Which brake system for toad?

[SVTotem]

If other system's breakaway switches are like the AFO switch a light machine screw is used at one end. That allows the switch to pivot out of the way when not in use. One my Honda Pilot it was mounted to part of the plastic grill, not the bumper. Considering the function this switch performs that should be sufficient. On my Wrangler it is attached to the bumper as us describe. It was an easy job. One small hole without removing the bumper. The point is you have considerable flexibility for that mount.

The breakaway, in the extended position, is to the left in this photo.

[avid_dk]

Bill,

Thanks for the picture showing the position of your breakaway switch. What bumper is that on your Jeep? Are those the Blue Ox bolt on tow tabs? Are they positioned on the same level as your welded on D-rings?

I am considering getting the LoD Armor Light bumper and having them weld on the Blue Ox tow tabs. Trying to keep the curb weight as low as possible on the Wrangler.

[PDR John]

US Gear unified Tow Brake. I kicked out the bow brake.

Just finished the install last week. I'll try and post the full process tomorrow.

This is now our only hook ups.



Plug it in and drive away.

[wa8yxm]

Some of what I am about to say depends on both your motor home and your towed.. If the MH has Air brakes the air operated systems use that air, If it does not then they need an aux compressor, which of course can fail.

Ready Brake, this is a surge brake system. Once installed on the towed there is basically nothing in the driver's way, you hook up a couple of cables when you tow (Total time measured in seconds) and that's it folks.

US Gear Unified brake Decelerator, This electric/hydraulic (Thy are all "over hydraulic" being as the brakes on the towed are the "Hydraulic" part) gives the Motor home driver FULL control over the trailer brakes (The towed is a trailer) The same as a Semi driver has over his trailer, You can manually SET the towed brakes, or Disable them, or let the automatic controller do it's thing.

The harder you brake, the harder it brakes (progressive braking) the gain is adjustable (porportional braking) and again, once installed it is never removed, nothing in the driver's way.. Just one 2-wire cable to hook up and the safety cable.

M&G Air over hydraulic. this is real nice, it installs between teh brake booster and the master cylinder on many cars, (Alas some it just won't fit).

Air Force One,, Fits more cars than M&G but is mounted "INSIDE the car (Like the US gear system)

Invisible Brake from Roadmaster. (I think) is a very new system. I have heard of a few "Settleing in" issues mostly due to problems with the car's wiring, this sytem you have nothging at all to hook up, Save the break-away cable. It is controlled by the tow-lights.

NOTE the US gear and the Invisible Brake also provide charge current to the towed battery.

Finally the "Brake system in a box" systems like Brake buddy, Even brake and the like.. These systems look real good on paper because there is nothing "INstalled" in the car, they can easily be removed and put in a new car.

The problem is they DO have to be removed in order to drive the car and re-installed Every time you tow. EVERY TIME and for many, if it's a short trip, say to the dealer, "Oh it's too much DANG I WISH I"D INSTALLED IT, (as you wait for the nice officer to fill out the accident report).

And before you tell me you never forget it.. I have had several folks admit they do on short trips.

[JohnFreyja]

M&G :-)

[SVTotem]

Originally Posted by avid_dk

Bill,
What bumper is that on your Jeep? Are those the Blue Ox bolt on tow tabs? Are they positioned on the same level as your welded on D-rings?
.

Vid, see PM.
Bill

[Snomas1]

Check out the RVi brake system. It is more compact than Brake Buddy and can move toad to toad in minutes. It is a non invasive system.

[coffeeman]

I had a Ready Brake hitch with a dash light to alert when on. I had difficulties a djusting and burnt out my brakes an master although the dash light didn't come on. I'm sure it is a good system however I wasn't comfortable after that. I located a used Mountain Master/VIP brake system. Installation was about 6 hours and once it is done it takes less than a minute to hook up. It is a all in one system to include break away. I have it adjusted to only come on with hard braking and I can apply the brakes from drivers seat by pressing a button if I need to. It is well thought and out. Oh it also has a trickle charger to ensure my toad battery doesnt' run down, a very nice feature.