Roadmaster BrakeMaster 9160

I am looking at the Roadmaster Brakemaster 9160 with breakeaway. I like the idea of the proportional braking system that works directly off the coaches braking system. Is anyone familiar with this system and knows of the advantages/disadvantages over say the brake buddy type. I'm hopeing that there are some actual users out there that can give me some first hand responses. All responses are apreciated.
Derek

I am looking at the Roadmaster Brakemaster 9160 with breakeaway. I like the idea of the proportional braking system that works directly off the coaches braking system. Is anyone familiar with this system and knows of the advantages/disadvantages over say the brake buddy type. I'm hopeing that there are some actual users out there that can give me some first hand responses. All responses are apreciated.
Derek

[RV Wizard]

Derek, I have had the Brakemaster for air brakes for over three years and would not tow without it. I too did a lot of research before buyiing it and I have found that it does perform as advertized. The biggest advantage it that it is only applying brakes on your toad when you apply brakes on the coach. Exhaust or engine brake will not activate the toads brakes through the the Brakemaster. Going down steep grades will not activate them either. They are directly proportional and this is good. I have had two occasions that I can remember that if I did not have it on my 8000# truck (loaded) I would have eaten up the nut that pulled in front of me on an interstat highway! I would highly recommend this system to anyone with air brakes. They do make a version for gas coaches and I would have to research this model before commenting as to it's effectiveness.

[MajDad]

We just towed our Jeep Cherokee, from Idaho to Georgia, with the Brakemaster.. worked perfect!
For an air-brake coach, there's nothing better for simplicity. (I bought mine off eBay, for $100+, vs. the $5-600 new price)

If you plan to keep the toad for a long time, I like the one that mounts an air-cylinder between the vacuum-booster and the master-cylinder, on the toad. Takes a little extra work, but it's a one-time job, and you have nothing in the cab that has to be removed before driving the toad. (Sorry, I can't remember the name of this unit - maybe someone else can tell us)

[chasfm11]

At RV Wizard's suggestion, I looked at the Brakemaster system and installed it in May '04. I'm really pleased by how easy it is to put in/take out because there are no settings, adjustments or worrying about when it brakes the toad - it only happens when I step on the MH brake.

My 2,300 toad is well within our MH's capacity (19,300 traveling weight against 22K GVW) but I feel better about my braking capacity with the Brakemaster. We seem to be a magnet for drivers who want to cut us off and then slow down. I'm not sure that I wouldn't have tagged one or two of them without the extra braking power.

Charlie

[Jerry T]

I put the BrakeMaster 9100 on my DP and it was a good investment. Did the install myself which was a bit of a chore, but it works great and the difference is very notable.

[dicnic]

I've got the Brakemaster 9160 on our Coach/Toad and it works great. Even though our toad only weighs 2700 dry, the braking system is worthwhile. Not too difficult to install and is truly proportional. Ties directly into the coach's air brake system.

[Richard and Babs and a Bob Tail Cat]

I installed Brakemaster after talking to RV Wizard also and a gentleman that had used one for seven years leading over 35 caravans to Alaska and Mexico with no problems.

We also tried Brake Pro (box brake) with unsatisfactory results for us.

Some of the advantages over a box brake include ease of set up and if incorrect will simply not work and not burn up your toads brakes.

We have had ours over a year and about 12000 miles and are very pleased to date.