Community Forums

BobbyT49 · 03-20-2023, 06:09 PM

I'm looking to get a little feedback on these two braking systems. Looking to outfit a recently bought 2016 Lincoln MKX 2.7t FWD. Although I know the AF1 is a good system, but with the add-ons of the air tank to the DP plus mounting the box in the an already tight engine compartment of the MKX concerns me. Also, only being able to tow with the DP as well. The mechanical system of the NSA would allow it to be towed with anything, including my pickup or if I was to ever downsize to an RV without airbrakes. The simplicity of the unit is a pro it seems. I'd appreciate any pro's or con's or something I might be missing.
Look forward to the feedback.

Bob

ChrisDParise · 03-20-2023, 06:37 PM

Been towing for 3 years now and if I knew about the mechanical braking of the NSA I'd seriously consider it.
I don't see a dash monitor for it though so how do you know when it's braking and by how much? This intrigues me, I know it's a simple system but seems to be lacking some features. Cant adjust braking force either? Cant manually apply toad brakes? Major negatives to me. Portables like the Patriot have a dash monitor and can do all that.

I understand your concern on adding an air tank for the AF if that's required. .

Fushux · 03-20-2023, 10:50 PM

I have the NSA ready brake for towing my Jeep JLUR behind my Jayco 31F class c motorhome and like the simple design and set up. Everything has worked great and have had no issues.

When looking in to all the different set ups, this one was the cheapest and easiest.

nvs4602 · 03-21-2023, 02:52 AM

Another vote fore NSA ready brake. Easy to setup. Can tow my jeep Cherokee behind anything now that has a 2" receiver hitch. No airlines to deal with. Just makes sense to keep it simple.

AKIQPilot · 03-23-2023, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Been towing for 3 years now and if I knew about the mechanical braking of the NSA I'd seriously consider it.
I don't see a dash monitor for it though so how do you know when it's braking and by how much? This intrigues me, I know it's a simple system but seems to be lacking some features. Cant adjust braking force either? Cant manually apply toad brakes? Major negatives to me. Portables like the Patriot have a dash monitor and can do all that.

I understand your concern on adding an air tank for the AF if that's required. .

The NSA toad brake system comes with a dash mounted light that tells you when the actuator arm of the mechanical braking system is moving and "in theory" tugging on the brake pedal of the toad. Obviously if that cable isn't hooked up or is grossly out of adjustment the light is just a false indication of braking.

Many of us used the same light but connected it to the toad brake pedal brake light actuator switch and in that case the dash mounted light tells you the toad brake pedal is moving enough to turn the toad brake lights on.

Initial set up and adjustment of the actuator cable is very simple. Any time the toad is pushing on the receiver the actuator arm of the braking system tugs on the cable and the brakes on the toad are applied. once the toad brakes are applied the toad no longer pushes on the receiver and the brakes are released. The system is truly proportional and only applies enough brakes to reduce the toads force on the receiver. Braking force is constantly being adjusted by the NSA brake system itself.

There is no way to manually actuate the toad brakes remotely.

bigb56 · 03-23-2023, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKIQPilot

Many of us used the same light but connected it to the toad brake pedal brake light actuator switch and in that case the dash mounted light tells you the toad brake pedal is moving enough to turn the toad brake lights on.

That's how I did it, in fact the Ready Brake no longer comes with the switch and plug at the actuator. Since I don't need a brake controller in the tow vehicle I used the blue wire in the trailer plug to send the toad brake light signal to the dash to avoid having to run a wire all that way.

ChrisDParise · 03-24-2023, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKIQPilot

The NSA toad brake system comes with a dash mounted light that tells you when the actuator arm of the mechanical braking system is moving and "in theory" tugging on the brake pedal of the toad. Obviously if that cable isn't hooked up or is grossly out of adjustment the light is just a false indication of braking.

Many of us used the same light but connected it to the toad brake pedal brake light actuator switch and in that case the dash mounted light tells you the toad brake pedal is moving enough to turn the toad brake lights on.

.

Good to know. I could not discern a dash light feature when looking at their website and towbar features - trying to be informed guess I missed it.

Interesting that with this towbar there are customer mods that can be made if so desired.

AKIQPilot · 03-24-2023, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Good to know. I could not discern a dash light feature when looking at their website and towbar features - trying to be informed guess I missed it.

Interesting that with this towbar there are customer mods that can be made if so desired.

Bigb56 pointed out that the new Ready Brakes are not equipped with the dash mounted indicator light. This doesn't prevent you from installing your own light and rigging it up to the toad brake light switch or some other triggering mechanism you install.

Six years ago when I first contemplated a toad I was skeptical of the NSA product. I read every supplemental brake thread here and everywhere else I could find. I read hundreds of Amazon reviews. We were still a year from dragging around a car so I took my time and finally decided on a new Ready Brake and an old used Blue Ox tow bar. The Ready Brake performed perfectly for my Wrangler. I liked the Ready Brake so much I immediately bought a Ready Brute Elite tow bar and sold the Ready Brake and gave away the Blue Ox.

For a coach without air brakes, nothing beats the NSA Ready Brute Elite towing/braking system.

bigb56 · 03-24-2023, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKIQPilot

Bigb56 pointed out that the new Ready Brakes are not equipped with the dash mounted indicator light. This doesn't prevent you from installing your own light and rigging it up to the toad brake light switch or some other triggering mechanism you install.

.

No, I said they don't come with the switch and pigtail on the actuator arm any more when you buy the complete setup. They do supply the dash light and a roll of wire instructing you to wire it to the toad's brake light switch.

AKIQPilot · 03-24-2023, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

No, I said they don't come with the switch and pigtail on the actuator arm any more when you buy the complete setup. They do supply the dash light and a roll of wire instructing you to wire it to the toad's brake light switch.

OK Got ya.. I didn't realize they came with the wire and light now.

Kinda funny how many of us decided to use the light and wire from the older system and rig it up they way they now recommend.

Unplanned Tourist · 03-24-2023, 02:53 PM

Another vote for the ReadyBrake system for me. After around 13 years using a Brake Buddy, I switched to the RB, and am very happy.

Truly proportional braking and only starts appying when your toad pushes harder than 250 pounds, so going down long hills, it doesn't brake until you stop faster.

I have an LED brake light I set on the dash of my toad. It comes on when the brakes are applied and I can see it with my rear camera.

I don't see any need to apply the toad brakes only, so that's not an issue with me.

BobbyT49 · 03-24-2023, 05:27 PM

Thanks to everyone who responded. It seems that the NSA Ready Brute Elite 2 is the way to go.
Save travels to all.
Bob

LarryJB · 03-24-2023, 09:35 PM

One thing to know about the new version of the readybrute tow bar. It is missing a twisting point. It pivots up, down and side to side, but it does not have a twisting point. The old style had this and all other brands that I know of do. I have one and have used it successfully for 2 years. I was very concerned about this when I discovered it had no twist pivot point. I spoke with nsa about it and the assured me it has not been a problem, but I thought you might want to know.

BobbyT49 · 03-27-2023, 04:57 PM

I guess the NSA is a NO go. I was informed that my 2016 Lincoln MKX is not a good candidate due to the fact that at the base plate the cable would have to make an almost immediate 90 degree turn around the radiator and that sharp turns are not recommended by the manufacturer . The shop suggested the RVI Shadow system as a good reliable alternative. Does anyone have any experience with this system versus say the Demo Stay and Play Duo. I'd love to hear some feedback.
Thanks