Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

November 25, 2012, 10:12:04 am

How many tow a Chevy/Geo Tracker and do you have a brake setup in the Tracker?
Our 1989 GV does not have air brakes so no help there.
Our 1996 Geo Tracker weighs less than 2000#.

I can see the Tracker in the rear camera but cannot feel its presence at all.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #1 – November 25, 2012, 01:03:53 pm

I have a chev 2001 tracker and yes you do not feel it but I do use the Brake Buddy a few times as it is mandated in all states and canada to have a brake in tow car. All depends on wieght of vehicle what each state says you need. I keep telling myself to put a battery charge sytem in like some others have but as I have never had a flat battery yet I put it off. We usually drive between 500- 600 miles at a  time (could be less depending of course on route) then I always start engine to run for 10mins.
John H

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #2 – November 25, 2012, 08:23:46 pm

When I bought my 95 sidekick I did not add an auxiallary brake system.  I towed it over 5000 miles with a minnie winnie (no air brakes, auxiallary brake or back-up camera) as it only weighs about 2700lbs.  I have only traveled in the southeast but when I start traveling the rest of the country I will add a brake buddy and auxiallary lights to make sure I comply with all of the rest of the states laws on towing.  I haven't towed it yet with the u300 but I don't anticipate any problems and the back-up camera will be a big plus.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #3 – November 25, 2012, 09:53:33 pm

I tow a 94, Sidekick 4dr with my Lazy Daze. I used to tow a 95 2dr Tracker.

I have 2 comments;
You don't need breaking assist, but you might want to consider your liabilities in case of a breakaway, without a breakaway device.

You say your towed weighs least than 2000#, but have you actually weighed it ? Mine, with some offroad stuff, and a Honda 1000 generator on board, I'd almost bet on 25-2800#.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #4 – November 25, 2012, 10:03:18 pm

I would agree with last note.
Your Geo Tracker weighs more then 2000 pounds.
My 98 Suzuki X90 weighs 2500 pounds and has the same drive train, but is heavy due to T-roofs.
I use a Blue OX cable activated surge break turned down to almost nothing - do not need it but this makes me legal in USA and Canada - liability thing.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #5 – November 25, 2012, 11:39:13 pm

Well, our Tracker is only two wheel drive so no front drive axles, no transfer case and it is a five speed manual. Also, it is a two door "convertible.

Will check door placard tomorrow, weather permitting.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #6 – November 26, 2012, 02:06:35 pm

Wyatt: when you say "surge brake," are you talking about the same device found on trailers?  I am familiar with the brake buddy and similar and I knew several come with the ability to brake in the event of a disconnection from the tow vehicle but I was not aware of a stand alone surge brake for a vehicle in tow.  I bought the Tracker just to avoid needing the auxiliary braking...at least until I make another trip out west. 

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #7 – November 26, 2012, 05:04:05 pm

my 01 tracker 4x4---4 door weighs 3940lbs according to sticker.
John H

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #8 – November 26, 2012, 11:06:38 pm

Surge brake system ReadyBrake Supplemental Brake System for Towed Vehicles - NSA RV Products there may be others.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #9 – November 27, 2012, 10:10:35 pm

My surge brake is a BlueOX and uses a cable which warps around two spindles and it can pull about 5 inches. It works similar to the one in the previous post.

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #10 – November 29, 2012, 08:02:24 am

This is always in interesting topic.  I will say that if you are towing more than 10% of the coach weight you should have brakes.  The newer coaches have been designed to stop the coach if you are towing that much without supplemental braking.  In fact the issue of supplemental braking brings up problems as well. A car is not a trailer is the first thing. I if you have one of these brake systems they are designed to not engage unless you have brake lights on. Well our retarders put on the brake lights so if it is too sensitive you will use your car to stop the coach.  I have 300k miles towing and no issues and never had a brake on my jeep.  Virginia has a performance standard and most states, read that as all but a couple, do not require a tow brake.  The reason is not because of our lovely RVs but the Tow Trucks. IF they required it then every time you get a tow you will need to have a brake set up.  What about the rollbacks. They do not put brakes on them and yet they tow.  I have had my trucks towed and never have they hitched up a brake. Heck one is 7500 pounds.  Yes there is all the stuff about stopping faster if you need it and that is true to a point and a couple inches can make a difference but then you have to weigh it against the risk factors that you incur as well.  Here is a web site that sells the tow brakes and they have a pretty interesting way of talking about it.  They talk trailer and then brake out towed car and include Canada as well.  State Towing Laws for RVs

Quote Selected

Re: Toad brakes on Chevy/Geo Tracker?

Reply #11 – November 29, 2012, 08:03:53 am

One other thing. I have a born free and the manufacturer says you need a tow brake and I pulled the jeep one time without it for short distance to get it home and they were right.  You do need one on that. It will push the light motorhome forward when you take your foot off the gas...

Quote Selected