Forum Discussion

bluwtr49's avatar
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015

Toad Air Brake System

Real quick question for those that are using an air brake system for their Toad. I just installed the M&G system but have not yet connected it to the MH.

What size hose do you use for connecting the Coach to the Toad?? Coiled vs. straight, length, and good source of supply.

Thanks for any insight.
  • isa wrote:
    Fire Up wrote "I'm very, very close to purchasing the M&G system to replace my severely worn out Ready Brake system."

    Could you please explain to us how your Ready Brake is severly worn out?


    isa,
    I'm a proponent of Ready Brake and, have not only used ours for years but, have recommended it to many, many friends and people here on RV.net. I've done a few mods to the install to make it seriously better looking and, much more functional when it comes time (rare) for adjustment on the link cable.

    But, the actuator is now moving very, very easily, as in, I can push the lever with my hand it will travel all the way forward. And, the actual sliding components (steel) is worn and is sloppy, primarily due to excessive movement. You can see where I'm going with this can't you?

    Well, I've talked with NSA (Night Shift Auto) about the rebuilding of it. I had the entire unit completely apart. And that included the hydraulic side too. In that section alone, it simply needs some new O-rings (about 4) and, whatever kind of oil is used. And, the return spring which, is supposed to be seriously strong, enough to hold back most toads in non-surging situations, is not doing so, so, I need a new one of those too.

    Well, the tech at Ready Brake said," we cannot send you the O-rings. You'll need to send us the unit and we'll do it."

    I said, "Thanks but, no thanks". So, base on the fact that, that unit has a zillion miles on it and, I'm looking for a better system, (tired of all the slop in that system), I'm seriously thinking of the M&G system.
    Scott
  • Fire Up wrote "I'm very, very close to purchasing the M&G system to replace my severely worn out Ready Brake system."

    Could you please explain to us how your Ready Brake is severly worn out?
  • I just looked at the one that I got from M&G and its 1/4 inch with DOT markings for brakes. I would NOT get one from Walmart or any other cheap air compressor hose.
  • bluwtr49 wrote:

    The installation instructions are pretty detailed and Marty is more than happy to help when necessary. I opted to have the module professionally installed but did the air line on the toad myself.

    The coach came with the air system already installed so I don't need to do anything except connect the two together. M&G supplied everything necessary to make the connection although I did not purchase the optional coiled hose (probably should have) but I wanted to see what others have done.

    I do have several yellow coiled air hoses for my air compressor but don't know if those are suitable for air brake use.

    I would suggest calling M&G.
  • FIRE UP wrote:
    bluwtr49 wrote:
    Real quick question for those that are using an air brake system for their Toad. I just installed the M&G system but have not yet connected it to the MH.

    What size hose do you use for connecting the Coach to the Toad?? Coiled vs. straight, length, and good source of supply.

    Thanks for any insight.


    Bluewater49,
    Just wondering, since this system ties into your air brake system on the coach, and, you're messing with critical systems, it would seem the install instructions for the M&G system would be real accurate and definite on just what size and type to use between the coach and toad. And, as it is my understanding, they will supply, as an option, a coiled hose with proper fittings on it already for a toad connection line, correct?

    If so, I suspect that, that hose is of proper size, whatever size it is.

    The reason I ask this is because I'm very, very close to purchasing the M&G system to replace my severely worn out Ready Brake system. And, as normal, it's always good to hear from folks that have done their own installation and of course, experience in the actual operation of it and how well it worked.
    Scott


    The installation instructions are pretty detailed and Marty is more than happy to help when necessary. I opted to have the module professionally installed but did the air line on the toad myself.

    The coach came with the air system already installed so I don't need to do anything except connect the two together. M&G supplied everything necessary to make the connection although I did not purchase the optional coiled hose (probably should have) but I wanted to see what others have done.

    I do have several yellow coiled air hoses for my air compressor but don't know if those are suitable for air brake use.
  • You can buy the 1/4" DOT approved coiled line with the quick connections already made up at truck supply places. They are used on big rigs to move the 5th wheel (Hitch plate.)
  • bluwtr49 wrote:
    Real quick question for those that are using an air brake system for their Toad. I just installed the M&G system but have not yet connected it to the MH.

    What size hose do you use for connecting the Coach to the Toad?? Coiled vs. straight, length, and good source of supply.

    Thanks for any insight.


    Bluewater49,
    Just wondering, since this system ties into your air brake system on the coach, and, you're messing with critical systems, it would seem the install instructions for the M&G system would be real accurate and definite on just what size and type to use between the coach and toad. And, as it is my understanding, they will supply, as an option, a coiled hose with proper fittings on it already for a toad connection line, correct?

    If so, I suspect that, that hose is of proper size, whatever size it is.

    The reason I ask this is because I'm very, very close to purchasing the M&G system to replace my severely worn out Ready Brake system. And, as normal, it's always good to hear from folks that have done their own installation and of course, experience in the actual operation of it and how well it worked.
    Scott
  • My M & G system came with a coiled 1/4" air line with the quick disconnects already attached. Be sure to connect to the proper coach air line that runs to the quick disconnect mounted on your coach.
  • I used the air brake line and fittings from NAPA. (1/4") tied off to the tow bar with band clamps. and quick disconnects at both the towed, and the coach. (air tool disconnects) be certain you connect to the proper air line on the coach breaking system.