Supplemental Brake Systems - update 8/7/06
Updates: 1/1/06: Roadmaster has stopped making BrakePro and replaced it with a revised system that it calls Even Brake. A DRAFT review of the Even Brake System has been added. Like the other rev...
Forum Discussion
I just returned from my first trip (1400 miles) with the Even Brake proportional braking system. I found it to work very well after I found the right setting.
At first, I experienced the "lock on" as reported. The brakes did't release right away! It happened only on the first brake application after set-up. When I changed the setting; Force to low and Sensitivity to low, I no longer had this happen.
I changed the settings because I could feel the toad (06 Honda C-RV - 3400 lbs.) "tugging" as brakes were applied. At the new setting, what I feel is the momentary slight "push" of the toad on the RV (vs. toadless). Then the red light on the monitor shows braking and the "push" stops. The toad brakes evenly and in proportion to my RV. I tried soft, medium and heavy braking. The Even Brake responded accordingly. I was very impressed!
It did not run down the battery during the two week trip. Installing and uninstalling the system now takes about 5 minutes. I have to wait ~5 min. for my CRV to idle as per mfg. reccommendations anyway. I install the system while it idles. The peace of mind in having a working braking system far outways any minor inconvenience in set-up.
There is a concern in the design of the pedal clamping system. The lock holding the claw tight on the brake pedal has loosened a couple of times. This didn't affect my braking as the larger bottom clamps still hold it to the brake pedal. My concern is the brake pedal pushing on the lock to spring it open. I'd like to see a more secure clamp. In the meantime, I'm very careful to fully engage the lock and position it where the pedal has an indentation in the rubber.
At first, I experienced the "lock on" as reported. The brakes did't release right away! It happened only on the first brake application after set-up. When I changed the setting; Force to low and Sensitivity to low, I no longer had this happen.
I changed the settings because I could feel the toad (06 Honda C-RV - 3400 lbs.) "tugging" as brakes were applied. At the new setting, what I feel is the momentary slight "push" of the toad on the RV (vs. toadless). Then the red light on the monitor shows braking and the "push" stops. The toad brakes evenly and in proportion to my RV. I tried soft, medium and heavy braking. The Even Brake responded accordingly. I was very impressed!
It did not run down the battery during the two week trip. Installing and uninstalling the system now takes about 5 minutes. I have to wait ~5 min. for my CRV to idle as per mfg. reccommendations anyway. I install the system while it idles. The peace of mind in having a working braking system far outways any minor inconvenience in set-up.
There is a concern in the design of the pedal clamping system. The lock holding the claw tight on the brake pedal has loosened a couple of times. This didn't affect my braking as the larger bottom clamps still hold it to the brake pedal. My concern is the brake pedal pushing on the lock to spring it open. I'd like to see a more secure clamp. In the meantime, I'm very careful to fully engage the lock and position it where the pedal has an indentation in the rubber.
