Community Forums

StevL · 03-22-2016, 03:15 PM

Is it safe to assume the four wheel down towing has no tongue weight?

Looking at a 2500lb +/- toad, searching different brakes for the toad which brings my next question.

I do not know if there is a general term but the portable brake units that attach to the brake pedal..... I understand how they work but how well do they work?

Seems to me if you have power brakes and the toad isn't powered up the portable brake would have a difficult time applying any meaningful stopping power. Where is my flawed thinking on this?

Any particular tow bars people like? Steel or aluminum? I'm sure this is asking the old Ford or Chevy question

Thx!
Steve

twogypsies · 03-22-2016, 03:57 PM

Here's good reading on towing a vehicle:

http://towingworld.com/resources/2015DinghyGuide.pdf

We used Blue Ox and Brake Buddy very successfully.

vsheetz · 03-22-2016, 05:17 PM

Tongue weight is just the weight of the tow bar exerts plus any drop/rise adapter that may be needed. In practice not a consideration.

brake units that sit on the floor and depress the brake pedal work very well. I have a brake buddy. I would much prefer to not have a unit to set in/out, have to store, etc. I have what I do because it was cheap buying used.

All the major tow bars are good. I have a Blue Ox, which is very popular. Again, bought used.

Steel vs. Aluminum. Its just a matter of the weight. A tow bar is rather a hefty gizmo to handle, the additional cost for aluminum is your choose.

dennis45 · 03-22-2016, 05:35 PM

I have used the BlueOx Patriot for many years. It is a very good device and is a true proportional system as advertised. Had my son ride in the toad around town to to observe operation in relation to the MH braking.

During set up, it cycles the brake pedal three times to bleed off vacuum from the booster.
The only con is having to install it and remove at the end of the trip. But, to me it's not a big deal. Takes only a minute or so to set up and, you can use it on any vehicle without modification to the vehicle. BlueOx customer service is excellent.

lanerd · 03-22-2016, 05:48 PM

Just for added info, there is a tow bar that has built in braking system. It's call ReadyBrute Elite. You still have to purchase the base plate and wiring kit for the lights and such.

Google it for more detailed info or do a seach here on this or other forums.

Ron

Mr_D · 03-22-2016, 06:03 PM

We've used the RoadMaster Sterling towbar and BrakeMaster 9160. The brake unit is air activated and has no trouble locking up the towed brakes if I want that much braking.

**TonyDi** · 03-22-2016, 07:47 PM

I use a Blue Ox Aventa LX and Brake Buddy Advantage. The blue Ox will let me hook and unhook in almost any condition or angle. My Brake Buddy is used because I have 2 different toads and it was cheaper ten buying two braking systems. I would like to have an air operated system. But, that is probably when I get rid of one of the toads.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-23-2016, 03:13 PM

It is possible to stop a passenger size vehicle without the power brake being active - federal safety specs require that. Not easy, but doable with enough human-supplied pressure on the brake peddle. A mechanical device like a Brake Buddy or Patriot has no problem pushing hard enough to do the same. Likewise for coach air-pressure driven systems like the Brakemaster.

A few system actually utilize the cars own hydraulic system for an assist, e.g. the M&G Brake.

MSHappyCampers · 03-23-2016, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanerd

Just for added info, there is a tow bar that has built in braking system. It's call ReadyBrute Elite. You still have to purchase the base plate and wiring kit for the lights and such.

Google it for more detailed info or do a seach here on this or other forums.

Ron

X2!