RVIBrake2 Antenna?

[computerguy]

For the past year I have had problems with my RVIBrake2.
It randomly disconnects from the dash display. It says lost communication. It might reconnect or I may have to unplug the dash unit and reboot it where it almost always reconnects.
Most recently I am receiving a message on the dash unit to press the button on the main unit 3 times. This is after I have already done that and underway.
I called support and described these issues. They say the communication issue is most likely the antennas on both units need to be replaced. I don't know about antennas needing to be replaced. I've never heard of an antenna wearing out. Sure, maybe if it is physically damaged. But I digress.
The 2nd issue they say the main unit is losing power even if only momentarily. I don't see that happening as it connected to the battery and to the motorhome. But sure, anything is possible. It's also possible the sun won't rise tomorrow.
So for a $10 antenna I can get on Amazon, they want $20. OK, one for the dash unit and one for the main unit. $40. The antennas are light and shipping should be close to nothing. Nope, $18 for the cheapest they have available. Just seems like gouging to me. I digress again (yeah, I am not happy about the pricing).

Has anyone with an RVIBrake2 had similar issues? If yes, has replacing the antennas fixed it?

[RichKimball]

No experience with loss like you state, but I sincerely doubt that replacing the antennas will help. I'm surprised that was offered as a troubleshooting step.

[jeanluc001]

you might need the booster.
if you already have one maybe check the power to it and also check the little antenna connection in the toad.

[RichKimball]

Didn't know they offered a booster. At least I don't see one on their website.

[jarwiebe]

I have occasionally had the "Lose of communications" message show up briefly. But I have never had the "press the button on the main unit 3 times" start-up routine message after the initial start-up routine.

My thoughts are: The "lost communications" message could be attributed to antennas or some interference but the "start-up message would suggest that communications are happening. This message is to let you know that the main unit in the toad needs to be reset due to loss of power to it or some other issue.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by jeanluc001

you might need the booster.

if you already have one maybe check the power to it and also check the little antenna connection in the toad.

This was not discussed or brought up as an option. I don’t see any booster listed as an option either on their website. I don’t think it is an option.
Next time I go out (in March) I’ll look when I get the reset option if indeed the lights are flashing on the main unit indicating a power loss. It’s possible my 12v plug has worked loose after 35k miles and 7+ years.
I agree I don’t think replacing the antennas will do anything. I have my amateur radio license and don’t recall learning anything where antennas wear out and need to be periodically replaced.

[bokobird]

Your post reminded me I needed to order another antenna for the brake unit side of things

This is the *third* antenna I've gotten for the brake unit itself, but the 1st two went bad due to my clumsiness in ripping the wire out of the socket where it screws in. Twice, you'd think I'd learn???

If I recall, the first time I only had the unit a short time and they sent me one for free. This time, it's on my dime. I agree, prices stink, but not sure why you'd think the antenna on the receiver side would be bad.

Anyhow, my experiences with this unit over the years have had pretty much every situation that can happen. One time the break-away cable got caught up (not sure how) with the toad and ripped it right out of the socket it plugs into as I was turning to get on the highway. That alarm works!

For your reception problems, I've always had trouble with the thing dropping the link and saying "communication lost". Wait a while and it comes back.

I think the best you can do is get the antenna from the brake unit as far up into the leftmost area of your toad windshield and have the receiver as close to the drivers window as possible. I have been doing this on my latest trips and have had a lot of good success in keeping the comm link running. It'll still drop off here and there, but always restores itself automatically.