Community Forums

WALT888 · 01-13-2008, 05:10 PM

We recently purchased a 2006 Travel Supreme 40DSO4 and I have a 2004 Honda CRV which I want to tow behind it. I have spent a lot of time reading the different posts here and there seeem to be a lot of popular tow options. So far the only conclusion I have come to is that I need braking for the tow vehicle and that proportional braking is probably the way to go. I will be looking at SMI units at the FMCA convention in Pamona.

I am at a loss beyond that. It is not clear to me what difference there is betweeen Blue OX and Roadmaster units and the various models. I am looking for recommendations from users with units and vehicles similar to mine. Since I have no tow equipment on either vehicle and limited knowledge I want to be as sure as possible that I get the best set-up value and don't over buy or get a system that won't be easy to use and meet my needs when I go full time in June 2008.

Thanks.........WALT

WALT888 · 01-13-2008, 05:10 PM

We recently purchased a 2006 Travel Supreme 40DSO4 and I have a 2004 Honda CRV which I want to tow behind it. I have spent a lot of time reading the different posts here and there seeem to be a lot of popular tow options. So far the only conclusion I have come to is that I need braking for the tow vehicle and that proportional braking is probably the way to go. I will be looking at SMI units at the FMCA convention in Pamona.

I am at a loss beyond that. It is not clear to me what difference there is betweeen Blue OX and Roadmaster units and the various models. I am looking for recommendations from users with units and vehicles similar to mine. Since I have no tow equipment on either vehicle and limited knowledge I want to be as sure as possible that I get the best set-up value and don't over buy or get a system that won't be easy to use and meet my needs when I go full time in June 2008.

Thanks.........WALT

UFO Pilot · 01-13-2008, 05:36 PM

You will probably get many differing opinions on this question. I went with Blue Ox baseplate and the Aladdin tow bar. I like the fact that the base plate installation is almost invisible when the CRV is not being towed. I chose the Aladdin as it was the lightest weight tow bar available, 17 pounds if I remember correctly. I severely injured my left elbow 10 years ago and wanted a tow bar I could handle.

We bought the CRV new and they told me if I modified the brake system in any way, it would void the warranty. I use the Roadmaster Even Brake although I would prefer a permanently installed system.

paz · 01-14-2008, 02:55 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wthomas1:
We bought the CRV new and they told me if I modified the brake system in any way, it would void the warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The way I understand it, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents a manufacturer from voiding your warranty simply because you have made an after-market modification. If there is a malfunction, they must prove it was caused by the modification. Also, a modification to the brake system (even if done improperly) would have no impact on the warranty on any other unrelated component.

That being said, if you are uncomfortable messing with your brake system or if you don't want to take a chance getting involved with a warranty issue (even though the law is on your side), there are a number of good brake systems that you can just sit in place. Another advantage is you can more easily swap these units from one vehicle to another. That is the reason I went with the Roadmaster Brake Pro (which provides proportional braking and which is the model prior to the Even Brake that wthomas1 uses). Disadvantages are that you have to find someplace to store them when not towing and they sometimes take a few more minutes to set up each time you want to tow.

Like wthomas1, I also went with Blue Ox because I thought the base plate was less visible when not in use.

There is no right or wrong answer to your question and no real "best" system. As wthomas1 said, you will likely get a lot of opinions. Weigh all the opinions and decide what is best for you. Best wishes on your decision.

UFO Pilot · 01-14-2008, 08:40 AM

I wasn't clear before. They said the warranty would be void on the brakes, not the entire vehicle. I chose to avoid a possible future problem. Like paz said, the Even Brake works fine, having to "install and uninstall" it and storage are issues you need to consider.

alvinc · 01-15-2008, 02:59 PM

There are a lot of good brake systems, its much like deciding which vehicle is the best. Some people like Fords, others Chyrsler, some want Honda, others Volvo, they all have relative advantages.

The perfect setup would be a toad that is towable 4 down (no need to store a dolly or trailer), a tow bar that is stored on the RV (easier to hook up and store), a brake system that will fit your toad and is compatible with your RV (electric, air, hydraulic), and a toad brake light system.

There is still a place for tow dollys and trailers for vehicles that cannot be towed 4 down.

hondo122 · 01-15-2008, 05:23 PM

Check my signature for my suggestions. I've had no problems in 8k miles in the past year.

GoneFishin · 01-15-2008, 05:31 PM

Good comments and suggestions. Ours is in our signature. Make sure the hitch / towbar is rated for the weight you want to (can) tow. Work with a reputable installer, preferrably one who is recommended by the manufacturer. Check if they have a list of trained installers.