proportional pressure to the toad's brakes.

What prevents the RV from losing brakes if the air line breaks or becomes disconneted?

Thanks,
Tom

I've tested my M&G in that mode. The little bit of air that comes out isn't enough to affect the coach brakes.

[mfire1339]

I have used the SMI stay and play for a year and a half=15,000mi. Works very well with a couple minor problems. First led indicator lite lost a couple diodes, SMI sent a new one no problem. Then during long trip 15amp fuse blew a couple times. I changed to 20 amp and talked to their tech and he said some pumps draw 17 amps on occasion and a 20amp fuse was ok till I returned home and to let them know when I arrived home give them a call and they would send a new pump. Well It never gave me any more trouble so I left it alone. I do use diodes on my 1990 wrangler Jeep.

Mike Fire

[bsinmich]

Originally Posted by tllapointe

I like the designs that use the RV's air to apply proportional pressure to the toad's brakes.

What prevents the RV from losing brakes if the air line breaks or becomes disconneted?

Thanks,
Tom

If the air line breaks on air brakes you won't lose brakes. You will become parked rapidly. When all the air pressure is gone the spring (emergency) brake applies.

[David K]

I use the Roadmaster Brakemaster system also -- good proportional braking and no problems with the hookup -- takes about 4 minutes total to connnect the air brake line, the safety cables, the lights, break away cable, and the wire that sends the signal to my front dash to let me know when the toad brakes are on. This also includes setting up the unit that pushes the brake pedal inside of the car.

[tllapointe]

Cruzer - I like the way the M&G system works - seems ideal. However, it doesn't look like it can be transferred to a new toad. If I changed cars completely (like GMC Envoy to Jeep Wrangler), wouldn't I have to buy a whole new brake system?

Tom

[Renipladlo]

All got a heck of a deal on the roadmaster even brake, it was on E-bay new in box, from a pawn shop in Portland, OR. I went over to see it and he sold it to me for 50 less than the auction price. I will install that on Tuesday. Going to assume if I keep the sensitivity low to medium, it won't be a problem. Since it’s a Jeep, with a separate lighting system, I’ll pull the correct relays and fuses, with no problems with the lights. Additionally, it does not have a locking steering column so I'm not even sure I need to turn on the switch to position 1. But will investigate it thoroughly prior to towing it. Thank you for all the input.

[M&EM]

Originally Posted by tllapointe

Cruzer - I like the way the M&G system works - seems ideal. However, it doesn't look like it can be transferred to a new toad. If I changed cars completely (like GMC Envoy to Jeep Wrangler), wouldn't I have to buy a whole new brake system?

Tom

Tom, no you wouldn't. M&G will give you a trade in allowance for the old system, (mainly the pass thru air cylinder). The real issue tho is whether or not the next toad can even be fitted with M&Gs' type of system!

Marty

[Always-RVing]

I'll look again, but I thought the owner's manual states do not tie into the MH braking system, doing so voids the warranty.

[Submustang]

I am very happy with the SMI Airforce One. It works very well and hooks up easily. Nothing to install on the floor of the toad or stow when you are driving it. Comes with break away system.

[BigSkyBob]

I have the M&G system on my toad and it's bulletproof. Works perfectly every time and I can hook it up in 5 seconds. No electronics and no down on your knees in the rain trying to hook up. I started out with a Roadmaster Evenbrake and it cost me front rotors and pads in less than 1000 miles on a new truck . Yes, it was installed by qualified techs, perhaps that was the problem .