Community Forums

divingdoc · 04-03-2016, 09:26 AM

Hi I have a 2013 27 ft ACE and am towing a 2015 Jeep 4 dr Wrangler. Right now I have a Brake Buddy (old style) and would like to go into a more modern system where I don't always have to put in the box and take it out every time I drive somewhere. What is the best system out there for the money for convenience and ease of installation. Thks

royals1212 · 04-03-2016, 11:13 AM

Do you have air brakes? I so, I recommend Simi Air Force One braking system. It is a little expensive but once it is installed it is very easy to hook up, one air hose. I have had to really stand on the brakes one time to avoid a wreck and my jeep unlimited tracked perfectly behind me without locking up

znt1186 · 04-03-2016, 11:25 AM

Since the ACE does not have air brakes, the SMI Stay-n-Play would be a good choice. I have one I have been using for about 10 years now with no problems. It works off the brake lights and deceleration to activate the toad brakes. You do have to leave the ignition set to accessory while driving, but it has never drained my battery. I usually start the toad and let it run for a few minutes every couple of hundred miles while we take a rest break and stretch our legs.

CampDaven · 04-03-2016, 11:28 AM

15 years with the same BrakeBuddy without any issues.
My toad is now a Wrangler JK. The battery never has a problem supporting the BB use.

Dave and Nola, RV Mutants

SWADoug · 04-03-2016, 11:29 AM

I completed the same research and watched a bunch of video's and I landed on the RVi2 brake system out of Colorado. They have a bunch of video's to watch on why they feel their system is superior to others. I liked the "family" atmosphere and everyone raved about their customer service. You can take this unit with you and install it in very little time and in almost any vehicle. They have a special where the receiver unit in the MH will pick up the tire pressure modules on your tow as well. I've seen where they can be sold separately but with this one you simply buy the tire pressure sensors. It uses the actual braking system as it's transmitter which I believe has a higher transmit power as I've read where other units don't have the best reception from the tow back to the MH receiver. I also purchased the "Tow battery Charger" which I'm installing today. They recommended it for vehicles like my Honda as it can drain the tow vehicles battery if you are constantly on your brakes. Having to make a slight modification to my tow vehicle's 4 flat plug to a 5 flat plug to get the power to the tow vehicle's battery since I use the harness for my brake and blinker lights already. Anyway, I haven't tried it yet but from all that I've seen on the testimonials people like it's simplicity and how well it works. Take a look and hope this helps.

gemert · 04-03-2016, 12:56 PM

Ready Brute Elite has a surge brake incorporated in the tow bar. You only need to install 2 cables through the firewall to the brake pedal. One for braking and one for break away. Took about 2 hours. Price last I knew for the entire tow bar setup, not including labor, including base plate is about 1800.00. Thats brand new. I found mine on Craigs list for 350 + base plate for about 500. Usually takes me 5-10 for hookup or unhook. First time it took me 2 hours so it does get better. Good luck.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 04-04-2016, 04:18 PM

x2 for the SMI Stay-in-Play Duo.

gmann55 · 04-05-2016, 07:05 AM

Hey divingdoc! Might be interested in your old brakebuddy!

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chunker · 04-05-2016, 09:51 AM

If you want to avoid boxes in front of seat and cables attached to the pedal there is the M&G system. With the Ace and not having air brakes, you will have to add the compressor available. Hookup is a simple air line and if you get the break-away, a pull cable.