Tow Bars

No, surge brake systems have an internal brake override spring to prevent brake application when going down hill or during light braking. Surge brake systems are proportional to braking force being applied by the coach.

We have the ready brute elite tow bar. It works nicely and eliminates a lot of headache for having a supplemental braking system. It has a piston set for approximately 250 lbs of force to make the surge brake activate. It requires as small hole in the firewall for the cable to run thru and then it attaches to the brake pedal with a small clamp. It will not activate going down hill or normal braking but will apply if you brake hard. Just make sure you have a drop down or riser extension for your motor home receiver to keep the system close to level. I have a four inch drop on mine. The acceptable range is 2 to 3 inches either way but I preferred level.

Good simple system and works. Im towing a 4-runner with this system, EZ to hookup and unhook and nothing but lights to worry about.

LEN

I also use the ready brake elite and I used it on a Honda Fit and then moved it to our CRV. When switching it to the CRV all I needed was a new cable.

Yep, another happy ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system user here. We've been up and down many 5-6% grades with no brake drag problems. As said, there's a pre-load that prevents those problems. We've used ours on two different toads, and I was able to switch everything from one to the other.

Another Readybrute pulling a CRV here. The brake systems is a little work to route the cable but there a U Tube site that helped me install the cable. Seems to work great and very simple.:)

Been using it for 9 years...excellent choice. Be sure you insist the dealer also install the READYSTOP. This will stop the towed vehicle immediately if it should separate from the towing vehicle. Eliminates a run away vehicle situation....Dennis

ReadyStop

Another happy Ready Brute/CRV owner. Also install a battery charge line.

Lots of comments re: CRV and ReadyBrute in the Technical Resources>Dingy Towing section of this forum.

Norm

Is this true: YES
Will it be a problem in the mountains: Those who use it (I have not yet purchased) say no it's not.. Car has to push fairly hard before brakes engage.

If it is.. You can adjust the cable length or add resistance.

NOTE: One problem with that system is the cable on the car. It is like the parking brake cable, Same basic construction. Every time you hook up and ESPECIALLY the first tow of the season Make sure it slides in and out easily IF it's binding bad things happen.

If you are in the market for a new tow bar and you want supplemental breaking the Ready Brake is a fine product that will fill both needs. Ours is about 10 years old and has been a great system. I would recommend it.