Which brake system

[Tigertiff]

1st timer here.
13 Tiff Phaeton 40 Qth., toad will be a GMC 1500 (25)

Need opinions on the brake systems.
Leaning towards the NSA brute elite 2 total package with the surge brakes.
2600$ comes with base plate and all cables.

Is the air or electric brake a better option?

Thanks!

[Alpine36]

I’ve been extremely pleased with our M&G air system. Hook up one coiled air hose and that’s it. Simple.

[Lt Dan]

Also a happy user of the M&G system in three Jeeps. In my humble opinion, air operated systems like the M&G or AirForceOne are more of a true braking system as they provide proportional braking instead of just surge braking. Once installed, it's just an air line connection to hook up.

[OMMM4747]

Happy w/the Air Force One braking system. DIYed the TOAD install. Search YouTube and etrailer.com Air force One.

Good luck

[workingonit]

Not trying to derail and I don't have a MH or Coach but I'm just curious how these brake systems actuate the vehicle brakes. I assume they link to the existing brakes on each wheel somehow but obviously can't replace or interfere with the existing brakes.

[n0mad]

Used my Air Force One in three different vehicles and have no desire to use anything else.

[n0mad]

Originally Posted by workingonit

Not trying to derail and I don't have a MH or Coach but I'm just curious how these brake systems actuate the vehicle brakes. I assume they link to the existing brakes on each wheel somehow but obviously can't replace or interfere with the existing brakes.

It literally pulls the brake pedal towards the firewall and ties into the vacuum system if it is vacuum assist.

[terrylane]

We like our Air Force One system, the proportional braking makes the most sense to us.

[Alpine36]

Originally Posted by workingonit

Not trying to derail and I don't have a MH or Coach but I'm just curious how these brake systems actuate the vehicle brakes. I assume they link to the existing brakes on each wheel somehow but obviously can't replace or interfere with the existing brakes.

Simple explanation, they “tap” into the existing coach air brake system and utilize whatever air pressure is being supplied to the brakes upon application and relay that air signal to an actuator on the toad. Systems like AirForce1 and M&G have designed their actuators to be vehicle specific, so whatever air pressure is being supplied to the toad is applied 100% proportionally to your braking force (foot) pressure on the treadle valve. In my case our Alpine has hydraulic over hydraulic four wheel disc brakes, so it uses hydraulic braking pressure going to a coach mounted signal valve, also tied into the coach air system, and converts it to the appropriate air pressure going out to the toad. A little more complicated install, but well worth the investment. Our M&G also has a breakaway switch wired to an air charged accumulator on the toad. One added feature is if you pull the breakaway pin out and pocket it no one can steal your toad.

[fcb1313]

I have the NSA Ready Brute Elite II and low it. I think it's a great system and very simple.

[HighDesert]

I had the NSA Ready Brute Elite and used it on both a Sprinter class C and a Tiffin Gasser. For an inertia brake system, it does the job well, as we towed a 2 door Jeep JKS. When we upgraded to a DP, with air brakes and a 4 door Jeep JL Rubicon, we went with an Air Force One as it used the DP’s air system and provided proportional braking for the larger toad. Very pleased with overall AFO performance.

[Dutch Star Don]

I'm a Demco Air Force One fan. I've had it on three DP's and six toads. Once installed, there is no messing with cables and other adjustments. Connect the towbar, connect the umbilical, air hose and break away cable all combined together.

I've installed the Ready Brake on a friend's Jeep. I think it's a good budget way to go, but I'll never own one. I know I'll get hate mail for this, but its just too much stuff to go wrong. Below is a photo of a Ready Brake with the brake away cable, what a jumble of stuff.



My AF1 has the umbilical shown below and the safety cable run through the arms of my Roadmaster towbar. I only use Roadmaster products on my coach.

[rag_ftw]

I am happy with my NSA system that I have been using for 10 years.

It does take some effort to get the cable to the towed brake pedal adjusted properly. If it is to short the brakes will activate every time you go over a bump and if it is to long they won't activate at all. The easy way to solve this problem is to run a wire from one of the towed brake lights to a light on the dash of the RV.

[fcb1313]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I'm a Demco Air Force One fan. I've had it on three DP's and six toads. Once installed, there is no messing with cables and other adjustments. Connect the towbar, connect the umbilical, air hose and break away cable all combined together.

I've installed the Ready Brake on a friend's Jeep. I think it's a good budget way to go, but I'll never own one. I know I'll get hate mail for this, but its just too much stuff to go wrong. Below is a photo of a Ready Brake with the brake away cable, what a jumble of stuff.

Attachment 435254

My AF1 has the umbilical shown below and the safety cable run through the arms of my Roadmaster towbar. I only use Roadmaster products on my coach.

Attachment 435255

No hate from me, but I disagree with your conclusion. The Ready Brake has fewer area for failure than any other system I have examined. Just because it's not packaged as clean as a single umbilical cord does not mean it is more complicated. Any electronic or air actuated system will have many more opportunities for failure. With that said I think everyone should tow with a system that they are comfortable with.