Is the Ford C-Max a Good Toad?

[tjenkens]

Jim
I know it has been 3 years, but I am wondering which braking system you got and what you do to get the CMax ready for each towing?

Thx

[tjenkens]

Not sure my last reply worked...Jim which braking system did you get and what do you do to prep the CMax before each towing?

[For The Dogs]

tjenkens, we have been towing our CMax for a couple of years now. We have the Roadmaster InvisiBrake system. It was pricey to have installed, but we love the ease of use. Nothing to be taken in and out, just hook up, plug in and go.

I tired to attach the document "cheat sheet" I made for start-up, but this system wouldn't recognize the format, so here it is...

C-MAX HOOK-UP
• Engage Parking Brake
• Start car
• Shift into Neutral
• Put climate control system in “recirculated air mode”
• Run a couple of minutes
• Release Parking Brake
• Stop engine
o “Trip Summary” appears in the left instrument cluster screen
o NOTE – A “Shift to Park” or “Not in Park” message may appear when in Neutral and ignition is in off position

[tjenkens]

Originally Posted by For The Dogs

tjenkens, we have been towing our CMax for a couple of years now. We have the Roadmaster InvisiBrake system. It was pricey to have installed, but we love the ease of use. Nothing to be taken in and out, just hook up, plug in and go.

I tired to attach the document "cheat sheet" I made for start-up, but this system wouldn't recognize the format, so here it is...

C-MAX HOOK-UP
• Engage Parking Brake
• Start car
• Shift into Neutral
• Put climate control system in “recirculated air mode”
• Run a couple of minutes
• Release Parking Brake
• Stop engine
o “Trip Summary” appears in the left instrument cluster screen
o NOTE – A “Shift to Park” or “Not in Park” message may appear when in Neutral and ignition is in off position

Thanks this helps! I bought the Invisibrake on craigslist so purchase for inexpensive...now to get it installed!

[chellayh]

Jim,

We are currently looking at trading our Jeep Cherokee (not yet setup as toad) in for a CMax because we are concerned with the weight in our new motorhome. Old MH was 5000 lbs, new is 4500 lbs. We want to have just a little bit more wiggle room.

Did you put the Invisibrake under the driver's seat? I looked under there and saw the heating vent & didn't know if that would interfere.

--Cheryl

[Rmblaster]

I tow a 2015 cmax and i use rvi 3 brake system easy to set up

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by Rmblaster

I tow a 2015 cmax and i use rvi 3 brake system easy to set up

Remember I asked you about it back then? Yep, it's an awesome toad! Ours is a 2014 Energi with RVi 2.

[Rmblaster]

Originally Posted by CountryFit

Remember I asked you about it back then? Yep, it's an awesome toad! Ours is a 2014 Energi with RVi 2.

yes i do

[USTrekker]

Hi,
I'm glad to see this thread staying up with a few posts so I figured I'd contribute again.


I used the RVI3 system with my c-max for a few trips last year. I had issues with brake lockup on one trip which a described in detail in another thread so I won't duplicate it here. Since I'd not pulled the #9 fuse, I'm hoping that is the solution.


My coach has been in cold storage over the winter so I've not had a chance to test the brake unit again. Once I do, I'll post the results here.


I will note that my coach is big enough (40' DP) and c-max light enough, that I can easily tow it without brakes in the car - and know folks who do. But I don't think that's a wise strategy - hence my purchase of the RVI.


I have experienced one "death wobble" with the c-max, turning a sharp corner at low speeds. Quickly resolved by stopping for a moment. I plan to take the car in for an alignment to set the camber high and possibly prevent that issue. But I'd never had that happen during higher-speed driving or turns.

[Rmblaster]

yes to pulling the fuse because for some reason the brake booster pump will run causing a lockup of the cmax brakes

[RI Expat]

Which fuse? There are multiple fuse panels and have #9 listings. Is it the interior box or under the hood? Does this apply only to portable systems or installed Invisibrakes, too?

[Rmblaster]

Originally Posted by RI Expat

Which fuse? There are multiple fuse panels and have #9 listings. Is it the interior box or under the hood? Does this apply only to portable systems or installed Invisibrakes, too?

Fuse located in box under the hood drivers side its either a 30 a or 40 a square fuse not sure if it needs to be pulled when using invisibrake system

[For The Dogs]

Cheryl - We had our invisibrake installed at an RV service center shortly after purchasing the car, and the placement is under the driver's seat. I have to admit, I don't think we were even aware of a vent under that seat, but there was no mention of there being any problem and we haven't had any problems in the two seasons of towing. The only "problems" we have noticed is that the box obstructs access to the small floor storage compartment that is located just under the back of the front seat, and if someone sits behind the driver's seat, they have to be careful with their feet so as not to kick the box. Most of the time, it's just the dogs in the back so it's rarely a problem for us.
~ CathieJo

[tjenkens]

Do you all pull Fuse #9 as suggested elsewhere in this thread? Thx