Community Forums

Goneagain1 · 03-30-2015, 10:38 AM

I just bought a motorhome back in December and wanted to know what brake system do people recommend for the vehicle you are towing behind your motorhome ? Thanks for the help.

mel s · 03-30-2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goneagain1

I just bought a motorhome back in December and wanted to know what brake system do people recommend for the vehicle you are towing behind your motorhome ? Thanks for the help.

Goneagain1
I've towed 2 different Saturns 4 down, (a total of over 110k miles), and did not use an aux brake on either one.
(Flamers: please save your time and effort... my mind is made up ... don't confuse me with facts).
Mel
'96 Safari, 140k miles

dvmweb · 03-30-2015, 11:12 AM

Well, it depends ...

What kind of coach do you have?

What are you towing?

You should check out the toad section under the motorhome heading.

Good luck.

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

Arch Hoagland · 03-30-2015, 11:13 AM

I've been using U.S. Gear for ten years now. Originally it was on my first toad, a Suzuki XL7 and then I moved it to our current toad, a 2000 Lexus RX300. Have never had a problem with it.

greystroke · 03-30-2015, 11:13 AM

I use a Brake Buddy and it appears to do an ok job but I would prefer something better. Have no intention of changing to another system.

Mr_D · 03-30-2015, 11:21 AM

I like and use the RoadMaster BrakeMaster 9160 although I've got to admit that when we changed to the Magna I didn't have time to install the MH portion and towed the Odyssey some 2,600 miles and never felt the need for add'l braking. BUT the Magna has all wheel disk and an extremely good engine brake and weighs at least 48,000# and the Odyssey is about 4,400#'s.
Even so, it's first on my list of to do's when Cummins gets the engine done.
And then there are those who refuse to follow the laws and go without.

**Lt Dan** · 03-30-2015, 12:42 PM

I have the RVI 2 Brake and it works great. If you want a portable system, then it is one of the smallest footprint ones available. Very quick install and setup each time you tow. The only permanent installation is the break away switch on the front. The remote control unit on the dash is a nice feature that shows braking operation and has remote activation of the toad brakes. The remote also has the capability of built in TPMS for the toad if you want that added. Their customer service is also first rate.

JoeWelch · 03-30-2015, 01:16 PM

What do you think about the Air Force 1 system ?

jfran304 · 03-30-2015, 01:34 PM

Since some states we travel through require auxiliary braking for toads we had the Roadmaster Invisibrake installed in our Chevy Spark. Once it is installed and adjusted you can forget about it. It also has a charge line for the Toad's battery.

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Jon

wstrace3 · 03-30-2015, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeWelch

What do you think about the Air Force 1 system ?

we have it on our grand Cherokee and love it.

JJT · 03-30-2015, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I have the RVI 2 Brake and it works great. If you want a portable system, then it is one of the smallest footprint ones available. Very quick install and setup each time you tow. The only permanent installation is the break away switch on the front. The remote control unit on the dash is a nice feature that shows braking operation and has remote activation of the toad brakes. The remote also has the capability of built in TPMS for the toad if you want that added. Their customer service is also first rate.

X2 on RVI 2....... Love it! I also have their TPMS.

BeltoneMagoo · 03-30-2015, 02:20 PM

If you have a diesel with air brakes the SMI Air Force One is great and what we use. If you have a gasser the SMI Stay and Play is what I would use. Lots of choices and lots of prices, depends on convenience, comfort and ease of use. Just be sure to use to use braking on your toad.
Good luck, good health and safe travels!

dennis45 · 03-30-2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goneagain1

I just bought a motorhome back in December and wanted to know what brake system do people recommend for the vehicle you are towing behind your motorhome ? Thanks for the help.

The real answer to your question as you will see is "Whatever I'm using is the best"
I use a Blueox Patriot.

Can be used in any vehicle without installation concerns.

BRK2010 / BRK2012, Patriot | Blue Ox

wa8yxm · 03-30-2015, 05:19 PM

I will divide systems into 3.2 groups

1: Surge brake systems (Ready Brake, Auto-Stop) These are fully automated braking systems, As you slow the motor home the towed pushes on the hitch,,,the comprsses a spring and moves a lever,,the lever pulls a cable with PULLS the brake pedal.. 100% laws of physics controlled no power consumption.

Possible issue; IF you live in the north and do not tow all winter...Cable is the same as your parking brake...May fail to release.

2: Box in the driver's seat.. Brake Buddy, Eeven Brake,and so on

Good if you have a stable of toweds.but if you have just one....

Must be installed EVERY time you tow... Posibility of an error taking out your brakes on the towed or causing it to not work.... Temptation on a short trip to say "Oh the heck with it" Confirmation on both happenings by the way

3.1: Installed systems that eat electricity... Good,but the only ones I know of that REPLACE battery power are US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator and Invisi-Brake (or Invisible Brake) Others you may wish to add a device called a Towed Charge

3.2 Installed systems that eat compressed AIR..M&G is the best of those. IF it fits and your MH has air brakes. Though they make a version with a compressor for gassers.