Forum Discussion

kcgaz's avatar
kcgaz
Explorer
Nov 28, 2016

Best Toad Braking System

I purchased a 2011 Chevy HHR as a toad and it came with the Invisibrake System. I am having problems getting the system to work, so I thought I would reach out and see if there are other systems that would be easier to get set up and use based on all of your experiences. Thanks in advance for your advice!

20 Replies

  • First one was the Blue Ox "box on the floor" version, easy to install but too many issues. Second one was Ready Brake, required a little more installation time but simple however not proportional. Current version is Air Force One by SMI, took me a full day to install the toad unit and a mechanic 2 hrs to install the coach unit, but it is a proportional system. The SMI is the easiest and quickest to attach of the three systems, in my opinion.
  • Have had the Roadmaster Invisibrake on two toads-- have worked flawlessly.

    I strongly suggest you contact Roadmaster to troubleshoot your Invisibrake.

    It IS easily adjustable in terms of braking power when the coach brakes are applied. This adjustment should be (and has been for us) a one-time adjustment.
  • There is no simpler auxiliary brake system than the ReadyBrake system. It's entirely mechanical with very few parts. Initial installation is simple enough for most shade tree mechanics to manage, and hooking up to travel only requires snapping a cable clip on a cable loop. As said previously, the ReadyBrake is a proportional surge system. We've towed about 50,000 miles so far with ours with zero problems.
  • Ava wrote:
    Roadmaster has a very good reputation for service. Call them and I am sure they can help you.


    X2 Nothing but good to say about Roadmaster. Have been using their products for 20 years.
  • If you do a Google search fro RV Trailer wiring, you'll get several sites that will provide you with the STANDARDIZED wiring for trailer plugs, from 4 wire flat plugs to 7 wire round plugs. You need to wire your plug to match this. The important ones to match are left turn, right turn, running and ground. These four wires will go to specific spots on the plug. The plugs usually have a 12volt charge line nd electric brake position.

    Make your wire correct and then find the dash light. Many of them are wired so that power (12 volts) is sent through the plug to power your dash light. You can check for this by using a volt meter at the toad plug. Have someone step on the toad brake while checking the toad plug to see which pin has power.
  • Thanks for the great feedback, I have been in contact with Roadmaster and they have been helpful to a point. The issue is the light that I had to install in the motorhome that lets me know that the toad is braking. The wire from the toad has been installed on a free terminal on the toad connector, but I have no idea which terminal that is, so I think that is the reason the Invisibrake is not functioning. Any help on that issue would be much appreciated. I have also seen the concerns that have been documented, that is concern for me as well.
  • Roadmaster has a very good reputation for service. Call them and I am sure they can help you.
  • I have the Invisibrake and it as been flawless. No setup, absolutely nothing. I do have a light on the MH dash so I know when the toad brakes are activated. Have you read the manual and called RM?

    However there are what appear to be very creditable concerns about this system in this long thread.
  • I've had a couple but my favorite so far is the M@G system. Attach the air line and you're good to go. Next favorite is the ready brake...attach the cable and you're good to go.
  • I believe you will find that everyone has either the best or the worst system. I have the ReadyBrake. It is a surge system that does not require power from the RV or the toad. I like it.