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DooDahDave · 11-25-2015, 08:48 AM

I don't have all of the information that I probably should have available to ask a smart question regrading this subject, but it's to help a buddy so I'll plunge ahead anyway.
My buddy has recently purchased a 2008 42' Monaco Dynasty and will be towing a 1998 GMC 3500 4 X 4 pickup truck with a 350 gas engine and automatic transmission.
He is having difficulty finding information about what sort of braking systems might work with his pickup. Apparently the truck's braking system relies on the power steering pump to provide power assist to the truck's brakes rather than vacuum-and that appears to be giving him a headache.
Any information along these lines would be helpful.
If more details are needed, please let me know and I'll go back to him an pry them out of him.

Thanks,

Doo Dah Dave

RWeigant · 11-25-2015, 09:50 AM

This is what I have and it works very well. Problem is you need an air supply.
Brakemaster proportionate towed car braking system w/ Breakaway- for air or air - By Roadmaster | HitchSource.com
There are also self contained systems that don't need anything except 12v.
Blue Ox BRK2012 Patriot Portable Brake System | Free Shipping - By Blue Ox | HitchSource.com
Hope this helps.

DooDahDave · 11-25-2015, 02:26 PM

Thanks R Weigant. Any information at this point is a help. I will pass this on.

woodosgood · 11-25-2015, 02:34 PM

We have found the REMCO site helpful when investigating what we need to tow certain vehicles. Click on the Tow My Vehicle link. Hope this helps.

Remco : The Towing Experts

**Lt Dan** · 11-25-2015, 08:27 PM

I have the RVI2 braking system and it does not require brake assist to work. In fact, you have to activate it three times to bleed off any power assist before you can use it. Very easy to set up and very dependable.

Gary RVRoamer · 11-26-2015, 10:44 AM

Look for a system that is compatible with, or adpatable to, the GM Hydroboost brake system. I use a Brakemaster and have no problems.

Dennis4809 · 11-27-2015, 09:29 AM

Doubt that you'll find any braking system that relies on the boost system of the toad. Engine isn't running so no boost. My Brake Buddy pumps the brakes to ensure that vacuum is gone so that it knows how hard to push the pedal when needed.

UsualSuspect · 11-27-2015, 08:26 PM

The 2500 in my sig has the same hydroboost system, most Chevy/GMV trucks still use them to this day. I use a RoadMaster EvenBrake, does the job, but you can use just about brake you want. If the instructions ask you to cut into, or put a t connector in a vacuum line, call the brake manufacturer, most have a way to get around the vacuum line cut or t connector, but you have to ask. If you want to save a few bucks, look here on the classifieds and you can usually pick something up that someone no longer needs or uses.

wa8yxm · 11-28-2015, 06:03 PM

There are several systems.. Most pedal puller/pusher systems will work because there is an electric pump that runs to provide boost if the engine is not running (however make sure the truck is so designed).

Thus Ready Brake, (intergrated with Ready brute tow bar) and Auto-Stop (Blue Ox's answer to Ready brake) Will work

So will Invisible brake, Air force one, US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator and in fact just about everything with the possible exception of the M&G (Cause it is the only system I know that does NOT pull or push the pedal down)

I recommend AGAINST the box in the driver's seat (Like Brake Buddy Classic) since installing them every time you tow is, realative to hooking up one or two cables, a lot of work, and it's easy to say "OH forget it"

Also, unless you go with the US Gear Decelerator system, I will recommend a "Towed Charge" system.. The US Gear comes with it.

walt2137 · 11-28-2015, 08:29 PM

M&G toad brake best and simplest by far, there is a good post on the installation how to install on this forum. It is a easy install, I ran Roadmaster Brakemaster for yrs on all my toads until I read this thread on how to do the installation it sounded so simple i decided to install the M&G in our F150 and love it.

RCG604 · 11-30-2015, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I have the RVI2 braking system and it does not require brake assist to work. In fact, you have to activate it three times to bleed off any power assist before you can use it. Very easy to set up and very dependable.

+1 totally agree. Very easy setup and the unit is small which is nice. You can get a bag to stow it in which we did.

jimrf · 12-09-2015, 11:51 AM

I will be getting a new Canyon Star and I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I am looking for a good braking system and have been told by an RV dealer that the RViBrake2 is every bit as effective and easier to use than the Buddy Brake and Blue Ox Patriot. Any thoughts?