NSA (manufacturer) says you want 2" of play in the cable that goes from surge to car. It is adjustable to some extend. Some users have installed a turnbuckle in it to make adjusting it easier than the cable clamps. I wondered about the same question - is it braking enough? After 6000 miles of use - I feel the 2" slack recommendation is accurate. From New England to Rockie Mountains, it has felt adequate through many mountains and heavy traffic braking - I have never felt like the toad was pushing me (Suby is at my upper end weight-wise at 3200#). ReadyBrute makes it easier to use toad - since no brake box stuffed on drivers floor. I have (7) connections to the car - 2 safety cables to unclip, 2 tow bar arms to un-pin, 2 brake cables to disconnect (spring clips), and 1 wire harness to unplug. Towbar stays connected to hitch on motorhome, so depending which baseplate you put on the car will dictate what is left on the car when disconnected. We use a Blue Ox baseplate, with "hidden" connectors (not really hidden...) - just 2 removable connectors that go between tow bar arms and baseplate. Installed they stick out 5 or 6 inches - very easily removed. As far as the cable on the brake pedal, that remains connected all the time - you are not even aware of it - it is on the arm, located above the pedal itself. Hope that helps - we've been very happy with the system.
