What auxiliary braking system are you using ?

[kengardner]

Hi all, I'm interested in towing my 1500 Silverado behind a 40 foot super C. The C can tow 12,500 lbs and has an exhaust brake so that end is no problem. My truck is about 5,600 lbs. I've been looking at the Air Force 1 and the RVi brake 3. Years ago I towed a Jeep Wrangler behind my class A with a Brake Buddy with no problems but ..... Bigger coach and bigger Toad AND more $$$ makes me a little nervous . We love traveling in the mountains so lots of hills ! Your thoughts ??? Ken

[Granite17]

Originally Posted by kengardner

Hi all, I'm interested in towing my 1500 Silverado behind a 40 foot super C. The C can tow 12,500 lbs and has an exhaust brake so that end is no problem. My truck is about 5,600 lbs. I've been looking at the Air Force 1 and the RVi brake 3. Years ago I towed a Jeep Wrangler behind my class A with a Brake Buddy with no problems but ..... Bigger coach and bigger Toad AND more $$$ makes me a little nervous . We love traveling in the mountains so lots of hills ! Your thoughts ??? Ken

I tow a 2021 Tahoe Z-71 behind a 2019 Dutch Star using AF-1 and believe it’s the only way to go .
Setting up to tow with AF-1 is a so easy.

[Biljol]

I use a ready break with there tow bar by NSA.

[Hpozzuoli]

How is the AF1 install? I read it could take a bit of time if you have experience and without experience it can’t take a bit longer.

I am leaning towards the patriot for a 32 Breeze. I tow a 2007 Honda CRV. I currently use the blue ox tow bar and had a brake buddy at one point, but it never worked well.

[Isaac-1]

We have a Roadmaster Evenbrake 9400 drop in braking system, overall it works ok for us, though it would not be my first pick in drop in braking systems if i were to buy a new one today. Installation as a bit more complicated than some of its competitors as one has to wire in a pack of playing cards size ICX transmitter under the dashboard of the vehicle which is connected to the brake away switch, and the brake pedal sense wire as well as its own power lead. The unit itself is a bit bulkier than some of the other newer design units out there, and there is no convenient handle on top of the unit to help sit it in place, or to lift it out of the floorboard of the car, instead one has to do more of a bear hug technique when moving the unit around. This is not to say that the Evenbrake is all bad, it has some nice unique features, it is just to make those features work, the initial installation wiring is a bit more complex than some of its competition, making it a poor choice if you are going to change TOADs often.

[dons2346]

If it will fit, the M&G is the best there is.
https://m-gengineering.com/

[momdoc]

We use AF1 when we drag our Trail hawk around. Very easy setup

[Lt Dan]

Depending on your year model, M&G has a compatibility list. It's by far the simplest hookup. If there is room in yours for the original style cylinder, it installs between the vacuum booster and the master cylinder so there is no interference with the brake pedal or brake lights.
https://m-gengineering.com/compatibility-list/

[Winger2]

RVI as I could move it between my toads.

[PanJH]

I installed a M&G on my F150 and am very happy with it.

[ROUGHRIDER3]

Ready Brake Elite ii 8000 pound rating towing Jeep Wrangler 2017 JK.

[kengardner]

Thanks for all the responses, I've got some more homework to do !! Ken

[Dutch Star Don]

Often, most products you buy, are available in good, better and best. With brake systems, there are many different types that work best with different styles of RV's, like gassers and DP's. There are at least 7-8 choices.

In my opinion, the M&G and AF1 are the two best products for a DP. I don't keep most of my tow vehicles more than 3-5 years. For that reason, I've been using the AF1 system for 13+ years. I moved the first generation unit between three different vehicles. I've moved the current model between three different trucks. Once you install one, removing it and moving it to another vehicle is no big deal.

In my personal opinion, the units using the DP air for braking, are better for heavy vehicles like trucks. I tow a 6100 pound Ford Raptor. The other thing I like to do is add a light to the dash that illuminates every time my brake pedal on my truck moves. AF1 provides an LED that goes on the back of the toad mirror, but I prefer wiring it all the way to the RV dash.

Lastly, the AF1 unit comes with a coach side system, that taps into your air brakes. Their first generation, just tapped into an air brake can. The new units tap into your brake line and have a small ping tank and valving system to protect your brake system, should the air brake line break or the toad separate. If you're handy, both units can be a DIY install.

[kengardner]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Often, most products you buy, are available in good, better and best. With brake systems, there are many different types that work best with different styles of RV's, like gassers and DP's. There are at least 7-8 choices.

In my opinion, the M&G and AF1 are the two best products for a DP. I don't keep most of my tow vehicles more than 3-5 years. For that reason, I've been using the AF1 system for 13+ years. I moved the first generation unit between three different vehicles. I've moved the current model between three different trucks. Once you install one, removing it and moving it to another vehicle is no big deal.

In my personal opinion, the units using the DP air for braking, are better for heavy vehicles like trucks. I tow a 6100 pound Ford Raptor. The other thing I like to do is add a light to the dash that illuminates every time my brake pedal on my truck moves. AF1 provides an LED that goes on the back of the toad mirror, but I prefer wiring it all the way to the RV dash.

Lastly, the AF1 unit comes with a coach side system, that taps into your air brakes. Their first generation, just tapped into an air brake can. The new units tap into your brake line and have a small ping tank and valving system to protect your brake system, should the air brake line break or the toad separate. If you're handy, both units can be a DIY install.

Thanks Dutch Star Don, I never considered that but I also change towed vehicles fairly often. Anyone know if the M&G is movable ?