Ready Brake Installation questions

They have a video on their web site with estimated times. If I remember right a Jeep will take the most time.

I figured I could do my Jeep in less than 3 hours if I have everything laid out and follow the directions.

If you can use an adjustable wrench, you should be able to install your own cable on the ReadyBrake. The best way to fine-tune it is to drive it and try it. This ani't rocket science. If it's too long, the brakes on the towed won't engage and if it's too short, they'll be engaged when you start to pull away.

The break-away cable should have some slack in it (until the towed breaks away).

The only thing that might take a little time is running a couple of wires from the hitch under the motorhome to the dash for the indicator light that lets you know when the towed brakes are being applied.

Mathman,
Well Sir, there is no given time for the install of a Ready Brake. Different toads, with different engine bay configurations, different firewalls, different grills and bumpers all present different problems. Just because someone installs it in two hours, does not mean that it should take the same exact amount of time in many other toads.

Some of the time frame depends on the level of expertise of the installer. Some may be more competent than others which, would mean maybe a bit faster install. Some may take a bit more time, to do a really good and efficient job.

I've done a few of them and, there is sometimes, a stumbling block that pops up that you didn't plan for. Should your install take the amount of time your installer quoted you, well, most likely not. But then again, I'm not there looking at your particular vehicle to see what kinds of obstacles I might encounter which, might lead to more time. Good luck.
Scott

I did the job myself, maybe took 3 hours taking my time. It is really easy to do.

mathman wrote:
I am ready to have my Ready Brake cables, wiring and break away system installed on my Suzuki XL7. The first place I checked said it would take 5 hours at $90 per hour. Isn't this excessive?

How much out of level is acceptable on the hookup?

Took a buddy of mine and I about 2 hours for both cables.

Just had a SMI braking system installed into a Cadillac SRX, not an easy job with access issues everywhere, excellent installer and almost 5 hours to install. He was working the entire time, it is amazing how long it takes to do a good job. His rate was $75 per hour and well worth it to me.

That seems excessive to me. I installed my own and I don't think it took me 5 hours.