Community Forums

16wrangler · 10-01-2020, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southwind 04

I need a new braking system for my toad. I had the Even Brake for years but was never happy with the performance of that system. But alas it died just as we purchased our first DP a Journey 42e with Tag. So I would like to hear others experience with these braking systems Before I sink another $1500 to $2000 into another poor performer!

Thank you!

I have a Brakebuddy that I have had for probably 20 years. I had to return it to the factory once for repairs. I think the bill was around $200. It has served me well.

Steve 716 · 10-01-2020, 04:50 PM

I purchased and installed an Air Force One three years ago and it works well. The installation took parts of four days. I used flat loom to protect the wiring from the six pin baseplate connector to my tail lights and it easily fit under the door scuff plates. A four pin connector is fine. I decided to use a six pin connector in order to run a charge line between my coach and toad as I tow a hybrid. This was the first install on a new car so I needed to identify the brake and turn signal wires and run wires to them. A test light made wire identification easy.

For the rest of the toad wiring I used split loom for protection. I also installed the optional transmitter that indicates when my toad brakes are applied. The coach part of the installation is difficult and I should have hired a shop to run the air lines. The toad part wasn't hard to do except for running wires and the air line through the firewall.

Newer Entegra coaches on Spartan chasses now come with the coach parts installed at the factory and I assume that other brands on a Spartan chassis might also include this.

Grandpa5x · 10-01-2020, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southwind 04

I need a new braking system for my toad. I had the Even Brake for years but was never happy with the performance of that system. But alas it died just as we purchased our first DP a Journey 42e with Tag. So I would like to hear others experience with these braking systems Before I sink another $1500 to $2000 into another poor performer!

Thank you!

I’ve got an even brake system for sale $285 complete everything works.

Our05Winneba · 10-01-2020, 05:51 PM

I went with the NSA ReadyBrake Elite and could not be happier. It is simple and costs far less than having to buy a separate braking unit - all of which only do with complicated electronics what the ReadyBrake does mechanically.

Cheryl Bisson · 10-01-2020, 06:29 PM

Another vote for M&G. Nothing to put in or take out of the toad interior to hook up. For our CRV a Fusemaster battery disconnect switch/cable was added. One end goes into the appropriate fuse spot in the fuse box under the dash. A hole was drilled into the lower part of the dash left of the steering wheel for the Drive/Tow switch. Couldn't be any easier! Have had M&G for 5 problem free years and love it!

Limey0001 · 10-01-2020, 06:44 PM

Another point with me is that the braking units that fit on the floor and you have to remove to drive the toad is that, have you ever tried stopping a vehicle with the brake booster inop or the engine off, it doesn't work very well and you need all you brake assist you can get in an emergency stop.

Free2Go · 10-01-2020, 06:45 PM

I went with the Duo nine-years ago because:
- I didn't want to have to store a supplemental brake system when driving the car
- I didn't want to have to put it in and take it out each time we hooked up or unhooked the towed
- I wanted a braking system that was easy...just flip a switch under the dash to turn it on (Duo)
- I wanted a braking system that took into account both deceleration and braking so my car wasn't braking when I used the compression brake (I rarely use anything other than the compression brake on hills, exits, etc.) (Duo). Maybe this contributes to not needing new brakes on my towed after 100k of driving and 100k of towing!
Steve

DznyFan · 10-01-2020, 06:47 PM

Another vote for RVibrake3. Portable, lightweight and easy to set up and use.

Aherold · 10-02-2020, 12:02 AM

I installed SMI on a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited. I only have flip a switch.
I like it senses motion and the brake light. Has worked fine.

tbillet · 10-02-2020, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Newsomes

We went with the RVIBrake 3. Initial install was easy and straight forward, setup prior to towing easy as well as removal at destination, works as advertised.

X2, very happy with RViBrake 3

BJH · 10-02-2020, 04:54 AM

Installed AF1 9 years ago and 3 toads later, it's simply the flawless ! Upgraded to the dash mount active light remote 3-4 yrs ago and again, works without fail. I would not do a DIY install (just me) but have a qualified dealer do so as you're
Tinkering with the toad electric system etc. Compact under the hood unit, 1 air line and mount the brake pedal bracket (pretty much unseen after install).

Ya just can't go wrong with AF1.

DrMack · 10-02-2020, 10:05 AM

We tow a Jeep Wrangler behind a View 24J with a Ready Brute Elite II Tow Bar. It is a purely mechanical system. Like all toads, it still requires a breakaway system and wiring for lights.

I'm an electrical engineer and a pilot and am always wary of the reliability of complex electronics in safety critical applications so I opted for a purely mechanical system.

spun69 · 10-02-2020, 10:44 AM

I chose the Delta Force portable SBS, made by SMI (now Demco). Was highly rated in Motorhome magazine at the time. Has worked well for us.
https://www.demco-products.com/rv-to...es/delta-force

Excursion04 · 10-02-2020, 02:17 PM

We started with brake buddy on Honda CRV., bad news! Set the pressure setting according to their manual (for CRV weight class) constant brake over heat, contacted their tech support and was told CRV setting is little different for CRV. Plus too many steps to setup.
Switched to M& G engineering brake system. You may need help for initial installation, but after that easy setup. Works off of your coach’s air/brake system,. Have had it for last 5 years , very happy with it