Best brake for Hummer H3

[Greg & Linda]

Looking for best brake system to use on Hummer H3

[Greg & Linda]

Looking for best brake system to use on Hummer H3

[Route 66]

IMHO, there is no "one" best auxiliary brake system.

For a portable system, the Brake Buddy is my choice.

For a permanent system, I like the SMI Air Force One.

Some choices you have are, portable or permanent, proportional or non-proportional, and controllable from the MH.

There are many good systems available, but I would stay away from a surge system.

[Greg & Linda]

Thanks for the info Dirk is the Brake buddy what you use on the Yukon it is bigger than the Hummer if it works on that is should work for me was pulling Saturn L300 and didnt have anything on it but this a lot heavier

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Greg & Linda:
Thanks for the info .... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Greg & Linda, I would like to add that I used a Brake Buddy for over 4 years until I obtained and started using the SMI Stay & Play and now the "new" Duo auxiliary brake system.

In my opinion an (any) autonomous brake system is no where near as reliable or functional as a system that is semi permanently installed.

The "Pros" are:
<LI> A non removable system requires 2 interactions in order to activate. The driver must step on the brake pedal arming the system and a sufficient quantity of inertia needs to to be developed to trigger the braking action.
<LI> Using an installed system, all one needs to do is hook up the tow bar, arm the system by the flick of a switch in some cases and to assure that the vehicle's electrical systems and transmission are positioned for travel.
<LI> An installed system never has to be moved in order to use your vehicle. This comes into its own when the weather outside is challenging.
<LI> In the event that a life raft is needed if you find yourself stuck on the Interstate, one does not have to remove a box and uncouple the brake pedal in close proximity to high speed traffic while the vehicle's door is open.
<LI> A fixed system uses vacuum and or pressure to simulate a running vehicle and applies the brakes as would any typical vehicle driver.
<LI> A fixed system can offer proportional braking.
<LI> A state of the art system like the SMI Duo or the AF1 is installed under the hood.
<LI> A fixed system is competitively priced with a removable system.
<LI> A removable system can be used on several vehicles. This is of course considering that all your vehicles are equipped with base plates.

The "Negatives" are:
<LI> A fixed system has an installation overhead.
<LI> A removable system can and often does apply the brakes when they are not required. (autonomous) The brakes on my car locked up on several occasions while dragging my vehicle, flat spotting and smoking the tires until I came to a complete stop. Setting the gain lower did not help.
<LI> A Brake Buddy system fried my front brakes, completely including my hub caps and required total replacement costing a few bucks. The system was nominally set and it appeared to be functioning properly prior to the incident.
<LI> Brake Buddy dead pedals the system by pushing hard on the pedal. This operation is atypical to the normal operation of a power braking system.
<LI> Few removable systems other than the SMI 4 wire offer proportional braking or driver control.

Bottom line is when you consider doing an auxiliary braking system carefully consider immediate need, including "all" the parameters and variables.

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Thanks for the info Dirk is the Brake buddy what you use on the Yukon it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, I use the Brake Buddy Vantage.

I have it set to only activate on a hard stop.

It has not activated in use, but only in a test.

With an engine brake, and the air brakes on the MH, I don't need the toad brakes activating all the time (proportionally).

I would have a permanently installed system if a non-proportional system was available, but none are.

[Demco Manufacturing, Inc.]

Not to push you to any product or another , but I would advise you to be careful using a system designed for a "dead" vacuum system on your Hummer. Roadmaster even gives a disclaimer stating their "dead" pedal systems are not to be used with H3. Bob "Rebels Beach" had a system in his H3 designed for a "dead" vacuum pedal and was literally using his brakes off. After switching to Air Force One, no more brake dust or burned-brakes smell after towing. In the end, just be careful that the brake you end up with is what you want, not what the salesman wants.

Brent Schuck
Research and Development
Graphic Design