Community Forums

Vette Dude · 01-26-2025, 12:23 PM

Anyone running an RVIbrake3 portable supplementary brake system?

My question is: Is the applied brake in towed vehicle sufficient enough to overcome lack of vacuum assist?

Shadow5501 · 01-26-2025, 12:29 PM

Yes. In fact, it is specifically designed to work without vacuum assist. During the setup procedure it depresses the pedal three times to consume the vacuum in the reservoir. The amount9f force it applies is also adjustable.

It can also be configured to operate with systems that have always on power brake assist - typically hybrids.

RRR · 01-26-2025, 01:08 PM

I haven't had any problem with mine running on a Escape PHEV. I do have a charge line running from the MH to the hot post under the hood that I have a cigarette lighter plug wired to power the RVi.

Wayneey · 01-27-2025, 07:32 AM

For 3 years I’ve been using an RVibrake 3 in my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S. As Shadow5501 said, any residual vacuum is purged during setup. You can also select the amount of braking in a configuration table via the Command Center tablet.

I added their towed battery charger and tire pressure monitoring system. The entire system has worked well without any problems. Having all system information available on the Command Center tablet is a nice plus. Any time I’ve had questions the support has been very timely.

ChrisDParise · 01-27-2025, 12:06 PM

I'd like to know if ANY portable can't push the brake pedal hard enough.

Do not get your fingers between the claw and brake pedal when its pushing

swang · 02-11-2025, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayneey

For 3 years I’ve been using an RVibrake 3 in my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S. As Shadow5501 said, any residual vacuum is purged during setup. You can also select the amount of braking in a configuration table via the Command Center tablet.

I added their towed battery charger and tire pressure monitoring system. The entire system has worked well without any problems. Having all system information available on the Command Center tablet is a nice plus. Any time I’ve had questions the support has been very timely.

I just received my RVibrake 3 with tablet and hub. Can't test it yet because my motorhome is on order and the Jeep isn't ready to flat tow. But I have a question... the documentation says the tablet battery life is only 2-3 hours. What do people do to keep it alive for a full-day trip? Do you keep the tablet plugged into power? I think I want it always on to monitor the brake and ensure the toad battery is charging (I have the RVi towed battery charger also).

DuaneMiller · 02-11-2025, 07:32 AM

I keep both my hub and the tablet plugged in to power while the system is in use... You'll find that while useful, the tablet they supply is not a "top of the line" model... But, it does what it needs to do.

RRR · 02-11-2025, 09:49 AM

I don't bother with the tablet.

Psneeld · 02-12-2025, 04:43 AM

I keep mine plugged in, no issues after 30,000 miles or so of 4-8 hr driving days.

For any RVI users, just got notice yesterday, RVI is discontinuing their Tire Patrol with only warranty service done on the sensors. No more battery replacements. Not very happy about that but any of the TPMS systems could go out of business on short notice. At least it's just the Tire Patrol and not their other systems.

Shadow5501 · 02-12-2025, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swang

I just received my RVibrake 3 with tablet and hub. Can't test it yet because my motorhome is on order and the Jeep isn't ready to flat tow. But I have a question... the documentation says the tablet battery life is only 2-3 hours. What do people do to keep it alive for a full-day trip? Do you keep the tablet plugged into power? I think I want it always on to monitor the brake and ensure the toad battery is charging (I have the RVi towed battery charger also).

You don’t have to use the tablet after configuring the RVI brake, so it’s optional. I had some room to the left of the drivers seat in my class A (no door there) so mounted the tablet there and ran USB power from under the dash to the tablet and TPMS in that location. Bought an inexpensive USB power outlet from Amazon and mounted it under the dash with a toggle switch to turn it on and off. The tablet was not in the drivers line of sight, but it was easy to take a quick glance at it on occasion.

The one reason to have the tablet handy is that you can manually apply the brake in the towed car using it. Just touch the big circle on the driving page. There isn’t much use for this function, but I would occasionally use it on long downhill descents when stab braking to reduce speed.

bentjm · 02-12-2025, 06:32 AM

I have not used the tablet in 3 years. The braking system works fine without it.

jbenolken · 02-12-2025, 07:25 AM

I've used RVI for the past 7 years and haven't used the table for 3-4 years. Works fine without it.

Wayneey · 02-12-2025, 10:55 AM

I keep the tablet and also the Command Center Hub connected to power. The tablet is connected to a 12V power outlet while traveling and the Command Center Hub to a USB port. As has been was posted, the tablet isn’t required for use but I find it helpful for looking at other features, e.g., the RVi power module and Tire Patrol TPMS.

Speaking of which, I also am very disappointed that Tire Patrol is being discontinued, and expressed that to RVi. They responded that critical parts were not being made and they couldn’t continue production. The system worked well for me and being able to monitor the Tire Patrol performance on the tablet is/was a big plus.

Donskiman · 02-12-2025, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayneey

I also am very disappointed that Tire Patrol is being discontinued, and expressed that to RVi. They responded that critical parts were not being made and they couldn’t continue production. The system worked well for me and being able to monitor the Tire Patrol performance on the tablet is/was a big plus.

We have also been using Tire Patrol and it has mostly worked well.

We have not received any communication from RVi indicating Tire Patrol was being discontinued. When did you get this notice from them?

We got a new set of sensors last year, so we'll probably be okay for travel this year. However, we may not know for sure until we get ready to travel again in April. I guess I'll have to get it all hooked up a few weeks in advance to make sure everything is working, so I'll have enough time to get another TPMS if it's not working.

The main thing about Tire Patrol that irritated me we not having user replaceable batteries. I was told by RVi several times over the last few years that they were working on that and the product would be available soon. Must have been a lie.