Ready Brake 2013 Focus

I recently installed the Ready Brake System to tow my Jeep Wrangler behind my RV, it's a great tow bar and the surge brake is an easy install. I also installed the Emergency Brake Away because most states require supplemental breaking and brake away for vehicles weighing 3000# and above, so the emergency brake away is required based on weight.

az99 wrote:
Hilldude- I just got a Focus and was looking at your install photos. Thank You for posting them.
Why did you install the cable so far left and down of a straight pull? I am not criticizing just asking. Is there double wall above and right of the steering boot? I didn't get it up on the lift yet. Just want to be prepared when I do.

Thanx Again

I think it was the only place I could get it in pretty tight.

Well gang,
It's up to each individual to install the R/B in what ever fashion/place/area one decides on. Installing the exit of that cable "off center" is not a good practice. If you were to take a look at the install in an off center application, in a "Birds eye view" the distance between the attachment points, i.e. the attaching point in/on the exit cable and the actuator, will change as the coach and toad make turns.

If the link cable (the one that adjusts) is dead in line with the actuator, there's no change in length as the coach and the toad turn, either right or left. Now, there's not much change but, it's there. I've installed a few of the Ready Brake units and, while sometimes it's not easy to set that cable housing up so it's dead center of the front of the toad, I go through whatever it takes to get it there. I've made brackets, drilled through lower core supports, and more to get that cable to end up in the center and work correctly.

And, you want that link cable to also have no obstructions, (as in rubbing against anything from being at an incorrect angle or height. Now, again, anyone can install it as they please. There's just some considerations that "should" be looked at prior to the finished install. Below are some pics of our recent install of the R/B system in our 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4. Instead of the rather large bogus metal clamp set on the brake arm with cable permently attached, I installed a Pin in the brake arm. Then, I wrapped the cable around a screen door roller and clamped a cable ferrule tightly against that roller. Now, when it comes time to hook up for towing, the DW reaches under the floor mat and places the roller on the pin and puts the hitch pin through the end of the pin to secure it.

That way, the cable is not on the brake arm 24/7 and being actuated and prematurely wearing out the inside of that cable housing for nothing. The second modification I did was, on the link cable, R/B has you loop the cable back and forth and use cable clamps for adjustment. Not a very good system in my opinion. So, I changed it to a stainless steel, marine type turn buckle. Now, if and when that link cable is in need of adjustment, you simply remove two tiny hitch pins by hand, twist the turn buckle in the direction needed and, re-install the tiny hitch pins(hitch pins are for keeping the turn buckle from self turning while in transit).

These are mods to the system that I wanted are for myself. They have no effect on the operation of the system. It's just a lot cleaner and more efficient system. They do get out of adjustment every once in a while so, having the turn buckle is seriously easier to make the adjustment, (NO TOOLS NEEDED) if and when needed. If you like the way R/B instructs you to do the install, then by all means, have at it. Your choice. Good luck.
Scott

az99 wrote:
Hilldude- I just got a Focus and was looking at your install photos. Thank You for posting them.
Why did you install the cable so far left and down of a straight pull? I am not criticizing just asking. Is there double wall above and right of the steering boot? I didn't get it up on the lift yet. Just want to be prepared when I do.

Thanx Again

I think you'll find there are just too many things in the way under the hood, to do a 'straight pull' install like you're talking about.

No doubt a straight pull install would be best, and if you can do it that way, go for it. I think most folks that install ReadyBrake, though, end up doing something similar to Hilldude's installation, where they route the cable along the driver's side. Just too many components in the way otherwise.

Haha, you don't even want to KNOW all the obstacles and 'challenges' that were in the way with my Fusion Hybrid, and how difficult it was to route the cable around to the front with that one! Going around on the left side was only option. :)

Hilldude- I just got a Focus and was looking at your install photos. Thank You for posting them.
Why did you install the cable so far left and down of a straight pull? I am not criticizing just asking. Is there double wall above and right of the steering boot? I didn't get it up on the lift yet. Just want to be prepared when I do.

Thanx Again

JC2 wrote:

hilldude wrote:

bamcote wrote:
Looks good. Are you going to install a Ready Brake Breakaway cable also?

Not at this time maybe later.

It would be in your best interest and the responsible thing to do now cause if/when the vehicle were to come loose, someone could get seriously hurt. Bet your insurance wouldn't cover you if they determined a break-a-way cable was missing. They don't need much to deny coverage in an accident.

..While I completely agree that it is best to have a break-away system of some kind, lets PLEASE not start spreading that ridiculous urban myth again, about insurance companies being able to deny coverage over things like this. That MYTH has been refuted, shown to be ridiculously wrong sooo many times, we really need to stop propagating that nonsense.

That said, it is best to install the Ready-stop break-away at the same time that Readybrake is installed. Safety reasons aside, its much easier to do it at the same time so you can route both cables together at the same time.

Will

hilldude wrote:

bamcote wrote:
Looks good. Are you going to install a Ready Brake Breakaway cable also?

Not at this time maybe later.

It would be in your best interest and the responsible thing to do now cause if/when the vehicle were to come loose, someone could get seriously hurt. Bet your insurance wouldn't cover you if they determined a break-a-way cable was missing. They don't need much to deny coverage in an accident.

Looks good. 'Tis very similar to how its installed on my Ford Fusion. That 6 round connector provides a great place to mount the cable in front. You're going to love the simplicity and reliability of the Readybrake. :)

One small challenge I've had, that based on the pictures you may have as well: The first time you hitch up, and you try to lock the base plate tabs in, the one on the driver side will not want to lock in place. This is because your Readybrake cable is right up against the back of the base plate where that tab is trying to lock into place. Cable is in the way, basically.

Solution: I just reach back with one hand and hold the cable out of the way while locking the tab in with the other hand. No big deal, really, just wanted to let you know. At some point, I'll probably re-route the cable slightly lower or higher to solve the problem completely.

Great to see this, I am getting a Focus and want to put the Ready Brake on it.

bamcote wrote:
Looks good. Are you going to install a Ready Brake Breakaway cable also?

Not at this time maybe later.