What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Topic: What towd braking sytsem would you go with? (Read 2292 times) previous topic - next topic

What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

July 28, 2021, 09:43:56 pm

I am looking for a flat towd brake system. I have searched a lot here but have not come to a decision so hopefully this thread will help.

I have a couple of points/requirements that have prevented me from making a decision:
1- I may two 2 (maybe 3) different vehicles depending on what we are doing. The vehicles could range from 4K-8k in weight, so a 10K bar is probably needed. Something that could move between vehicles would be ideal, although I am not against buying an extra setup
2- I really prefer to not drill into the firewall of the towd. Not saying I won't but I really prefer not to

Outside of that, I am open. Any good brands that you recommend? Is there anything I am missing? Or something you wish you knew beforehand?

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #1 – July 28, 2021, 09:57:51 pm

With a Foretravel, something that uses the air braking...

M&G if it fits. Airforce1 from SMI otherwise.

If not, ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute which operates via the towbar.

Have seen too many issues reported with units like BrakeBuddy, etc. that rely on a box on the floor and a piston on the brake pedal. Not saying they don't work, but units that bumped loose or stuck and continuously applied the brakes and destroyed pads and rotors are a fairly common complaint with that type of unit.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #2 – July 28, 2021, 10:01:22 pm

On our Jeep Cherokee I used the road master brake system when I bought a ram 2500 I went to the air force one because of what I had read can still pull jeep with no problem but if I was doing it again I would probably just use the road master I use a 10k blue ox tow bar others will chime in with different systems
I haven't had any issues with either the roadmaster or the air force one or the bike ox
I do use the 8" riser on tow bar when towing the ram
Chris

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #3 – July 28, 2021, 10:08:12 pm

No matter what you use for a tow bar, each vehicle to be towed needs base plates and whatever components you need for the braking system you choose. Some of these are pretty expensive for just the braking system. Lots of choices, lots of opinions.

We have used ReadyBrute tow bars with ReadyBrake built in simple surge braking for almost 11 years now with the coach and two Jeeps. I have had a Jeep to tow since the mid 70's and have used a similar towing setup with built in brakes. One of the things we like about the ReadyBrute is that the parts that mount on the toad are simple, effective and inexpensive. Worth considering. We used BlueOx base plates and connectors to the tow bar.

Ready Brute Elite 2

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #4 – July 28, 2021, 10:51:26 pm

Thanks for the replies. I'll definitely want something that works, popping out or eating pads/rotors is a no no for sure! Will check out those manufacturers.

I'll have to get custom/generic mount points as I have aftermarket ARB bumpers. If someone has used that brand, I'd like to know what you went with.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #5 – July 28, 2021, 11:31:17 pm

I use Air Force One that only works when the brakes are applied so I am
not using the toad brakes with the retarder or Jake Brake. There are probably
other systems that do that. That's why I stay away from the surge type braking
systems

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #6 – July 28, 2021, 11:34:36 pm

Hmm, there is an interesting topic. Does something like readybrute brake when the retarder is used?

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #7 – July 28, 2021, 11:34:56 pm

Another AF One fan here.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #8 – July 28, 2021, 11:36:58 pm

You present a fairly simple sounding question. It's not. Several things to think of. If your going down a grade and you will if you have a air system it will apply only with application of service brakes. My personal preference. If you use any combination that operated the brakes with the brake lights like so many do you loose the capability of extended use of your retarder on a Foretravel. The brakes light Is illuminated any time you apply the retarder. This can be disabled but I recommend not. I use a electronic brake controller for my trailer with electric brakes but isolated from retarder. Also emergency brakes must be incorporated into all your towed vehicles and trailers. This is a safety item that should be a separate system. I am completely against all automatic brake applications threw a tow bar triggering device. IMO they are all evil and unsafe. You stand a chance of setting the toad brakes at the top of a hill and never get them to fully release till the bottom. And when you disconnect your toad the brakes may be destroyed. You will never even know it is happening. Buy a 10k tow system. Mounts for each vehicular will be different and they are proud of them. They also take on the liability of a failure if maintained properly. Good luck on your choices and I would recommend asking questions individually for each system. So many choices and combinations. I genuinely think you should be able to have a manual override to set the toad brakes in a emergency or tow system failure. Higher bar. I have no clue how you could do this without drilling on the toad either. If you really want to prevent that get a regular trailer and put your toad on it. You also then can back up.
Scott

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #9 – July 28, 2021, 11:50:38 pm

I'm a Roadmaster fan, as I've had their products on more than five vehicles and have been exceptionally pleased with their support, quality, and after sale service.

My first dingy brake safety device, was a portable unit, and I too am one that would not recommend using one.

My next unite was the Roadmaster BrakeMaster, and that is the one I use today, and have had it installed on several vehicles, with never an issue.

One of my most trusted techs reccomends the newer unit to mine, the Roadmaster Invisibrake, which if I ever bought another setup, I would buy.

Whatever unit you purchase, be aware they sell many different kits. I also recommend their base plates. I recommend starting with the mfg. for information, prior to the install, or ordering the kit to make sure your getting the right kit, or with the installer you plan to use. I have had good pricing and service from eTrailer for purchasing from. eTrailer also has good install videos. Roadmaster will give you correct kit part number you will need for your application, often saving you dollars on purchasing.

You can read about them at:
Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Roadmaster+brake+systems

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #10 – July 29, 2021, 12:10:05 am

Quote from: dsd – July 28, 2021, 11:36:58 pm

You present a fairly simple sounding question. It's not. Several things to think of. If your going down a grade and you will if you have a air system it will apply only with application of service brakes. My personal preference. If you use any combination that operated the brakes with the brake lights like so many do you loose the capability of extended use of your retarder on a Foretravel. The brakes light Is illuminated any time you apply the retarder. This can be disabled but I recommend not. I use a electronic brake controller for my trailer with electric brakes but isolated from retarder. Also emergency brakes must be incorporated into all your towed vehicles and trailers. This is a safety item that should be a separate system. I am completely against all automatic brake applications threw a tow bar triggering device. IMO they are all evil and unsafe. You stand a chance of setting the toad brakes at the top of a hill and never get them to fully release till the bottom. And when you disconnect your toad the brakes may be destroyed. You will never even know it is happening. Buy a 10k tow system. Mounts for each vehicular will be different and they are proud of them. They also take on the liability of a failure if maintained properly. Good luck on your choices and I would recommend asking questions individually for each system. So many choices and combinations. I genuinely think you should be able to have a manual override to set the toad brakes in a emergency or tow system failure. Higher bar. I have no clue how you could do this without drilling on the toad either. If you really want to prevent that get a regular trailer and put your toad on it. You also then can back up.
Scott

Newbie question- Do the brake lights on the DP come on when the retarder is used? I know the brakes are not applied with just using the retarder. If using the retarder and the brake lights come on, does the towd brakes come on? I would think no.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #11 – July 29, 2021, 12:30:48 am

When you wire the towed, the brake lights will come on anytime the coach brakes come on.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #12 – July 29, 2021, 02:03:01 am

We've been using the Blue Ox Patriot 3. We have a relatively small, light toad (Geo Tracker), so its served out needs. What we liked about it is the portability (quick disconnect and stow behing the drivers' seat) and with USB connectivity it requires no direct wiring from the motorhome into the towed vehicle. (Although we ran battery charge cable to keep the car battery changed). The unit has a Bluetooth connected console on the dash of the motorhome indicating when its activated and/or braking, the ability to control how aggressive we want the break assist to be, and the ability to manually override to apply additional braking if needed. (never used or needed that).

The system uses and inertia sensor in the main unit to determine how much braking force it applies. So, whether the braking comes from air brakes, retarder, or engine braking, the system responds independent of the any of those systems; its just sensing inertia and applying the brakes proportionately to that of the coach .

Although we've not used it on a lot of heavy downhills in the Foretravel, we put a lot of miles/mountains in our class C and it worked out well.

BRK2019, Patriot 3 Brake | Blue Ox

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #13 – July 29, 2021, 03:38:31 am

I choose the Air Force 1 cause A. Our air brake coach was set up by PO for AF1 And B. Because I wanted something that completely disappears when in use or not in use. It involves moving nothing around. Except the air line connecting the 2.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #14 – July 29, 2021, 07:38:47 am

M&G located Athens, Texas. It all mounts under hood out of the way.
Ken

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #15 – July 29, 2021, 08:03:24 am

Quote from: movingman – July 28, 2021, 11:34:36 pm

Hmm, there is an interesting topic. Does something like readybrute brake when the retarder is used?

The ReadyBrute Brakes are proportional and are applied when the toad is going faster than the coach (service brakes applied, retarder comes on, shift to lower gear). As they come on the toad slows down and breaking pressure reduces. When they are going the same speed there is no braking at all. A dash light tells you when they are applied. Coming down a grade with retarder on and the correct gear selected the coach will settle into a speed that is constant, very little braking action at the toad. The built-in brake actuator on the tow bar has a pretty hefty spring and shock absorber in it.

We have seen no unusual wear on the brakes on either of the Jeeps we have towed.

This works for us, I just didn't want to spent several thousand dollars more beyond the tow bar get a braking system installed on the toad and tap into the coaches brake air lines. We are on our second toad with this coach and will soon add a third one. Simple, mechanical, way less expensive and still functional. It is less than $250 for the parts for the brake system for another toad (plus the base plates and some labor).

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #16 – July 29, 2021, 08:42:30 am

Ready Brake or Ready Brute tow bar is simple and works fine. I can take my tow bar and hook my car to any motorhome and have brakes on my car.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #17 – July 29, 2021, 09:28:56 am

Roadmaster Invisa brake. Nothing to do. Hookup and go.
Chris

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #18 – July 29, 2021, 09:38:36 am

Quote from: movingman – July 28, 2021, 10:51:26 pm

I'll have to get custom/generic mount points as I have aftermarket ARB bumpers. If someone has used that brand, I'd like to know what you went with.

Baseplates are attached to the towed frame/subframe, not the bumper.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #19 – July 29, 2021, 10:12:04 am

Contact ARB bumper directly. Some of there bumpers have tow rated lugs already installed and if rated for a winch may meet your needs. They may have a tow conversion kit also. May not be possible to take the correct stock tow kit and install on your application, too many conflicts with ARB product. Complete unknown.
Scott

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #20 – July 29, 2021, 10:29:36 am

Quote from: Michelle – July 29, 2021, 09:38:36 am

Baseplates are attached to the towed frame/subframe, not the bumper.

I did look into it and the issue is the bumper uses the mount points on the frame so I cannot use them. Custom vehicles have custom problems:)

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #21 – July 29, 2021, 11:51:02 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – July 29, 2021, 08:03:24 am

The ReadyBrute Brakes are proportional and are applied when the toad is going faster than the coach (service brakes applied, retarder comes on, shift to lower gear). As they come on the toad slows down and breaking pressure reduces. When they are going the same speed there is no braking at all. A dash light tells you when they are applied. Coming down a grade with retarder on and the correct gear selected the coach will settle into a speed that is constant, very little braking action at the toad. The built-in brake actuator on the tow bar has a pretty hefty spring and shock absorber in it.

We have seen no unusual wear on the brakes on either of the Jeeps we have towed.

This works for us, I just didn't want to spent several thousand dollars more beyond the tow bar get a braking system installed on the toad and tap into the coaches brake air lines. We are on our second toad with this coach and will soon add a third one. Simple, mechanical, way less expensive and still functional. It is less than $250 for the parts for the brake system for another toad (plus the base plates and some labor).

Roger.... since when do you worry about cost 🙂

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #22 – July 29, 2021, 12:12:17 pm

Quote from: movingman – July 29, 2021, 10:29:36 am

I did look into it and the issue is the bumper uses the mount points on the frame so I cannot use them. Custom vehicles have custom problems:)

Ah - did not realize that. Glad you clarified (I always like learning stuff

)

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #23 – July 29, 2021, 12:27:34 pm

I have used a BlueOx tow bar and surge brake (using cables) for 15 years on four different toads.
The toad braking is adjusted by attaching a spring or bungi cord from the brake pedal to under the driver seat which reduces the brake pedal pressure. I have a light on the dash which turns on when the brake lights on the toad are lighted. When using the retarder on a down hill, the toad brakes are not applied at retarder step one or two, but are applied at step three or four. I have checked the temperature of the toad brakes after descending long steep grades, everything was good. After 15 years, I have had to replace the cable inside the BlueOx surge device twice but never found abnormal wear on toad brake parts.

Re: What towd braking sytsem would you go with?

Reply #24 – July 29, 2021, 02:15:05 pm

Another Ready Brake fan. 30,000 miles over 4 years without issue.

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