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Old 02-05-2020, 06:33 PM   #1
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Headache from researching TOAD brake system

I'm looking for a braking system for the TOAD. I have been reading for days and there doesn't seem to be a company that can back up their claims.



I don't want anything mechanical that adds length to the towbar.


So, I'm looking for a portable unit. I don't care about setting it up every time.


Everything I read has nothing to back up reliabilty. It seems like all marketing ploys.



Answers on forums just say...well I'm using brand x and I love it. That's no help.



Are there any stats out there that can back up the claims of these sellers or is everyone relying on blind faith from company marketing gurus and the " I'm using brand x and I love it" folks?


I really don't want to fork over $1300+ without any logical stats to back up a products claims.


Thanks for any all responses. I need to get this done pretty soon.


Jim58
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Old 02-05-2020, 06:35 PM   #2
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What "claims" do you need backed up?
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Old 02-05-2020, 06:49 PM   #3
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If you have air brakes? BrakeMaster is ROADMASTER is nothing but a Bimba air cylinder no electronics nothing complicated.
I don't like surge brakes if your going to be doing mountain driving and using exhaust brake, can burn your toad brakes!
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Old 02-05-2020, 06:56 PM   #4
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Do you already have a tow bar? Asking because the Ready Brute Elite has the surge function built into the bar not requiring any extension.
The install into the car was a PITA for me, but I like the fact that I can just hook up the cable and go. Our car doesn’t require a key or have a steering lock so it goes into neutral and away we go.
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Old 02-05-2020, 07:19 PM   #5
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Hi Jim & welcome! As a student of all things RV for 25 years I'll tell ya there are many great choices in aux brake systems. They all work so I would say the claims are correct. How much do you want to spend? If you have any specific q's fire away & I'm sure you'll get answers. Lastly, not a plug, I have used the ReadyBrute tow bar/brake for probably 12 years now. Works great, cost effective, simple, and easy to hook up.
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Old 02-05-2020, 07:38 PM   #6
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The last 2 replies are not portables that you prefer.
I have a previous gen RVIBrake bought used and it does what it’s supposed to do. I like its low weight and profile, which doesn’t take up a lot of room when not in use and is easy to maneuver. I also like the remote unit that’s up in the motorhome with me. I can test the toad brakes with it from time to time.
The thing just works... so I can’t offer any critical info, sorry!
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Old 02-05-2020, 08:18 PM   #7
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Another happy RVi Brake user. I’ve had version 2 prior to my current 3. Either one is a good choice.
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Old 02-05-2020, 08:29 PM   #8
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I also vote for the RVI brake. After previously owning a Blue Ox Patriot 2.... its like stone age vs. modern age. Go to the RVI website and see for yourself. Scroll to the bottom and you will find a link where they compare their unit to to competition.

Good Luck!
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Old 02-06-2020, 07:33 AM   #9
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I had great success with my RVI2 brake until I changed to an air brake system. They are great people to work with and their customer service is tops.
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Old 02-06-2020, 07:42 AM   #10
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I use and am happy with my old Brake Buddy.

It will work on any toad, is completely self contained other than the break away wires.

Happy Glamping.
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Old 02-09-2020, 06:10 PM   #11
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Jim......typically when you buy something, you can purchase Good, Better and Best, depending on your finances. Unfortunately, that doesn't apply to braking systems. You can buy the most expensive and maybe not get certain things that others have.

In order for anyone to help you out, we need to know a few things. We know what RV you have, but you didn't include your toad and what tow bar you have if any.

Some of the best brake systems are the proportionate ones used by diesel pushers, by using the air from the diesel brakes to apply the toad brakes. These are out, since you don't have a diesel.

What's left are the systems that are electrically operated and the Night Shift Auto units that are mechanically operated.

For me, I want a system that has a breakaway feature that stops the car should it come loose. I also like a light that tells me when the brakes are being applied.

I worked on and read about many of the systems, I've never found them to be deceptive in their advertising. They're brake systems, either they apply the brakes or they don't. You just need to select which of many systems you want.
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Old 02-09-2020, 07:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Damion View Post
if your going to be doing mountain driving and using exhaust brake, can burn your toad brakes!
I live in Colorado and ALL my roads go up or down! I've used a Ready Brute and Ready Brake on a 1998 Cherokee for about 50,000 miles. I've also driven the Jeep for another 40,000 miles. I replaced the front brake pads once long ago. Surge brakes are insensitive to whether you use your brake pedal, compression braking in a gas engine, engine brake on diesel, driver line retarder or....whatever. If you slow the towing vehicle the surge brake slows the towed vehicle.

I've not experienced brake problems on my toad in MOSTLY mountain driving!

I highly recommend the Ready Brake. It seems the least complicated and most reliable method you can buy and one of the least expensive.
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Old 02-10-2020, 02:27 PM   #13
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I ended up going with the Patriot 3. That one seemed to have the least number of complaints. Looked at the RVI but read too many complaints.

I'm pulling a lightweight Versa and don't really know it's back there. From a mechanical standpoint I probably don't need a brake at all. But, I am a big believer in breakaways. They need to be on everything being towed.

Thanks for all the responses.

Jim58
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