Best toad braking system

I have used a M&G system for nine years. It has been trouble free. I can't imagine any easier operational hook up. Just connect an air line and a break away cable.

Other people have had good luck with other systems. I would not consider putting anything on the floor in front of the drivers seat of my car. I intend to install a M&G on the Honda CRV that I just purchased.

We bought a 2009 Winnebago Class A gas system last year and just purchased a 2014 CRV to tow. We set up our dingy tow system as follows:

Brake - SMI Stay-In-Play Duo because it is permanent, only requires a cord to plug in and a switch to toggle to get ready. It uses both brake lights and inertia to activate which reduces unneeded TOAD braking.

Brake light monitor. We had this wired to and mounted in the RV dash so I could easily see when TOAD brakes were being applied.

Tow Bar - Blue Ox Avail tow bar with its associated base plate. It is their newest tow bar and is advertised to be not binding with a better turning radius.

Fuse. Since the CRV requires a fuse to be pulled when towing, we installed a Fusemaster disconnect so I only have to toggle a switch rather than pull the fuse.

This system is easy and quick to set up. To tow, we hook up the tow bar, attach the safety cables attach the brake disconnect switch, connect a brake electric cable between the RV and the TOAD, toggle 2 switches in the CRV, run the CRV through the gears in accordance with the owners manual, and then go.

We use the StayInPlay system by SMI to tow our Jeep Wrangler, it's out of the way and very reliable, it cost more than some other systems but is well worth it. SMI also makes the AirForceOne system which is similar for motorhomes with air brakes.

60K towing a Wrangler with no problems. I highly recommend US Gear's Unified Tow Brake.

Ready Brake is the only way to go. I've had mine now for over 5 years and so far no problems. It's simply and it works.

Thanks for the replies all!

Jeff

Ready brake elite for me also. Great system and easy install. I have about 4,000 miles on system.

I use Roadmaster Tow System.
Brake Buddy fior Toad braking.

All systems are good. Just depends on the end user preference.

willald wrote:
If you haven't got a tow bar yet, I highly, highly recommend the NSA ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and Readybrake unit. You get a very nice tow bar AND one of the best braking systems there is, Readybrake, all for 'bout the same price as you'd pay for just a tow bar alone from anyone else.

You just can't beat it, IMO. Simple, no-nonsense, no electronics, cable-operated braking system that simply works. Does not require tapping into electrical or brake system of your toad at all. Nothing to install or take out each time you tow, just hook up the cable at the front of the car and go. If you get the package deal like I mentioned above, it will end up saving you over $1k from what you'd pay for most anything else.

..And, most anything that could break on it, is so simple and easy to repair, you could do so with parts found at any hardware store for less than $20. No other system gives you that simplicity.

Only system that would be better, although that 'better' comes at a very high price: A system like M&G or SMI Air Force One, that works directly off your coach's air brake system. Thats only an option, though, if you have a diesel pusher coach that has full air brakes.

willald be da man! Listen to him!

I just installed the ready brake system. I chose it for several reasons.
1. I wanted to do the install myself to save money and after reading the instructions and watching a few videos, I decided it would be an easy install.
2. The reviews from users were good.
3. The cost to buy the components was less than most of the other systems. BTW, I used the hitchsource for the purchase. They were competitively priced and had excellent customer service.