Unified Tow Brake - Review
I want to review US Gear's Unified Tow Brake(UTB)because it gets badmouthed for being "complicated" and causing problems, often by folks that don't have one, and never have... one fellow on here adama...
Forum Discussion
Nice review, and glad to see UTB works good for you.
However, I think there's some points that need to be clarified here, in your comparison of UTB to other systems.
Indeed, any system can break or have problems, eventually. However, there's 3 key differences with a system like Readybrake vs any 'electronic' box type system that needs to be kept in mind when it comes to malfunctions:
1. You cannot inspect electronic systems for wear and tear, and correct/replace a part before it becomes a problem and ruins a trip. You can do just that with mechanical systems like Readybrake.
2. When parts do wear out or break with a system like Readybrake, in most cases it can be repaired with parts found at any hardware store for less than $20. Doesn't have to be sent off or special ordered from the manufacturer and cost several hundred $$ like is the case with electronic systems.
3. Because of the way Readybrake is designed, once it is installed and set up correctly, it is just about impossible for the system to ever malfunction in a way that would over-brake your toad and damage its brakes. The same cannot be said for many electronic systems.
LOL, this is one of those 'urban legend' things that just will not die.
Surge brake systems from 20 years ago or so, indeed had problems with dragging the brakes when going down inclines with a heavy trailer. There are folks that remember those issues and for that reason just propagate the myth that surge systems are bad news. Thats probably the folks you 'discovered' in your research.
However, like anything else, they have come a long way with these things over the years. Modern surge braking systems typically do NOT have that problem. This (over-braking in mountains) is simply NOT an issue with NSA's Readybrake unit. I've seen and verified from personal experience, that even with a 4600 lb minivan being towed down a steep mountain pass, that Readybrake only engages when I hit the brakes on the MH.
One other thing to keep in mind as well with this comparison: The UTB system and other electronic type systems will cost you anywhere from $1000-1400. A Readybrake system costs about ONE THIRD of that. If you buy the integrated ReadyBrute Elite tow bar, the Readybrake costs you almost NOTHING - it is included with the tow bar (which costs 'bout the same as what you'd pay for a comparable tow bar from Blue Ox).
Yes, the featurs UTB and other systems offer are cool, but are they REALLY worth paying over $1000 more for, when a system like Readybrake gives you very similar performance, and does so without any electronic components that can fail and over-brake and damage your toad? For many of us working stiffs that are not independently wealthy, the answer to that is an emphatic, NO.
Anyway, like I said, I'm glad you are happy with your UTB system. Definitely something to be said for what it does. Understand, though, that there are also some very rock solid, good reasons why many of us want absolutely nothing to do with electronic systems like that.
However, I think there's some points that need to be clarified here, in your comparison of UTB to other systems.
the truth is there is no perfect system out there. A simple Google search will show somebody had issues or problems of one sort or another with every supplemental brake system manufactured
Indeed, any system can break or have problems, eventually. However, there's 3 key differences with a system like Readybrake vs any 'electronic' box type system that needs to be kept in mind when it comes to malfunctions:
1. You cannot inspect electronic systems for wear and tear, and correct/replace a part before it becomes a problem and ruins a trip. You can do just that with mechanical systems like Readybrake.
2. When parts do wear out or break with a system like Readybrake, in most cases it can be repaired with parts found at any hardware store for less than $20. Doesn't have to be sent off or special ordered from the manufacturer and cost several hundred $$ like is the case with electronic systems.
3. Because of the way Readybrake is designed, once it is installed and set up correctly, it is just about impossible for the system to ever malfunction in a way that would over-brake your toad and damage its brakes. The same cannot be said for many electronic systems.
in researching brake systems, I discovered a few folks had issues with the surge brake design and mountain towing.
LOL, this is one of those 'urban legend' things that just will not die.
Surge brake systems from 20 years ago or so, indeed had problems with dragging the brakes when going down inclines with a heavy trailer. There are folks that remember those issues and for that reason just propagate the myth that surge systems are bad news. Thats probably the folks you 'discovered' in your research.
However, like anything else, they have come a long way with these things over the years. Modern surge braking systems typically do NOT have that problem. This (over-braking in mountains) is simply NOT an issue with NSA's Readybrake unit. I've seen and verified from personal experience, that even with a 4600 lb minivan being towed down a steep mountain pass, that Readybrake only engages when I hit the brakes on the MH.
One other thing to keep in mind as well with this comparison: The UTB system and other electronic type systems will cost you anywhere from $1000-1400. A Readybrake system costs about ONE THIRD of that. If you buy the integrated ReadyBrute Elite tow bar, the Readybrake costs you almost NOTHING - it is included with the tow bar (which costs 'bout the same as what you'd pay for a comparable tow bar from Blue Ox).
Yes, the featurs UTB and other systems offer are cool, but are they REALLY worth paying over $1000 more for, when a system like Readybrake gives you very similar performance, and does so without any electronic components that can fail and over-brake and damage your toad? For many of us working stiffs that are not independently wealthy, the answer to that is an emphatic, NO.
Anyway, like I said, I'm glad you are happy with your UTB system. Definitely something to be said for what it does. Understand, though, that there are also some very rock solid, good reasons why many of us want absolutely nothing to do with electronic systems like that.
