What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Topic: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler (Read 841 times) previous topic - next topic

What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

November 29, 2020, 11:25:08 pm

I assume I need a braking assist system for a 4 DOOR Wrangler, which options should I look at?

Regards

Klaus

PS: Sometimes back I made it from Newbie to Full Member without doing anything, wondering what the next promotional steps are.

[fixed autocorrect typo in topic title - Michelle]

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #1 – November 29, 2020, 11:38:23 pm

We just installed a m&g brake system on our Jeep. Works off the coach air brakes. Only made 2 trips but like it so far. Easy to hook up

Keith

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #2 – November 30, 2020, 12:04:26 am

I think the ones that use air from the coach to operate are probably the best. They are fairly expensive and I was concerned about tying into my air brake system. The part that attaches to the car system is also a bit more complicated.

I use a Ready Brake. It is a surge type braking system and is simple to install. Works fine with my Yukon so similar weight to your toad.

Manufacturer of the Ready Brute Elite tow bar and the Ready Brake

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #3 – November 30, 2020, 12:51:38 am

I use Air Force One, easy to hook, up works off the coaches brakes, so doesn't come one when using the Jake or the retarder.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #4 – November 30, 2020, 08:00:12 am

That's the key. Whatever toad braking system you choose shouldn't be activated by anything other than the main coach air brakes-exhaust brake, jake break, retarder.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #5 – November 30, 2020, 08:14:04 am

We are using a Brake Buddy. Same unit has lasted through five towds.

Matt B

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #6 – November 30, 2020, 08:33:23 am

We use an NSA Ready Brute towbar with integrated braking. Blue Ox Clevises and Blue Ox base plate on the Jeep Cherokee. I made my own base plates for our Jeep Wrangler. Same concept, home made for my 1947 CJ2 and 1973 CJ5. Simple, easy to install (it was harder on the Cherokee, more plastic parts), doesn't use coach air or electricity, proportional braking force.

RV Tow Bars

I got mine from Amazon, lowest price at the time plus 5% cash back with my Amazon Chase Visa card, free shipping in just a couple days. Shop around for best deal for you.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #7 – November 30, 2020, 08:52:06 am

Quote from: amos.harrison – November 30, 2020, 08:00:12 am

That's the key. Whatever toad braking system you choose shouldn't be activated by anything other than the main coach air brakes-exhaust brake, jake break, retarder.

Ideally, I would suggest that it ONLY apply your toad brakes when you are using your service brakes (brake pedal). There will be many grades where using (depending on drivetrain) the exhaust brake, engine compression brake or retarder to keep speed in check. No need for toad brakes to be applied in this case.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #8 – November 30, 2020, 09:19:21 am

M&G engineering braking system seems to be the most foolproof, works great on my Jeep.

M&G Tow Brake Installation

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #9 – November 30, 2020, 12:49:22 pm

You're going to get a lot of answers as everybody will probably have something a little bit different. When doing my research wanted to stood out clearly for me and that was the air Force one. That's what I installed I've had zero issues with it. It's only used when I put the brake on or break away. I can see a light in my rear view mirror on the Jeep through my backup camera to know that when I press on the brakes it comes on.
It's not cheap and it has to be installed in both the coach and tow vehicle.
But that would be my vote.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #10 – November 30, 2020, 01:02:00 pm

I am another user of Brake Buddy, 3 different coaches and 5 different towed's and nothing to switch, just put it in the towed. My system has the remote which shows and lets you adjust settings in the coach.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #11 – November 30, 2020, 01:06:53 pm

Ready brakes are proportional relative to the difference in speed between the coach and the toad. If they are both going the same speed there is no toad braking applied assuming you have installed and adjusted it properly. Going down a grade with the retarder engaged and the appropriate gear selected at a steady speed the toad brakes are not being applied. Add more retarder or hit the service brakes and they will be until speeds equalize.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #12 – November 30, 2020, 01:07:05 pm

Air Force one for us. The coach came pre-plumbed for it And I didn't want any boxes or brackets to connect on the toad floor. Everything stays in place,, hook up one air line and done. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #13 – November 30, 2020, 01:29:00 pm

I have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. I've been very happy with my Air Force One.

Re: What breaking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #14 – November 30, 2020, 01:46:53 pm

Roadmaster Invisibrake for us, hookup Jeep tow bar and go, nothing do. Has breakaway etc.
Under the seat, nothing visible.
Reads actual braking off the brake pedal of the Jeep with small dash light in MoHo.
Charges Jeep battery when park/headlights are on in coach.
As with any of them, lots of wiring involved.
Have installed several for other customers, they love it.
One thing I like, when unhooking, or hooking Jeep while in neutral, you can pull the brakeway pin, and the Jeep won't roll.
Have had both Roadmaster Even brake, and Brakebuddy in our Jeep, they worked fine, too much hassle to take in and out.But yes, easy to switch cars.

Chris

Roadmaster Invisibrake Towed Vehicle Braking System|94-9230

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #15 – November 30, 2020, 02:33:59 pm

M&G had in 3 wranglers never an issue. No adjustments nothing inThe Jeep. Just plug-in. The air line and go

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #16 – November 30, 2020, 03:23:32 pm

To Reply 15

What is M&G ?

Regards

Klaus

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #17 – November 30, 2020, 03:29:01 pm

Me TOO on the M&G>>>>
M&G Engineering | Car Braking Systems For RVs

Tim

RVi Brake

Reply #18 – November 30, 2020, 03:32:07 pm

FWIW, in my 06 Wrangler am using RViBrake (owner invented Brake Buddy and left to start his own company...in Colorado), and am 2 years and 20K miles happy with it and their customer service. Like Brake Buddy, it will work in ANY towed vehicle with a cigarette lighter port. Zero modifications to coach or towed required, but I did add a 6th wire to the center post of the trailer connector to provide 12v from the chassis battery post on the isolator to a trickle charger in the Jeep...just in case. RVi now offers a TPMS which integrates into their dash monitor tablet, in case someone looking for a package.

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #19 – November 30, 2020, 03:58:37 pm

We use the M&G on our HD2500 Chevy and it works great. Easy to hook and unhook, only works with braking and doesn't need adjustment. I thought it was reasonably priced.

Glen

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #20 – November 30, 2020, 04:54:20 pm

I had the standard M&G system that mounts to the master cylinder on our previous toad, a Toyota 4Runner, for 10+ years and it would have been my choice for my new Jeep Gladiator if it were available. Due to lack of space under the hood of the current Jeep Wranglers & Gladiators, M&G now sells an alternative system with a separate air cylinder. In my opinion, it kind of takes away from the simplicity that made the original M&G attractive. I've opted for the ReadyBrute/ReadyBrake integrated tow bar system for the Gladiator.

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #21 – November 30, 2020, 05:41:02 pm

I chose the Air Force One for my Acura MDX toad eleven years ago, and it has served me very well. I especially like that it runs solely from the coach air and does not require power. It also applies toad brakes only in proportion to coach service brake application.

I still have the MDX, but my new toad is a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It came with the same tow bar and Air Firce One as the MDX. Works great.

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #22 – November 30, 2020, 06:46:23 pm

Klaus, other options are RViBrake for lots of reasons and making your own with a $50 air cylinder, Jeep mounted air tank, 12v pneumatic valve and breakaway electric switch. All towcars need a tow brake system to stay clear of laws & insurance claim blame.

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #23 – November 30, 2020, 08:44:43 pm

As Chris said above, we too are big fan of the Roadmaster Invisibrake, took a little effort to set it up, but now just hook up the tow bar, plug iin the lights and away you go. Has a small indicator light on the dash to show it is working. After the install, you never even know it's there, nothing to disconnect ot stow. We have had a Brake Buddy and liked it, but the InvisBrake is so much easier now.

But.....as stated previously, we all have our own ideas and opinions. I am sure that they are good.

Re: What braking system for a 2003 U 320 towing 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Reply #24 – November 30, 2020, 08:59:46 pm

We went from roadmaster Invisibrake on Cherokee too Air Force one on ram 2500--they both seem to work fine. I believe the invisibrake was a little easier to install
Klaus by now you are probably thoroughly confused!!!
I would have both the air force one the first time but we had a SOB coach that had hydraulic brakes and I had to have something that worked off the tail lights. So as it is we can tow the Ram or the Cherokee depends on where DW wants to go and what she wants to do.
"there is something to be said for getting older( at least for me) I am more chilled out and follow orders much better"lol
Chris

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