Forum Discussion

s_N_s's avatar
s_N_s
Explorer
May 08, 2013

Supplemental Brake Dilema

Well, I guess it just had to happen to us. Hooked the system up before our return trip home only to have the unit engage somewhere in between gas stops and completely burn the brakes up in the car. Never had an indication one to the remote unit in the coach that there was a problem. When we stopped for gas I started inspecting the toad as I usually do and noticed the front driver side hubcap coming off. Or so I thought as it was away from the rim. I bent down to pop it back on only to find it was very soft and warm. I looked in the car and saw that the brake system had deployed and the pedal was to the floor. NICE! I unplugged the unit, finished gassing and drove over to the rv section of the lot to take a better look. We sat for a bit and in just a short time the hubcap reformed itself to it's natural state so I had the wife drive the coach around the parking lot as I walked next to the car to hear if anything was dragging. All was OK from that standpoint so we continued our trip home. I don't understand what activated that brake unit. Has anyone else have something like this happen? When initially hooking the unit up I had the hand held with me to test everything and make sure the two units were talking to each other. I didn't mention the driving conditions as we were driving in some good rain showers but I don't see what this would have to do with anything. If anything it was a saving factor in keeping temperatures to a point of not igniting the car. To say the least this is going to be an expensive endeavor after talking with the mechanic that is working on the car. Sorry that this is so long but just wanted to vent a bit. Thanks Steve
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    I have used the same BB for about 100K miles. It has been back to the factory once to fix an air leak. What happened can be caused by either of two things. The break away switch can malfunction causing what happened. 9Happened to a friend twice so I do not use the break away and I check things a lot. The other reason could be that the toad brakes were not pimped enough to relieve all the Vacuum from the vehicle brake system. Not sure I've explained the second reason correctly, but make sure you pump the brakes enough times after the engine has been turned off before you tow it.
  • s_N_s's avatar
    s_N_s
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    imgoin4it wrote:
    I have used the same BB for about 100K miles. It has been back to the factory once to fix an air leak. What happened can be caused by either of two things. The break away switch can malfunction causing what happened. 9Happened to a friend twice so I do not use the break away and I check things a lot. The other reason could be that the toad brakes were not pimped enough to relieve all the Vacuum from the vehicle brake system. Not sure I've explained the second reason correctly, but make sure you pump the brakes enough times after the engine has been turned off before you tow it.


    I'm leaning to the break away switch being a malfunction. The brakes were pumped more then enough to release the vacuum.
  • s_N_s's avatar
    s_N_s
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    Well the car is ready but I must say OUCH! $1000.45 :S Don't have a list of all that was done but will have tomorrow. It's probably to much to list here anyway. Thank You BRAKE BUDDY! Needless to say the unit will never see the car again. You may find it on Craigslist though.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    May 10, 2013
    s N s wrote:
    Well the car is ready but I must say OUCH! $1000.45 Don't have a list of all that was done but will have tomorrow. It's probably to much to list here anyway. Thank You BRAKE BUDDY! Needless to say the unit will never see the car again. You may find it on Craigslist though.


    Ouch indeed! Maybe they should rename it BROKE Buddy!
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    If you have an electronic brake system, make sure you have a totally independent light on your dash that is hooked into you toad's brake light.

    Between problems like the OP's and the possibility of having your toad brake system quit part way through a road trip (3 times for me), I would never own an electronic system again.
  • az99's avatar
    az99
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    After reading this post and others like it it sure seems like the use of any electronic braking in the toad is asking for trouble. Without the addition of more electronic monitoring equipment with more chances of a failure and the added cost and complexity, it seems like a constant worry going down the road.
    There has to be better and much simpler ways of doing it. Probably cheaper also.
    Surely there are people how love the electronic systems but I also knew a person who loved his Corvair.:)
  • willald's avatar
    willald
    Explorer II
    May 10, 2013
    az99 wrote:
    After reading this post and others like it it sure seems like the use of any electronic braking in the toad is asking for trouble. Without the addition of more electronic monitoring equipment with more chances of a failure and the added cost and complexity, it seems like a constant worry going down the road.
    There has to be better and much simpler ways of doing it. Probably cheaper also.


    Yes, there is a simpler and (much) cheaper way. Several of us have mentioned it in this thread, and many times in other threads when this subject comes up - ReadyBrake. Simple, cable-operated brake system, no electronics at all. Just simply works, and (once installed and set up right), is just about impossible for it to ever over-brake your toad (unlike some electronic systems are known to do).

    Oh, and costs less than half what others cost. If you get the integrated 'Readybrute Elite' tow bar and brake system, its even less cost compared to any other system, since you get a tow bar and complete braking system for what you'd pay for just a tow bar of any other brand (saves a good $1k or more right there).

    Surely there are people how love the electronic systems....


    ..I think its a case like so many other things: There are many that have been using the electronic system without any issues for years and years, thats all they've basically known. Its always worked good for them, so naturally they're going to sing the praises of the units they've had good luck with. We all do that.

    For someone buying a new system now, though...Pretty tough to beat what Readybrake gives you, and how much simpler and trouble free it is.

    Will
  • teddyu's avatar
    teddyu
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    As stated before, I've used my BB for 40K miles. I'm not singing the praises for BB when I comment here or any other supplemental braking system. I am a proponent of using some sort of supplemental system though. When I comment, I try to give the un-informed poster an unbaised assentment of what I own or what could be the issue with his BB. Each system (BB, Ready brake, etc.) has it's unique set of advantages and dis-advantages. The questioner needs ALL of the facts prior to purchasing a unit. JM2¢...
  • s_N_s's avatar
    s_N_s
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    I see there a lot of comments about the Ready Brake system. Simple? Yes Foolproof?? NO Any time you have a mechanical device being either electronic or not they are NOT invincible I don't care whose system it is. Moving parts are subject to just about anything and over time you can expect something to happen. If you visit the Ready Brake site it's even explained there what to do if the brake system does not release. Trust me, I'm not an advocate to tow without a braking system but you do get a bit squeamish after footing $1000 for repairs. Was mine hooked up correctly?? I'm confident it was. I keep the instruction manual right next to the driver seat. Did I bleed the system? Yes and the unit said it was ready to go. Did the hand held talk to the main unit? Well it did in setup but what actually happened on the road? I have NO idea. I sit here in a quandary wondering what to do next. I'm glad we're not leaving for anywhere in the near future. It will give us time to figure out what to do as far as the next system or whether to use this one again only not hook up the break away device which still makes me think is what caused this. I'll call Brake Buddy and see what they have to say but I know I WON'T send them the unit on my $$$$. I feel it's only right they foot that bill and determine if they can just what the heck went wrong.
  • teddyu's avatar
    teddyu
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    sNs,
    You could install a wired brake monitor, either from the TOAD's brake lights or powered from the BB. The wireless connection plugs provide a +12VDC and a ground through the BB for the wireless transmitter to operate. My wireless was less than adequately reliable, probably due the distance and/or the shielding of the MH. Probably cost me $10 for the wire and LED and a couple of hours to install. I've got a set of wireless tranmitter and receiver that is just gathering dust. Haven't used them in 37500 miles. Been satisfied with my dash light. JM2¢...

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