Community Forums

**NLOVNIT** · 04-03-2022, 09:32 PM

So, I finally got my PC set up to tow my CRV. Dave & I always worked as a team to test lights/signals/brake lights. Me on the inside working them; him on the outside giving me hand signals they were working. Now that I'm by myself, I guess I can test lights & signals by engaging them & then going outside to look.

But how do I test to be sure my brake lights come on with my ReadyBrake? I have to be the one pressing the brake pedal on the coach & I can't see the toad brake lights in the rear camera.

What do you solo's do?

Bill Gail · 04-03-2022, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

So, I finally got my PC set up to tow my CRV. Dave & I always worked as a team to test lights/signals/brake lights. Me on the inside working them; him on the outside giving me hand signals they were working. Now that I'm by myself, I guess I can test lights & signals by engaging them & then going outside to look.

But how do I test to be sure my brake lights come on with my ReadyBrake? I have to be the one pressing the brake pedal on the coach & I can't see the toad brake lights in the rear camera.

What do you solo's do?

Though I'm not soloing , I still wanted to know if the toad brake lights are working .

I ran a wire from the toads brake light circuit into the cab of the MH.

I connected the wire to a small LED indicator light I installed in the dash .

Now when I apply the brakes on the MH and the LED in the dash lights up I know the toads brake lights are working .

**NLOVNIT** · 04-03-2022, 09:59 PM

Yeah, I'm not mechanically inclined to do that myself. Our prior BB Vantage Select had a remote that sat on our dash that would light when the brake pedal was used. But I went with a different set up this time.

HarryStone · 04-03-2022, 11:14 PM

How about a rod or stick the correct length to go between the brake pedal and the seat?

George Schweikle · 04-04-2022, 07:51 AM

You beat me to it

. I also use a wood piece to check brakes when DW can't come out to the driveway. I also fold up a small towel between the wood and seat to prevent scraping the upholstery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryStone

How about a rod or stick the correct length to go between the brake pedal and the seat?

DerekF · 04-04-2022, 07:57 AM

Would this work? Still requires install. When our braking system was installed ram wire to front turn signals on car. I can see in monitor if on. Also have a device like the link on dash.
Edit: Link helps
https://www.readybrake.com/store/p14...or_DL-300.html

JNSNWT · 04-04-2022, 08:00 AM

Step on the brakes when it’s dark outside seems like a good idea
🤷🏽*♂️

**Lt Dan** · 04-04-2022, 08:19 AM

You can also turn on your emergency flashers. That will at least show if the lights and turn signals are working. Generally, if they are working the brake lights are also. I've had to that at times when I was by myself towing.

Souljourner · 04-04-2022, 11:21 AM

I posted a similar question myself several months ago for similar reasons. The best answers I got were working flashers indicate the brake lights are working or a brake depressing tool such as this:

Lisle 21520 Truck Pedal Depressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRF5S...NNFRJ8CSS234M6

CRV2 · 04-04-2022, 11:25 AM

I use my Iphone for this (android phone would work as well), just set it up behind the toad and then turn on the "Video" mode inside the phone's camera settings and start recording. Then go back into the Motorhome\TV and turn on all the lights one by one that need to be checked, blinkers, tail lights, brake lights, ... I think that is all. The you can replay the video and know for sure if the toad lights were working as they should.

~CA

**NLOVNIT** · 04-04-2022, 04:11 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have checked flashers & turn signals while hooked up & know the CRV tail lights light up. Knowing that this means the brake lights will come on will do for me for now.

What I actually discovered is the tech forgot to run the wiring & little LED light which goes on the coach dash.

I found that unopened bag on the floor of the back seat of my CRV sort of tucked (probably slid there) under the driver's seat. I rarely ever look in the backseat for stuff but happened to today when I needed fold down one of the back seats to load something large there.

Next time I'm in their area, I'll stop in & have them make it right. I wish I were more confident doing this myself, but it's their error....they'll have to fix it.

I wondered why there wasn't some sort of indicator. I should've paid more attention but I guess the excitement of finally picking it up after waiting 6 weeks got the better of me.

Mighty_J · 04-04-2022, 04:28 PM

I use something called a “brakemate”. It’s designed to put between the brake pedal and the steering wheel (so it doesn’t push against the seat). Been working well for checking my brake lights and push rod stroke. Wasn’t very expensive.

SailorSam · 04-04-2022, 05:03 PM

I was just watching an episode of that gold mining show. To help the guy feeding dirt into the wash plant, they setup a mirror. I suspect you could easily built a lightweight stand with a medium size mirror on it. You could do all your checks while sitting in the drivers seat. One of those collapsing music stands minus the top would work well and take little room.

chinobob · 04-05-2022, 09:58 AM

I am with Lt Dan. I am usually solo so I turn on parking lights and use the emergency flashers. Sometimes, I'll also turn the L or R signal on after the emergency flashers to also cfm. Tells me lights and signals work.