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Goldencrazy's avatar
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Dec 31, 2013

Update on long term driving with even brake

Several weeks ago I read a post that suggested that using a ready brake or even brake and with the required set of key to accessory to unlock steering could/would cause severe battery drain. I was planning a trip with long days towing my Jeep Grand Cherokee-2004. I normally towed a Smart Car. I use an Even Brake on the Jeep so I was concerned that with 10 hr days I would lose battery which would mean I would lose the brake. Many helpful folks suggested options for wiring the Jeep directly to motorhome and I considered those. Others suggested running the engine frequently and I even asked about running the engine from time to time while driving to keep things charged. Well the first part of the trip is over and I am proud to say that I had no problems. 13 hours day one and I ran the engine at end of the day for a half hour and 12 hours second day and it started without trouble. So I guess with a good battery it can handle the even brake. I have no idea how many days I could do this with 12 hrs on and a brief idle and another day but for two days it was great.
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  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Dec 31, 2013
    There may come a time when the battery won't be able to keep the charge for extended periods after repeated discharges. Over time, the battery in my toad wasn't able to start the engine after being towed for hours and I needed to use a booster similar to the one below to crank the engine over. I recommend having a charge wire connected from your moho to the toad battery to ensure your battery is never drained.

  • Goldencrazy's avatar
    Goldencrazy
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    I think that is a good suggestion if the Jeep was my primary toad but in my case I only take the Jeep when we are making the trip and staying in one place for an extended period. Otherwise for normal travel with two or three night or up to a week stays we love towing the Smart Car. By the way for those who suggested methods to remove the steering lock, I tried to get a dealership and several lock experts to do it and none would. Seemed strange as new models are lock free.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    Goldencrazy wrote:
    I think that is a good suggestion if the Jeep was my primary toad but in my case I only take the Jeep when we are making the trip and staying in one place for an extended period. Otherwise for normal travel with two or three night or up to a week stays we love towing the Smart Car. By the way for those who suggested methods to remove the steering lock, I tried to get a dealership and several lock experts to do it and none would. Seemed strange as new models are lock free.


    Newer vehicles use smart keys for ignition and door locks. If you haven't encountered them they are the keys thatt cost over a $100 to duplcate.
  • Shot-N-Az's avatar
    Shot-N-Az
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    I have found the draw from our even brake is minimal. I recently drove 22 hrs over two days without unhitching or starting the toad. The battery was as charged when we got home as it was when we left the campground. I've never had an issue with even brake.
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Dec 31, 2013
    When I first got the MH I started with and Even Brake but ditched it after the first 2,000 mile trip. Yep, it was tough on the battery but that depends on the driving and settings. I had mine set for minimal braking so unless I used the coach brakes pretty heavy the Even Brake wouldn't operate. Also if most of the driving is hwy, once again not much braking.

    Pulling the '97 Jeep GC I could get a day under normal conditions.

    Over all it was an OK experience but between the hassle of having to move the unit and the remote crapping out plus Roadmaster was not very easy to work with put me over the edge. I pulled the whole thing, went to a Ready Brake and never looked back. Now the Even Brake is just a paper weight in my garage. With my 2003 GC, it was just a matter of an hour or so to add the new Ready Brake cable and no wiring involved.

    IMHO, the Even Brake should be OK if your mindful of the settings and have a relatively new battery. It will worked as advertised but I wouldn't buy one now that I know better.
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    Goldencrazy wrote:
    I think that is a good suggestion if the Jeep was my primary toad but in my case I only take the Jeep when we are making the trip and staying in one place for an extended period. Otherwise for normal travel with two or three night or up to a week stays we love towing the Smart Car. By the way for those who suggested methods to remove the steering lock, I tried to get a dealership and several lock experts to do it and none would. Seemed strange as new models are lock free.


    I removed my steering wheel lock myself in about two hours. It was not that difficult. I had to buy some tools that cost around $20. I could share the information with you if you are interested. My Jeep is a 2007 model and it does have the key with the chip in it. Jeep stopped using the steering wheel lock in the mid 2008 year model. There are some videos out there that show the entire process. You would just have to search for them.

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