Community Forums

Magumba · 03-24-2014, 07:41 PM

The only tow rig we've used is the Ready Break Elite. We've had I'd for years and used allot.
I don't see any fraying of the cables but do see small amount of wear in the primary brake cable.
With the money we saved we bought the wireless tow light and brake monitor, both have worked fine.
We tow a Jeep Cherokee 4X4.

acerv47 · 03-25-2014, 06:28 AM

The "good" Rv shops are quoting 10 hours for the job. Sounds a bit excessive to me.

Redridge · 03-25-2014, 08:02 AM

doesnt sound that "good" to me... what toad?

acerv47 · 03-25-2014, 04:38 PM

Red ridge: 2013 ford focus automatic se

Barrier2 · 03-29-2014, 09:22 AM

I also went with the Ready-Brake system for my Jeep Wrangler. The simplicity and price was a factor but the weight limit nailed it my Jeep is heavy.
I used a Currie Industries base plate and simply copied a buddy of mines method of running a totally independant light system from the Motorhome directly to the rear of the Jeep with a removable light bar mounting. This avoided the drill in sockets,diodes or new supplemental wiring harness used to isolate the Jeep wiring. An inexpensive boat trailer light kit and some bungees completed the project. I actually sold the Blue Ox Tow bar and Brake Buddy I had bought when I read about the Ready Brake, it is so much better for me.
acerv47 I also live on Long Island,NY it is the worst place for Motorhome service, even getting my yearly HD vehicle Inspection ( my MH is a Monaco Diesel Pusher) is a chore. I try and wait until I get to the middle of the country for Maintenance Service in Indiana,or Iowa.
Barrier2

acerv47 · 03-29-2014, 02:43 PM

Barrier2: so I'm not crazy! Spoke to a guy in Penna. actually was able to understand what I wanted and didn't throw nutty numbers at me. Will hear a quote Monday. Worth the trip since we will be passing that way on the way to virginia and DC. Want this hassle behind me.

Musikboy · 04-13-2014, 07:16 AM

I am SOOOOO glad I found this thread. I have a few questions. We are just going to get our new MH in a few weeks and this could be the solution we were looking for. Here are my questions:

1. Has anyone experienced premature brake wear on their toads from using the system?
2. Is it possible to have one system and two toads so you can switch the tow bar from one to the other or do you have to buy 2?
3. For those that travel interstate, do you know if this type of auxiliary breaking system is "legal" for all states?

Your collective wisdom has once again guided me in the right direction!
Thanks!!!

Stargazer79 · 04-14-2014, 06:32 AM

I believe this system fulfills all legal towing requirements. Ours is too new to know if there is any issue with wear but our research failed to find any negatives regarding the Readybrute. As far as two toads I believe you would have to have the two different vehicles equipped with their own base plate and brake cable but I'm guessing the wiring on the tow bar would be the same. That's over my head though, mechanically speaking. Someone else should be able to address that hopefully! Have fun!!

StevieG · 04-14-2014, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikboy

I am SOOOOO glad I found this thread. I have a few questions. We are just going to get our new MH in a few weeks and this could be the solution we were looking for. Here are my questions:

2. Is it possible to have one system and two toads so you can switch the tow bar from one to the other or do you have to buy 2?

Each vehicle would have to have its own base plate, breakaway (optional), tow light wiring (unless you go magnetic mount), and a second brake cable from the brake pedal to the front bumper (which NSA will sell you for a fee)... But the answer to this question is yes...

MSHappyCampers · 04-15-2014, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikboy

I am SOOOOO glad I found this thread. I have a few questions. We are just going to get our new MH in a few weeks and this could be the solution we were looking for. Here are my questions:

1. Has anyone experienced premature brake wear on their toads from using the system?
2. Is it possible to have one system and two toads so you can switch the tow bar from one to the other or do you have to buy 2?
3. For those that travel interstate, do you know if this type of auxiliary breaking system is "legal" for all states?

Your collective wisdom has once again guided me in the right direction!
Thanks!!!

#1- This will not be a problem unless you get the cable too tight. There needs to be just a small amount of slack. When I got my system and used the clamp-on bracket on the brake pedal, I had a problem with the U-bolts hanging and holding the brake pedal down. I eliminated the bracket, drilled a 1/4" hold through the brake vertical bar, ran the cable through the hole and secured with the U-bolts. Never had a problem after that.

#2 As someone said, you only need to get the braking and breakaway cables and the lighting kit for the 2nd vehicle.

#3 I believe this system is legal all over the USA

We love our ReadyBrute Elite system!

StevieG · 04-15-2014, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

#1- This will not be a problem unless you get the cable too tight. There needs to be just a small amount of slack. When I got my system and used the clamp-on bracket on the brake pedal, I had a problem with the U-bolts hanging and holding the brake pedal down. I eliminated the bracket, drilled a 1/4" hold through the brake vertical bar, ran the cable through the hole and secured with the U-bolts. Never had a problem after that.

Joe, what a simple and perfect solution to their stock set up! I like that idea much better than the screen door wheel!

wa8yxm · 04-15-2014, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Agree on the Ready Brute. Tow bar and integrated brake system. Works well, good value.

When it comes to which tow bar is best I have looked at several and truly can not find much to recommend one over the other with the following exceptions:

Some "Stow" on the motor home.. I prefer those.

The Ready Brute, comes with the integrated Ready Brake, and you NEED a braking system for the towed.

Thus, I agree with the above gentlemen.

ronjhall · 04-15-2014, 05:37 PM

To add to the Ready Brute recommendation. Yesterday I stopped at Ready Brute Factory (NSA) in Iola, KS. To have my tow bar inspected. Indicator light on MH dash was coming on when letting off throttle pedal.
Todd and Brad came to my MH and started making checks. They decided that old style magnet switch was causing problem. We removed tow bar from car and MH. Took tow bar into shop. In 1 1/2 hours we were back on the road with a repaired and updated tow bar. Purchased a De-Rattler while I was there. Stops the rattle of tow bar in receiver hitch.
While this is not a fancy shop. They know how to work on the Ready Brute Elite. It is a few miles off one of the freeways. Plenty of room to pull into their parking lot.
After repair, drove to other side of town and stayed at a Passport America park. $11.50 for the night.