Community Forums

WTB · 01-11-2022, 01:57 PM

I tow a Sonic four down, was considering installing a system called "Ready Brake" which is a supplemental surge brake system.

Just wondering if anyone uses this system? Likes or dislikes? What happens when you're going down a long steep hill? Does the system continually try to apply the brakes?

Thanks in advance for any information.

dizcom · 01-11-2022, 02:11 PM

A whole lot of people use it! It's a good system. We first installed it on the recommendation of a friend who had used it for years. We haven't had a lick of trouble with it. One of us can hook up or unhook our toad in just a few minutes (longer if we both help

). No, it doesn't try to continually apply the brakes going down hill. It's been rock solid for us (and the friend that recommended it). I can't think of a thing I don't like about it.

WTB · 01-11-2022, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Going to find a dealer for it.

britcon · 01-11-2022, 03:26 PM

We have almost 50,000 miles on our Ready Brute system, towing a Wrangler, then our Grand Cherokee
Simple, fool proof system. No issues with downhill grades, or Exhaust brakes on the Motorhome
Installation of brake and break away brake cables can be tricky depending on vehicle

YC1 · 01-11-2022, 05:22 PM

I love ours. Towing a F150.

Downhill it only engages if you push on your brakes hard enough, and then it has to overcome some spring pressure to engage. At least that is how I think it works.

Going down hill I try my best to get in a gear that will hold my speed steady You have not seen the light until you lose your brakes going into Death Valley. Was not fun.

Toad brake battery was run down and so the toad could not contribute to helping me stop.

jrs · 01-15-2022, 12:24 PM

Love ours too. I installed the base plate and wiring along with the tow bar myself. Not difficult to do if you're somewhat handy.

Vato · 01-15-2022, 12:47 PM

X 2

Used one on a '99 Ranger and now '16 Canyon

Nearly 10 years no issues....

It's a cinch

UMXHAULER · 01-15-2022, 12:57 PM

I have one(ready brake with the Hercules tow bar). It seems to maybe work ok. I don't really like it that much because there is way too much play in the system IMO. I do like that you can cheaply set up more than one toad for flat towing. If it wasn't for that, I would go with something else. I have used it over 12,000 miles though without incident. If I only was going to tow one vehicle, there are better systems out there. I had the M&G on my last toad and it was great but really expensive when you change toads. Many swear by the Air Force one. I like Road Master tow bars. Hope I didn't confuse you.

PandS · 01-17-2022, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTB

I tow a Sonic four down, was considering installing a system called "Ready Brake" which is a supplemental surge brake system.

Just wondering if anyone uses this system? Likes or dislikes? What happens when you're going down a long steep hill? Does the system continually try to apply the brakes?

Thanks in advance for any information.

44,000 miles on ours. We love it. Really fast and easy to connect/disconnect. We have traveled through all 49 states possible in an RV, and have done some serious mountain travel with no braking issues. - Paul

Roy-c · 01-17-2022, 07:58 AM

We use a ready brake system and like the simplicity and fact that it is all mechanical. That being said, we are towing a Wrangler with a 35,000# diesel Wanderlodge. I don't believe that you could even feel a toad push the bus around so you need to take that into account. I am more concerned that the toad brakes would be operated in the event of a breakaway and the ready brake system seems to be pretty well bulletproof in that respect. All in all we are happy with it. It is well constructed and the only issues I have heard have been with units that were installed or adjusted incorrectly.

Capt Van · 01-17-2022, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTB

Thanks for the quick reply. Going to find a dealer for it.

Buy it here, $1900 complete system.

I had it on my last 2 coaches and just ordered it for the new coach. I like it because it is simple and works all the time, no problem going down mountains.

hohenwald48 · 01-17-2022, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UMXHAULER

I don't really like it that much because there is way too much play in the system IMO.

They do seem to develop a good bit of "play" in the connections. However, in 10 years of using one I haven't noticed that the "play" manifests itself in any kind of handling issue or results in any recognizable problem.

F4Gary · 01-17-2022, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Van

Buy it here, $1900 complete system.

I had it on my last 2 coaches and just ordered it for the new coach. I like it because it is simple and works all the time, no problem going down mountains.

Did you intend on putting a link in your post?