Suggest brake system for 2015 Wrangler Unlimited

Off Pavement wrote:

I am curious about your statement the device is no longer made, and wonder where that information comes from?

My first plan was to move my 2007-vintage UTB from my old Jeep to my new Jeep, but I wanted to verify that it's smart and practical to do this. So in the past couple of weeks I called my original Unified Tow Brake dealer, and some other UTB "premier" dealers (as listed on UTB's site in bold blue). I specifically asked about parts availability (because my original UTB control module had burned out a couple of years ago). Each of the dealers told me of a recent lawsuit between the product's inventor and the separate business that has been the product's seller for many years. They say the seller lost the suit, and can no longer sell the UTB product, only whatever spare parts it has on hand...until they run out.

Moving to my Plan B, I started calling other brake system manufacturers for info, and mentioned that I had been using UTB. One of the manufacturers confirmed the lawsuit story, saying he knows the inventor, and was offered the chance to take over UTB selling but declined.

I suppose UTB might find a new seller to work with, because it seems to be a superior brake system design, but I can't wait. Of course, I haven't researched the actual lawsuit nor contacted the inventor of UTB, just reporting what I've been told. If anyone else wants to dig deeper, please share what you learn.

TravelHawk wrote:
I appreciate the responses (keep 'em coming!). Some feedback:

Unified Tow Brake -- This is what I've been using for 7+years, probably the most sophisticated design and performance, but.. Very expensive to move from Liberty to Wrangler ($1250 labor!) which seems unwise because the device is no longer made. When spare parts run out it's game over, and I already have needed to do emergency field repairs (the control module burned up internally, had to drive the Rockies brakeless).

I am curious about your statement the device is no longer made, and wonder where that information comes from?

I'm towing a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited and using a older updated BB. Only change I needed to make was to raise the BB lifting handle to the highest position to avoid the BB from contacting the seat position adjustment rod.

TravelHawk wrote:
I appreciate the responses (keep 'em coming!). Some feedback:


ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute -- Quite interesting, but every towing/RV shop I've contacted has either refused to install this, or wants huge $$ and won't warranty the work. They say it's horribly difficult to install and seems impossible to have reliable performance...different braking force when turning, or wheel locking, or no braking, etc.

Sliding the ready brake into your receiver is horribly difficult? It took me longer to route the cable back to the brake pedal. Been towing my 02 Jeep TJ for over 30,000 miles with no problem. Have the ready brake, Roadmaster all terrain towbar connected to my Jeep custom steel bumper.

In the process of having Demco baseplate and a cable for the ready brake installed on wife's 05 Liberty so we can tow that also.

TravelHawk wrote:


ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute -- Quite interesting, but every towing/RV shop I've contacted has either refused to install this, or wants huge $$ and won't warranty the work. They say it's horribly difficult to install and seems impossible to have reliable performance...different braking force when turning, or wheel locking, or no braking, etc. Same with the similar BlueOx.

We didn't have any install problems. We haven't had any problems with braking, turning, or wheel lock.

If you go to the NSA website (readybrake.com) they have a dealer locator. Call one of their installers and talk to them about installing it and the problems that might arise.

TravelHawk, I have the SMI brake system that I installed myself on my Wrangler Rubicon. I felt the installation was a little time consuming but not difficult.
Certainly not worth the $1000 installation fee.

TravelHawk, I have had the ReadyBrute on three towed vehicles. I've installed them myself in about an hour or so. Most difficult part of the install is laying on the floorboard to drill the hole for the brake cable. Otherwise it's simply running the sheath up and around the engine compartment. On the Equinox, I had to remove some of the inside plastic housing to make it clean. The readystop, I installed on a piece of steel then I bolted that to the frame of the car. I've used the ReadyBrute Elite for over six years of reliable performance without any issues. It's the simplest install and IMO the easiest to use...costs a lot less too....Dennis

I appreciate the responses (keep 'em coming!). Some feedback:

Unified Tow Brake -- This is what I've been using for 7+years, probably the most sophisticated design and performance, but.. Very expensive to move from Liberty to Wrangler ($1250 labor!) which seems unwise because the device is no longer made. When spare parts run out it's game over, and I already have needed to do emergency field repairs (the control module burned up internally, had to drive the Rockies brakeless).

SMI Stay-In-Play -- Closest in design to the Unified Tow Brake, though SMI's control system is not quite as sophisticated. Is it also vulnerable to component failure? Installation quotes are approx $1000, seems high, don't know if it can be a do-it-myself job.

ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute -- Quite interesting, but every towing/RV shop I've contacted has either refused to install this, or wants huge $$ and won't warranty the work. They say it's horribly difficult to install and seems impossible to have reliable performance...different braking force when turning, or wheel locking, or no braking, etc. Same with the similar BlueOx.

RVibrake2 Auxiliary Braking System and similar devices that get put in-out-in-out-... -- I have no experience with this, but worry about the hassle factor. Even stowing the device while driving could be a pain in a small Jeep. Or am I misunderstanding?

Another vote for Ready Brute Elite tow bar, or at least the Ready Brake.

TravelHawk wrote:
I'm switching from a 2008 Liberty to a 2015 Wrangler Rubicon. I''m not going to move my Liberty's brake system to the new Jeep, time for something new.

I need a new brake system -- what do you suggest, and why?

Factors: ease of installation (cuz that can become a crazy/expensive job), price to buy, and how well it does the job of applying brakes appropriately.

I'm aware of the main three types:
-- electric always in place, solenoid or similar pulls on brake pedal
-- electric move in/out of place, arm presses on brake pedal
-- mechanical surge brake, cable from tow bar pulls on brake pedal

If you are using a recent vintage brake system, especially on a recent vintage Wrangler (2007 or newer is the current JK chassis), I'd love to hear about it.

My rig is a gas coach so Air Force one or similar is not useable. I'll continue to use my BlueOx Aventa LX tow bar.

we use, like and recommend the Unified Tow Brake from US Gear.