Community Forums

Tivoli · 09-24-2016, 07:45 PM

Hi,
I am looking at a used Ready Brute Elite Tow bar with built in surge brake that connects to toad. Anybody have experience with this brand? Pros and cons?
Thanks.

StevieG · 09-24-2016, 07:56 PM

Good tow bar. Been using mine for almost 3 years without an issue. If you're buying a used one, make sure it comes with all the cables and hardware. Besides the tow bar, there's the safety cables, the cable that goes from the from bumper through the engine compartment to your brake pedal, the cable that pulls the first cable and attaches to the surge mechanism, the breakaway cable and hardware, and the dash indicator light. I think that's about it...

Brockx · 09-24-2016, 07:57 PM

Great System

Dixie Mopars · 09-24-2016, 07:58 PM

We are on our first trip pulling a 4 down toad. I chose the Ready Brute Elite because of its simplicity. I had a Blue Ox baseplate installed on our 2014 Jeep Patriot by a Blue Ox dealer. He also installed the brake cables for me. We have come from Georgia to Maine (1500 miles) with no problem. I studied all of the options for several months and decided on the Elite. Quick to attach the car and cables. It is doing great so far.

ChasL · 09-24-2016, 08:00 PM

Great quality product, Would not use anything else. Used I yr no problems on Ranger Pick Up

reubenray · 09-24-2016, 08:03 PM

I have had my ReadyBrute for 3+ years.

vfauto · 09-24-2016, 08:59 PM

The only way to go,simple = less failure . Love ours.

Easyrider · 09-25-2016, 04:16 PM

We've had ours for 3 years now, we like it a lot. Simple to use and inexpensive. I'd buy one again if in the market knowing what I now know after using it.

Dmiles · 09-25-2016, 04:21 PM

I'll chime in that I agree with all the other positive comments. Love mine, it's been great!

lanerd · 09-25-2016, 04:27 PM

Question: When slowing using engine (or exhaust) brake, does the RBE activate the toad's brakes and lights?''

Ron

Brockx · 09-25-2016, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanerd

Question: When slowing using engine (or exhaust) brake, does the RBE activate the toad's brakes and lights?''

Ron

Depends on how you set it up. I have a light bar that goes into my Toad's hitch socket. I plug that into the MH same as a trailer (I do this because It requires no change to the Toad for lights). So far as braking force I have the cable for the Toad brake set so it takes a somewhat quick stop to activate the Toad brakes, also having the MH hitch a little higher than the hitch point on the toad will help avoid down hill braking and engine braking (mine is flat). It's a very flexible system once you understand the function.

hilgert · 09-26-2016, 12:58 PM

We've towed our Ford C-MAX about 6000 miles in the past 3 months with the ReadyBrute Elite...no issues.

As an electrical engineer, I'm normally a gadget guy, so I looked at the various electronic systems. When I found the ReadyBrute Elite I stopped looking...it's elegantly simple.

It's not reliant on electronics, battery power or remotes...just the towed vehicle's own forward force to apply the braking force. As the MH slows the distance between the MH and the towed vehicle decreases (by an inch or two) pressing against the ReadyBrute piston/lever, which pulls the brake cable, braking the towed vehicle. As the towed vehicle brakes, it's distance from the MH increases, and the braking decreases, releasing the brake cable. Totally proportional with no lag or delay at all.

I have minen adjusted such that at maximum compression the brakes don't lock up...so maybe 50% braking force.