Community Forums

User1011 · 08-08-2012, 01:15 PM

Looking for advice for a braking system that would be good for towing a 2007 Mini Cooper "S" ? The vehicle weighs approximately 2700 lbs. and will be towed with a Holiday Rambler 2012 Vacationer 30 SFS - on a Ford F-53.

Looking for an easy to install and easy to use braking system for this set-up!
Thanks in advance for any help provided....

Norm Mac · 08-08-2012, 04:37 PM

I am currently installing a used Roadmaster EvenBrake in our 2008 Mini S convertible.

Here is what I have found so far...
We had the front nose off to install the baseplate for towing last month, we should have mounted the breakaway switch then. Now we need to take some of the nose off again to mount the switch.
I haven't run the cable from the breakaway to the control box, but I don't expect it to be a lot of fun snaking it through the MINI.
I had to install a new lighter plug that was always LIVE to power the EvenBrake.
I also had to run power to the EvenBrake control box.
I need to install a brake light switch onto the brake pedal and wire that to the EvenBrake control box so that it knows when the brakes are being applied
The MINI brake pedal is too small for the EvenBrake adapter so I am going to need to fabricate an adapter to make it work properly
Once all this is done I expect the EvenBrake to work perfectly and be easy to setup and remove as needed.

Everyone says their system is easy to install but the MINI is mini and I am getting too old to fold myself up like a pretzel under the dashboard to do wiring and fabrication.

Good Luck with this project and I will be watching to see if anyone has found a better solution.

1ciderdog · 08-08-2012, 04:45 PM

I used a brake buddy in the Mini but haven't towed it for awhile. I use a ReadyBrake for my CRV and think I'll used the same for the Mini. ReadyBrake once installed doesn't require the putting a box on the floor or anything else.

FTInMyDreams · 08-08-2012, 05:06 PM

I use the RVi Brake in a Ford Edge very easy to set up, use, take out and store. Spent a lot of time looking and finally went with it. There is a youtube video with Gary Bunzer (RV Doc) talking to the inventor (he is also the guy that invented the brake buddy) just search for RVi Brake from Danko Manufacturing

Mr_D · 08-08-2012, 06:16 PM

We use the BrakeMaster BrakeMaster since the MH has air brakes, when we used to tow four down. Easy setup and fully proportional.

ejm4 · 08-08-2012, 07:29 PM

We use the Roadmaster Invisibrake with great success. Towed our CRV over 17,000 miles this year with no problems. Quick hook up is the best.

wa8yxm · 08-08-2012, 08:36 PM

Do you need a aux brake: YES, disregard the advice of anyone who says otherwise.

Box systems like brake buddy may be "Easy to install" in fact they claim "No installation" but you have to install them EVERY TIME YOU TOW, not much fun there Way too easy to say "Forget it" on a short tow (I know people who have done just that, thankfully Murphy missed them.. So far).

All the other systems are close in how to install, minor differences, Some use compressed air from your Air Brakes (if you ahve them) some electricity, some compress air using electricity, some offer the option of compressing air using electricity or using the air brake air. All are roughly equal in installation.

US Gear Unified Brake Decelerator gives the motor home driver the most control options, but... I have only needed that level of control one time. (And it was not urgent)

Ready brake is about the simpliest system and has a lot of advantages in my book.