Hybrid towing

427435 wrote:

willald wrote:

afrescop wrote:
Winnebago specifically states in the owner's manual NOT to use an inertia type (ReadyBrake) braking system in their motorhomes.

..Makes me glad I didn't buy a Winnebago. And, until they get that ridiculous, outdated nonsense out of their owner's manual, I won't be buying one in the future. :)

This kind of reminds me of those ridiculous instructions on U-haul trailer contracts, saying max. speed of 45 mph. LOL, anyone that truly abides by THAT ridiculous limit on interstates, is going to get run over and cause a huge wreck! Uhaul openly admitted that was something that was left over on their trailers from the 1950s, and they just never took it off (until recently) just to give them an easy 'out' from liability if anything ever breaks on their trailers.

Kinda sounds like Winnebago is doing the same thing with ridiculously outdated, unnecessary limitations. Amazing, that no other gas Class A manufacturer (who builds their coaches on EXACT same F53 chassis, same hitch receivers) have that 'restriction' in their owner's manuals. :)

Will

I think you're being a little hard on Winnebago----------and I'm using a surge brake behind one. There is some merit in what they say---------a surge brake system does put some extra loading on the hitch. That's particularly true with the extension brake that is added to accommodate another towbar. Remember that Winny and other users of the F53 tell you that all towed loads over 1500 lbs need their own brakes (which some of you also ignore). While I'm not going to stop using my Ready Brake system, I will be checking the hitch and its mounts more closely in the future.

Fair enough, and good points. Perhaps I was a bit hard on Winny.

I'm just very suspicious of their limitation regarding surge systems, since like I said, no other manufacturer that builds on the F53 chassis has that restriction.

Will

willald wrote:

afrescop wrote:
Winnebago specifically states in the owner's manual NOT to use an inertia type (ReadyBrake) braking system in their motorhomes.

..Makes me glad I didn't buy a Winnebago. And, until they get that ridiculous, outdated nonsense out of their owner's manual, I won't be buying one in the future. :)

This kind of reminds me of those ridiculous instructions on U-haul trailer contracts, saying max. speed of 45 mph. LOL, anyone that truly abides by THAT ridiculous limit on interstates, is going to get run over and cause a huge wreck! Uhaul openly admitted that was something that was left over on their trailers from the 1950s, and they just never took it off (until recently) just to give them an easy 'out' from liability if anything ever breaks on their trailers.

Kinda sounds like Winnebago is doing the same thing with ridiculously outdated, unnecessary limitations. Amazing, that no other gas Class A manufacturer (who builds their coaches on EXACT same F53 chassis, same hitch receivers) have that 'restriction' in their owner's manuals. :)

Will

I think you're being a little hard on Winnebago----------and I'm using a surge brake behind one. There is some merit in what they say---------a surge brake system does put some extra loading on the hitch. That's particularly true with the extension brake that is added to accommodate another towbar. Remember that Winny and other users of the F53 tell you that all towed loads over 1500 lbs need their own brakes (which some of you also ignore). While I'm not going to stop using my Ready Brake system, I will be checking the hitch and its mounts more closely in the future.

afrescop wrote:
Winnebago specifically states in the owner's manual NOT to use an inertia type (ReadyBrake) braking system in their motorhomes.

..Makes me glad I didn't buy a Winnebago. And, until they get that ridiculous, outdated nonsense out of their owner's manual, I won't be buying one in the future. :)

This kind of reminds me of those ridiculous instructions on U-haul trailer contracts, saying max. speed of 45 mph. LOL, anyone that truly abides by THAT ridiculous limit on interstates, is going to get run over and cause a huge wreck! Uhaul openly admitted that was something that was left over on their trailers from the 1950s, and they just never took it off (until recently) just to give them an easy 'out' from liability if anything ever breaks on their trailers.

Kinda sounds like Winnebago is doing the same thing with ridiculously outdated, unnecessary limitations. Amazing, that no other gas Class A manufacturer (who builds their coaches on EXACT same F53 chassis, same hitch receivers) have that 'restriction' in their owner's manuals. :)

Will

willald wrote:
One thing you need to keep in mind, whatever brake system you go with: Your Fusion Hybrid probably has whats called 'active braking'. I know my 2013 Fusion hybrid does. Meaning, when towing it, power brake assist stays on. That being the case, some brake systems could over-brake your Fusion (put too much pressure on the brake pedal) if they're not designed to work with active brakes. This can do all kinds of damage to your brakes.

Not sure if RVi or the Patriot system would be better with a vehicle that has active braking, you need to check and find out on that. They probably both have settings you adjust appropriately to accommodate for such. Of the two of them, though, I think I'd prefer the RVi just for how much smaller and compact it is.

However, as I said it in your last post on this subject, I'll say it again: If it was me, I'd skip BOTH of those obscenely expensive electronic box systems you're thinking about, and get you a ReadyBrake unit. Nothing to have to put in and take out, no electronics to worry about fouling up and burning up your brakes, just a simple, no-nonsense cable operated brake system that simply works. And, costs CONSIDERABLY less than the two systems you mentioned. Oh, and it also works just fine with active brakes, without having to adjust anything for such. If you haven't got a tow bar yet, you can get their ReadyBrute Elite Tow bar and ReadyBrake system package deal, and you get both the tow bar AND their braking system for almost the same as you'd pay for just a tow bar from anyone else. Save you a good $1000 or so right there. IMO it just can't be beat.

X2

I had a system with electronics------------never again.

Winnebago specifically states in the owner's manual NOT to use an inertia type (ReadyBrake) braking system in their motorhomes.

All I do know for sure between the two you mention is the Patriot works great with our Fusion Hybrid. It has the ability to be set at a lower level for the active brakes. I believe as Will states that the ReadyBrake is a great way to go as well. Good luck, you will love the car!

One thing you need to keep in mind, whatever brake system you go with: Your Fusion Hybrid probably has whats called 'active braking'. I know my 2013 Fusion hybrid does. Meaning, when towing it, power brake assist stays on. That being the case, some brake systems could over-brake your Fusion (put too much pressure on the brake pedal) if they're not designed to work with active brakes. This can do all kinds of damage to your brakes.

Not sure if RVi or the Patriot system would be better with a vehicle that has active braking, you need to check and find out on that. They probably both have settings you adjust appropriately to accommodate for such. Of the two of them, though, I think I'd prefer the RVi just for how much smaller and compact it is.

However, as I said it in your last post on this subject, I'll say it again: If it was me, I'd skip BOTH of those obscenely expensive electronic box systems you're thinking about, and get you a ReadyBrake unit. Nothing to have to put in and take out, no electronics to worry about fouling up and burning up your brakes, just a simple, no-nonsense cable operated brake system that simply works. And, costs CONSIDERABLY less than the two systems you mentioned. Oh, and it also works just fine with active brakes, without having to adjust anything for such. If you haven't got a tow bar yet, you can get their ReadyBrute Elite Tow bar and ReadyBrake system package deal, and you get both the tow bar AND their braking system for almost the same as you'd pay for just a tow bar from anyone else. Save you a good $1000 or so right there. IMO it just can't be beat.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

I have no idea which is better but based on replies to your post, I surely wouldn't skimp for $300 when buying a system that your life may depend on.
bumpy