Brake Controller for Toad questions

lanerd wrote:


We use the US Gear Unified brake system (SEE HERE). It is a combination type of unit that utilizes an electric signal from a small monitor that is mounted on your dash board and it activates a small vacuum pump that you mount under the toad's hood and connected to the power brake vacuum line. This allows you to use the power brake system of the toad for stopping power. The electric line also activates (at the same time as the pump) a small electric solenoid that has a cable connected to the brake pedal. It is fully proportional and can be adjusted for the amount of braking power you want applied to the toad's brakes.

It is all electric, but does activate your toad's power brakes. The initial installation is a little involved, but once there, it is invisible, adjustable, and requires NO other attachment of wires, hoses, or anything else. The electric line runs through the 7-pin connector as does the toad's tail, brake, signal, and emergency flashers. It also has a 12vdc line that keeps the toad's battery charged while towing and the emergency breakaway switch is included.

I have used mine in three different toads and two different motor homes.

Hope this helps

Ron

that was one I had originally decided on, then I tried to find an experienced installer, none close, a lot of labor$$$$ involved in installation for both toad and motorhome, and I wanted to be able to change toads easily. I nixed the Unified and went with brake buddy.
and also didn't drink the "proportional" kool aid.
bumpy

After using an electronic system (and having it fail repeatedly in the middle of trips), I went to this:

http://www.readybrake.com/tow-bars.html

Hands down, the best and most inexpensive way of having good toad brake.

Check SMI brake system, I have one and it works.

navegator

Great. Thanx bumpyroad and lanerd, I now have 3 candidates to evaluate.

If any else show up, even better.





To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia. H. L. Mencken

moved to DINGHY towing forum from Towing.

Gonzo42 wrote:
I want to get a small car for a toad and I'm trying to get info on a brake controller system that actuates the (hydraulic) car brakes via the controller.

Does such an animal exist? I see electric setups only, so far.

Would this mean a hydraulic brake fluid line from the RV? I'm not liking that. Or is there a solenoid actuated system the the toad?

Along with that, can I wire the trailer 7-pin connector on the RV to actuate the running lights, brake lights, turn signals on the toad?

We use the US Gear Unified brake system (SEE HERE). It is a combination type of unit that utilizes an electric signal from a small monitor that is mounted on your dash board and it activates a small vacuum pump that you mount under the toad's hood and connected to the power brake vacuum line. This allows you to use the power brake system of the toad for stopping power. The electric line also activates (at the same time as the pump) a small electric solenoid that has a cable connected to the brake pedal. It is fully proportional and can be adjusted for the amount of braking power you want applied to the toad's brakes.

It is all electric, but does activate your toad's power brakes. The initial installation is a little involved, but once there, it is invisible, adjustable, and requires NO other attachment of wires, hoses, or anything else. The electric line runs through the 7-pin connector as does the toad's tail, brake, signal, and emergency flashers. It also has a 12vdc line that keeps the toad's battery charged while towing and the emergency breakaway switch is included.

I have used mine in three different toads and two different motor homes.

Hope this helps

Ron

when I used a brake buddy I plugged it into a small jumper/starting battery that I wanted to have along anyhow. did not run down toad battery and required no extra wiring.
bumpy

Gonzo42 wrote:
sch911, thank you. That's about for what I was looking.

Since I'm electronic, my first ideas for the lighting involves relays and such, plus a large wire pair for maintaining the toad battery charge. Is this necessary?

There are kits that use diodes for the toad taillights. The power comes from the TV trailer connector.

sch911, thank you. That's about for what I was looking.

Since I'm electronic, my first ideas for the lighting involves relays and such, plus a large wire pair for maintaining the toad battery charge. Is this necessary?

The MODs will move your post to the Dinghy forum...

There are many Toad brake systems available. Most use a pedal pusher actuator. Look at the Patriot from Blue Ox