Brake system choice

[Liltippy]

I have a 27' Born Free on a Ford 450. Planning to tow a 2007 Chevy HHR that weighs 3200#. Looking for recomendations on braking system. I have not purchased a tow bar, so would the ReadyBrake system be a possibility?

Looking for something simple and inexpensive if possible.

Thanks

[Richard179]

I just finished my search for a tow bar and brake system and went with the Ready Brute Elite. I just received it and I am very impressed! I went with the Blue Ox base plate which looks great on my CRV. I found towbarsunlimited.com had the best price, and great customer service too! By time you add every thing up Ready Brute Elite was much cheaper, and simpler.

[tropical36]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I don't know why you would call the ReadyBrute Elite "expensive". Have you priced a Blue Ox tow bar and separate brake system?

Don't know how much one expects to spend when buying brand new either, but we have less than $2500 in our Readybrute elite, including a demco base plate, breakaway, leather cover and a Cool Tech wiring harness for the Jeep.

[Bobbo]

I agree with the concept that the Ready Brute Elite is not expensive. You can't compare its price to other tow bars. You have to compare its price to both a tow bar AND a brake system since it is both. When compared to a tow bar and brake system, the Ready Brute Elite becomes relatively inexpensive.

[topflite51]

Liltippy wrote:
I have not purchased a tow bar, so would the ReadyBrake system be a possibility?

Looking for something simple and inexpensive if possible.

Thanks

Another vote for the ReadyBrake. I use mine with a Falcon II tow bar that I bought used for $200.

[D_E_Bishop]

Simple and inexpensive are mutually exclusive when referring to Dingy Towing. In my opinion they are really non-exsistant. I just bought a Apollo by BlueOx, not so much because it is a great brake system but it is inexpensive. As research has shown, not necessarily good.

[Dutch_12078]

I don't know why you would call the ReadyBrute Elite "expensive". Have you priced a Blue Ox tow bar and separate brake system?

[brobox]

After my Blue Ox snapped in half last year on our trip, I replaced it with a Ready Brute. I couldn't be happier especially after no customer service from Blue Ox. Higher priced tow bars are NOT as good as a Ready Brute with the built in brake system

After 10 years of towing the Ready Brute is the only way I would go again.

[Bobbo]

If you already had a tow bar, I would recommend a Ready Brake. Since you don't have a tow bar yet, I HIGHLY recommend the Ready Brute Elite. It is what I have.

[mowermech]

I haven't done it, yet, but I would have absolutely no concerns about using the ReadyBrake with my "el cheapo" fixed-arm adjustable width towbar ($165 for the current model at Walmart, the last time I looked).

[Liltippy]

Trailer idea is "out" as F450 capacity is 5,000# and 500 tongue weight for one reason

Ready Brute elite is expensive. Anyone added a Ready Brake to a Blue Ox bar?

Please keep the suggestions coming as they are helpful

[mowermech]

DougE wrote:
Here I go again... How about a short car hauler trailer? It comes with electric brakes, gets rid of needing to add complexity to a HHR and lessens the wear & tear on the HHR. Put a hitch on the HHR so you can move the trailer around when you drop it from the Born Free. Then you have a trailer to use for other chores as well. There's a couple of steep grades in the country where you might want to drop the HHR off the trailer and have the wife follow you. Easy to do.

While I agree with the trailer idea, one must be realistic. An E450 chassis will either have a 3500 lb towing capacity or 5000 lb. capacity.
Even an aluminum trailer plus a 3200 pound car would exceed the 3500 lb capacity, and how many of us can afford even a good used aluminum car hauler?
A steel trailer will come close to the 5000 lb. capacity.
Would I, personally, worry about it? Probably not. After all, I towed my Jeep (see sig.) with an E350 based Class C.
Would I state that somebody else should not be concerned? Of course not.
To answer the OP question, the ReadyBrute integrated towbar/braking system is an excellent choice, especially with the breakaway system added.
Good luck.

[DougE]

Here I go again... How about a short car hauler trailer? It comes with electric brakes, gets rid of needing to add complexity to a HHR and lessens the wear & tear on the HHR. Put a hitch on the HHR so you can move the trailer around when you drop it from the Born Free. Then you have a trailer to use for other chores as well. There's a couple of steep grades in the country where you might want to drop the HHR off the trailer and have the wife follow you. Easy to do.

[dtgunner7]

I wouldn't use anything else.. Have used Blue Ox with brake unit inside toad. Ready Brake is easy to hook-up and unhook, No battery drain on toad....