Community Forums

dstewart1111 · 10-14-2019, 09:21 PM

Just bought a 2009 honda fit (auto) to tow behind my tiffin allegro 35 QBA Using a tow dolly right now but want to set up a 4 down tow system. Getting a blue ox avail bar and going to get base plate in spring. My big issue is deciding between a installed braking system or portable like patriot. Just not sure how long I will use honda as toad before getting something else so the portable units have some appeal. So my question is how well the portables work vs an installed system like the stay and play duo. Did read that the duo is easily removable to install in another vehicle but not sure.

Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

Dave

l1v3fr33ord1 · 10-15-2019, 03:30 AM

Dave-

I installed a Stay-in-Play Duo in our 2009 Honda Fit Sport. It is a great system; prep takes only a few minutes, and even that is due to Honda's procedure (consult the manual).

That said, the Duo installation in the Fit was no walk in the park:

1) Limited space to install the system unit
2) Getting actuator air line through firewall
3) Getting control box wiring through firewall
4) Attaching the actuator cylinder cable
5) Mounting the breakaway switch

I did the brake light installation at the same time, so there were more wires to run. I also added several connectors so I could replace components without cutting wires.

I could pull the system unit, control box, actuator cylinder and breakaway switch in under two hours. I'd have to plug the vacuum line, rather than remove it. I would not remove the air line or the rest of the wiring.

It's more likely we'll sell the car to someone who wants a working toad, rather than pull out the equipment listed above.

We use a Roadmaster Sterling towbar and installed a Roadmaster baseplate.

Our Fit is a nice small car, and an easy tow at under 3,000 pounds. I'd be happy to share the details of our Fit's Duo/brake light installation. Just drop me a private message with your e-mail address and any questions.

By the way, there is a tow brake design midway between the Duo and the "bowling-ball bag" drop-in, and that is the NSA ReadyBrake and ReadyBrute towbar. They are mechanical systems. The biggest problem (as I see it) with installation in a 2009 Fit would be finding a path for the cable. There is almost no room in front of the brake pedal arm to go through the firewall, as the power brake parts are located in that area. Worth a look, and perhaps a call to NSA, though.

txcpl · 10-15-2019, 04:15 AM

We installed the M&G system and have not looked back.
Our friends had a portable system but did not like it because 1. It had to be installed separate from the hitch system and 2. they always had to have a place to store it.

**Spdracr39** · 10-15-2019, 05:37 AM

I have the brake buddy 2 and it works well. It's pretty easy to install the plug in and breakaway switch and I can be ready to roll in 10 minutes or less including attaching the tow bar. Unhooking is even faster. I will say the wireless brake indicator is useless though.

KTM251ss · 10-15-2019, 06:22 AM

We have been using the Patriot since April 2016. Two different tow vehicles, works great for both and other than a 12V source and emergency switch/plug harness for the new toad it swaps over easily. You can take it with you to the next toad or sell it and recoup your money without tearing a brake system out of your car.

I know some folks are not fans of portable brake systems but the New Patriot seems pretty nice.

Dave_H · 10-15-2019, 09:12 AM

I purchased a portable brake unit for the simple reason that we have two different toad vehicles we tow depending on our destination. After much research on available options I decided to purchase the RVI Brake3. Very compact in size and easy to install, 2 minutes max. Have only used it for about 4,000 miles this summer towing but over all have been very pleased with how it works. Very easy to change brake pressure from compact toad to heavier full size vehicle. The only issue I have had at times is losing the wifi signal from the hub to the dash mounted display. Possible rf interference or weak signal. I had the hub installed at a 12 volt charging source in a cabinet in rear bedroom. The last few trips I took the hub and just set it on the bed and thus far have had no further issues.