Community Forums

Mloureirojr · 05-13-2020, 11:35 AM

Hey Guys I'm coming from Trailer Car Hauler to Flat towing, it just driving me nuts, first how much cost to buy all the accessories need it, But one thing is driving me crazy , Brake System setup, I'm thinking on buying the RvIbrake 3 , easy setup, clean and looks like the best system out there and and the most expensive, my question is Every time I tow a car with Rope and the car being towing if the engine is not running the brake became very hard to use and doesn't stop like when the engine running, how good those system are? that will make my truck stop without the engine running? Is worth spend $1400 plus or thoses brakes doesn't do that much, you just have to have because 48 states required brake system for flat towing, or should I just go with cheap one just to have on board, or is there a different system that pump oil or air on the brake line that works right or better, my truck is a F-150 2015 Platinum which has a computer that stops my truck when I'm cruise control I wish that was a device that could connect with car computer so I would not need thoses crazy mechanical boxes attached to my brake pedal.

Thanks

Gary RVRoamer · 05-13-2020, 11:47 AM

The towed car brakes that work by pushing the brake pedal apply a LOT of pressure to it, far more than most people can do with a foot. In fact, it is necessary to relieve any brake boost (power assist) pressure from the car brakes before activating the towed car brake system, to prevent excessive braking. The set-up instructions for each use will have a step to do that.

There are brake systems that are tied into the car hydraulic system and do not rely on pedal pressure. The M&G Brake is one, and I think the SMI Air Force One is another. These are designed for caches with air brakes.

**Lt Dan** · 05-13-2020, 12:05 PM

Exactly what Gary said. We had a RVI2 for three years until I converted to a M&G air system. You have to bleed off the vacuum boost when you set up the RVI by pressing the button three times. This applies the brake pedal each time to bleed off the vacuum. The system applies the un-boosted brake without any problem.

Looking at your profile it looks like you have a 40 ft Excursion which should have air brakes. You might check into either the M&G or the AF1 systems as they are a lot less hassle to hook up each time. They remain installed and are totally transparent under non towed use. A little more work to install, but a lot less each time you use them. All I have to do is hook up the break away cable and an air line and the Jeep is ready to go. A quick check of the M&G web site shows that the '15 F150 pickup can use the original air cylinder which goes between the vacuum booster and the master cylinder. There is nothing attached to the brake pedal so activating the brakes does not override the turn signals on the pickup. They also have their 2.0 system which attaches to the brake pedal like the Air Force 1.
https://m-gengineering.com/

I purchased my M&G from Rex and Sons RV supply in Wilmington North Carolina through eBay. You can contact them through their web site for price and availability.
https://www.rexandsonsrvs.com/

BTW, it would help answer questions if you would create a signature with your coach type and year.

Mloureirojr · 05-13-2020, 01:58 PM

Thanks Gary and Dan for all that info, I think I will go with Air Brake yes my coach has Air Brakes, Yes I know it's a little pain in the neck to install but it should work better, I don't really like the idea have anything attached to my brake pedal, I will take a look on thoses link that you guys provided and may contact them as well,

One thing I did today I drove my truck to the Hill and turn the engine off and I used to brake to see how it would perform with engine off, was very scary I did not feel my truck was stopping with my foot brake and also I heard a grinding noise on my brakes like when you press the brake too strong and ABS goes in actions and make that wierd noise, I already order my tow bars, from Amazon today still need take a decision on the Brake System. I will keep searching and see what I will do. But I really appreciate you guys help.

Mloureirojr · 05-13-2020, 02:21 PM

Mine is a 2004 Fleetwood Excursion 39S with Cumings 8.3 350

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

Exactly what Gary said. We had a RVI2 for three years until I converted to a M&G air system. You have to bleed off the vacuum boost when you set up the RVI by pressing the button three times. This applies the brake pedal each time to bleed off the vacuum. The system applies the un-boosted brake without any problem.

Looking at your profile it looks like you have a 40 ft Excursion which should have air brakes. You might check into either the M&G or the AF1 systems as they are a lot less hassle to hook up each time. They remain installed and are totally transparent under non towed use. A little more work to install, but a lot less each time you use them. All I have to do is hook up the break away cable and an air line and the Jeep is ready to go. A quick check of the M&G web site shows that the '15 F150 pickup can use the original air cylinder which goes between the vacuum booster and the master cylinder. There is nothing attached to the brake pedal so activating the brakes does not override the turn signals on the pickup. They also have their 2.0 system which attaches to the brake pedal like the Air Force 1.
https://m-gengineering.com/

I purchased my M&G from Rex and Sons RV supply in Wilmington North Carolina through eBay. You can contact them through their web site for price and availability.
https://www.rexandsonsrvs.com/

BTW, it would help answer questions if you would create a signature with your coach type and year.

2aktravelers · 05-14-2020, 09:06 PM

There are also systems like the SMI Stay and Play Duo. It uses a piston mounted to the brake pedal up out of the way but it also energizes the vehicle vacuum system so basically it’s pushing power brakes. We’ve towed our Jeep Cherokee over 25k miles with it and have no complaints.
Other than the Air Force One, most of these systems draw power from the tow vehicle so a charging system is an inexpensive insurance to add. If you haven’t, check out etrailer.com they have good prices and great installation information and videos.

tinpeddler · 05-16-2020, 09:42 AM

I just purchased the RVi3 and headed out of town. After 400 miles I can say it works just the way they say it should. Been towing without one for a couple years as most trips were on flat ground, this trip will include some mountain driving so felt it prudent to have one for safety. Set up is very simple and takes just a few minutes. What I like about it is that it is a compact style easy to store. Looked at the Brake Buddy even with the good reviews it is bulky. Hopefully I won't have to find out how it works in an emergency situation. I can definitely feel a difference in braking now, I can see why most states require it. I had a charge line hard wired to the Jeep to eliminate battery issues. Safe travels and stay safe everyone.

Mloureirojr · 05-16-2020, 10:32 PM

Hey Guys Thanks so much for the all info, I searched a lot and I almost went with RV Ibrake 3, I love the concept but The Reason I didn't buy was RV Ibrake3 doesn't have the suction pump even it's a very strong actuator the brakes works like the car is running when there is vacuum pump, Air Force one was interested but I didn't want run another air line on the bar and mess with my RIG brakes air line, so I decided going with Roadmaster Insivibrake Electric activate has a suction pump very small and I don't have to be carrying around, it can be hidden under the seat only think that really bothers me is the stupid pulley that you have to install behind the brake pedal, also price was good under $900 but I will probably buy a Brake monitor around $140 so I don't have to be running more cables so I can get the signals on my Motorhome.

Thank so much again

tsc · 05-22-2020, 08:58 AM

I did the road master even brake for 8 years moved up the semi/demco stay and play two years ago wished I would have earlier , we towed Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy cruise and wranglers over the years. Now we a a wrangler tj and Cherokee both hard wired

JMonroe · 05-24-2020, 07:59 AM

I'm on our 4th toad on which I've used the Airforce One, obviously I'm very happy with it. After initial installation pre-trip prep is about 10 seconds. If you are the least bit handy the install is pretty straight forward using their instructions or one of the many U-Tube videos available on the subject. I did the vehicle side of the install on our current toad, my dealer did the coach side for us.

I also use the RVI toad charger. I'd think this would be a must if using an electrically activated system, I use it for piece of mind. It's about $80 and a very simple 15 minute install.