Community Forums

Park Ranger · 02-24-2014, 07:38 AM

Looking at purchasing the Ready Brute tow bar, brake system etc. Any comments on how well the braking system works and down hill operation?

Easyrider · 02-24-2014, 05:00 PM

Works great! The brakes will not activate just because your going down hill unless you apply the brakes on your RV to slow down. Engine braking is not enough to activate the brakes. We like our ReadyBrute a lot and recommend it to anyone looking for one of the least expensive ways to get started towing a vehicle behind a RV.

jeffwit · 02-24-2014, 05:06 PM

X2 above. Did most of the install myself. Works great on my fairly heavy TOAD.

patsikes · 02-24-2014, 05:11 PM

We like ours.

1ciderdog · 02-25-2014, 11:26 AM

As above, mine works fine with either tow vehicle.

Redridge · 02-25-2014, 01:36 PM

I suggest installing additional indicator lights, one light for when the surge brake is activated and another when the toad brakes is activated.... this way, you know exactly what is going on back there.

Dave1956 · 02-25-2014, 01:53 PM

how is the cable run to the brake pedal of the toad? Is that a one time installation? Is it a dyi?

Thanks,

Dave

brobox · 02-25-2014, 02:07 PM

Love mine. I paid a dealer to connect the brake cable BIG mistake, they did a terrible job on something that was very easy. Re-did it myself and it was perfect and easy to do. I paid the dealer as we were on the road when my Blue Ox tow bar snapped in half and I needed it now. Won't make that mistake again. Great brake system.

gfs1943 · 02-25-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1956

how is the cable run to the brake pedal of the toad? Is that a one time installation? Is it a dyi?

Thanks,

Dave

The brake cable is installed inside a housing and requires that you drill a hole through the firewall. It is a one-time install and doesn't affect normal brake operation while you are driving the car.

I also installed the ReadyStop (breakaway) system. That uses another cable and requires another hole thru the firewall.

I did all my installation myself. I have done mechanical work for years, so it wasn't a problem. But age is creeping up on me, so every job takes longer than it used to.

Redridge · 02-25-2014, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave1956

how is the cable run to the brake pedal of the toad? Is that a one time installation? Is it a dyi?

Thanks,

Dave

yes, a one time installation.... 95% of the cars out there can be a DIY, some easier than others.

jeffwit · 02-25-2014, 03:44 PM

Only part I didn't do was install the base plates on the truck. Installing the cables for the Ready Brake and the break away system only took a couple of hours.

gthunts · 02-25-2014, 04:49 PM

I also love my Ready Brute. You should be able to search on the forum and find recent threads on the brake cable install. Some good suggestions on here for install modifications that work great

StevieG · 02-25-2014, 05:51 PM

Very easy. Definitely DIY if you are good with a drill and routing cable. Go on YouTube and search Ready Brake. There are at least 3 videos that show you the install process in detail. If you go to Etrailer.com, there are videos for installing the Blue Ox bulb and socket kit for the rear lights... if you decide to go that way. I did... Another pretty easy job once you watch the video a couple of times. My total cost for the set up with base plate ...Not including tools I had to buy... was about $1200... If you pay some one to to do the work, it will be at least half that more...