Community Forums

UFO Pilot · 10-07-2010, 11:09 AM

I started with a "brake box", mine was an EvenBrake, and from day 1 it was a hassle to use. It has to be stored when not in use and you can't drive your tow car without removing it. When it went bad, I had the SMI Stay-in-Play STAY-IN-PLAY DUO | SMI Manufacturing Inc. installed and it couldn't be any simpler to use. When you plug in the lights it is activated. The only other connection is the breakaway cable which every auxiliary brake system should have.

RickO · 10-07-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi begete,

2. A toad breaking system is activated when the coach service brake pedal is depressed. Down shifting will require fewer activations of the coach service brakes. This is good. If the coach brakes are not being used then neither are the toad brakes. The USGEAR system, mentioned above, does allow the driver to activate the toad brakes without activating the coach brakes.

.

Hi Gary,

I don't this this is the case with my Brake Buddy Classic. I beleve it works on changes to inertia and therefore engages the toad brakes when I use the engine brake or downshift. Or... have I got this wrong?

Rick

kalynzoo · 10-07-2010, 11:59 AM

Having once had my toad break away, I would sincerely recommend a brake system with a break-away cord.
I have the original Buddy Brake. Very Basic, easy to install and just takes moments to remove. Works well with my gas MH. I'm sure there are other reliable brands out there, but this is the only one I have experience with, and have had no problems.

GaryKD · 10-07-2010, 03:27 PM

Hi Rick,
I do not know how your system works. You do bring up a good point. begete, when you investigate the different braking systems, make sure you understand when the system will activate the toad brakes. Also, if you are considering a system that requires installation in the toad before one can use it, make sure the sales person demonstrates how to install the system. Then you or hubby try the same tasks. All the modern braking systems work. The differences come down to how they work and what is required by the owner to make them work.

begete · 10-08-2010, 09:40 AM

Thank you. Will someone please xplain what a "breakaway cable which every auxiliary brake system should have." is?

Thank you again....

sgtjoe · 10-08-2010, 10:22 AM

It's a cable that hooks between your MH and Toad, if the Toad becomes disconnected while being towed the cable will pull a release valve from the Toad that engages the Toad brakes and will cause the Toad to slow and stop, hopefully before it hits someone.

PeachH180 · 10-18-2010, 11:03 PM

Motorhome Magazine publishes a very informative magazine each year on towing vehicles behind motorhomes.
Dinghy Towing and Dinghy Guide

Washington state requires a supplemental braking system for any towed vehicle over 3,000lbs, British Columbia is 4,000lbs. This website, among many, outlines braking system requirements.
Towing Laws | BrakeBuddy - Braking systems for motorhomes towing a vehicle

Many RV salesmen are ignorant of this issue, some honestly, some by design.

begete · 10-26-2010, 05:23 PM

I just wated to thank everyone for the suggestions on this thread. We are having the USGear breaking system installed in two weeks. We finally had our new used Bigfoot fully gone over today by our mechanic, and happy to report everything having to do with the truck components are in good shape. He did a regular maintenance, replacing fluids, etc. So I guess we didn't do any damage towing our CRV without the braking system, but since we have to cross mountains to go anywhere from where we live, we decided to buy the system.

Just a comment......when we bought our last used motorhome (a 1994 Class A) back in 2004, I would guess we spent a maximum of maybe $1,000 for "stuff." We never towed a car, though. Between new tires, towing equipment, the breaking system and ordinary items we should have kept from the last RV but didn't, we will have spent about $7500 above what the motorhome cost!! Just didn't anticipate that!!

catarv · 10-26-2010, 06:23 PM

I purchased a US gear from a wholesaler, with the intent to install on my jeep wrangler. When I received it I checked the fit, although it will fit where US gear recommends to install it, the installation of the solenoid takes up more floor space than I would like. I have listed the us gear on the classifieds, it is new never used. If anyone knows of anyone looking for a US gear please refer them to the classifieds. Hope I am not intruding on your thread!