Community Forums

Frankie · 01-24-2008, 10:11 AM

I use an even brake.Adjusting it sensetivity is key to it not locking up.I had that happen because I messed with its settings.My toad brakes locked at 55 mph,not a pretty site from camera and mirrors.They stayed locked till I pulled over.I keep it on its lowest setting and more or less just use it for the brakeaway.

rmmpe · 01-26-2008, 03:56 AM

Thank you all for the hints and comments. I went to Camping world in Schenectady, NY yesterday and bought the Even-Brake. They were good enough to match the price of the units sold on EBay so it became a pretty good deal on top of being proportional. As best I can tell at 1st look, the carton included the Break-away switch and everything else needed to install. BTW, the Edge's brake lights illuminate any time the brake pedal is pressed slightly. Consequently, I'll only have to wire the installation to include slave marker, signal and extra brake lights that can be installed on the Edge when we are towing it (there are a lot of oblivious driver's out there that can't see a Bus when it's right next to them). I do not want to tap into the Edge's electrical system.

Next question:
Does the Even Brake release water on the floor at any time? I just want to know what to prepare for and if it does, I'll place a lipped rubber floor mat under it.

Pusherman · 01-26-2008, 06:13 AM

Bob, you better go to Roadmaster's website and download the installation instructions for the Even Brake. The unit requires a signal from the brake light switch to cancel the 'braking' signal sent to the coach via the wireless remote. If you don't get this signal, the 'braking' light will remain lit in your coach. You don't want this, as you won't really know when the unit is truly braking.

There is also a brake light relay supplied with the Even Brake which you most likely will need to install in the line from the brake switch as well. This is required if you use the integral brake tail lights so you don't backfeed to the Even Brake controller when the MH actuates the brake lights. If you use independent bulbs for the MH brake lights, I don't think you will need the brake switch relay, but you better check with Roadmaster Tech Support to be sure.

I did not have to use the brake light relay in my HHR installation, as I shut off a fuse which controls the brake lights (and other electrical accessories) for towing. In my case, the Even Brake illuminates the high-mounted stop light, and the MH illuminates the tail light brake lights.

UFO Pilot · 01-26-2008, 07:33 AM

I installed seperate wire and lights for the Toad as I also did not want to tap in to the CRV wiring. I was lucky as the CRV had a space in the tail light assembly for the extra bulb. The sending unit in the toad does have to be wired to the brake light switch.

I haven't noticed any water on the carpet when I remove the Even Brake.

Pusherman · 01-26-2008, 09:39 AM

Wayne, I would have done the same as you, but I didn't have room in the tail light assembly of the HHR for the secondary bulb assembly; therefore I went the diode route.

Either way, you can make the system work.

Gary the Wombat · 01-26-2008, 10:09 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rmmpe:

Next question:
Does the Even Brake release water on the floor at any time? I just want to know what to prepare for and if it does, I'll place a lipped rubber floor mat under it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why would water be a problem? The Even Brake works on compressed air. I've had mine for 2 years and have never noticed any moisture. Also, as others have noted, if you keep both the sensitivity and braking force set at Low, the unit will only activate under hard stops. I have never had my toad brakes lock up. Of course, I'm only towing a Jeep Wrangler, which is pretty light. A heavier toad may require more braking force to be effective.

rmmpe · 01-27-2008, 02:42 AM

Thanks folks.
I asked about the water because humidity results from compressing air and the subsequent expansion of it upon use releases water (which is the reason air compressors have a water drain at the bottom of the tank).

Pusherman,
You are exactly right. However, I don't plan to use the Edge's running or signal lights when towing, which would require the relay and diodes. The Edge's brake lights are illuminated any time the brake pedal is depressed, which will occur whenever the Even Brake extends.

As you say, I will run a wire from the cold side of the brake switch to terminal 1 of the ICX transmitter as required in order that the system operate properly. However, in order to have proper lighting I'll employ a removable "light-bar" having VERY bright LED signal, marker, running and additional brake lights slaved from the Coach. In addition to the "light-bar", I'll install amber LED marker/signal lights on 20 gage sheet-metal plates that will mount to the inside of the Edge's driver and passenger windows (also slaved from the Coach). These will have longer "pig-tails" to plug into mating receptacles permanently installed at the bottom of the B pillars and out of the way. All will be accomplished using Molex type connectors.

I know this sounds like "Overkill" but I've learned by towing many miles that some drivers/people are intrinsically stupid and need a LOT of lights to alert them to large items (which is why I've also added marker/signal lights to the side of the Coach). Even then you often wonder if they're not blind.

Thanks for all the input. It is appreciated.