Supplemental Brake Systems - update 8/7/06

[pulsar]

Updates:

• 1/1/06:

  Roadmaster has stopped making BrakePro and replaced it with a revised system that it calls Even Brake. A DRAFT review of the Even Brake System has been added. Like the other reviews, if you have a correction or addition, please post it in this thread or send me a PM

  
  
• 2/22/06:

  An update to the M&G review - New optional alert system, new warranty.

  
  
• 8/07/06:

  Added comments about BrakeBuddy's new system 'Vantage.'

Choosing an auxiliary brake system for our toads seems to be almost as challenging as choosing our RV’s. I hope to write a post that provides useful information about the different braking systems that are available. I do not intend for this thread to advocate for or against any system – I want it to just provide information.

To be useful, the information needs to be accurate. I have personal information about only two systems. All of the other information comes from the Internet. I would like for those who use a particular system to correct errors or provide additional information so that an accurate, final post can be made to serve the members of the forum. Again, please, I do not want this thread to be an advocating thread.

I will attempt to classify the braking systems based on the mechanism or process that triggers activation of the toad’s brakes. At present, I think this can be done with one of the following three categories.

• Surge
  A slide receiver is used for the tow bar. As the motor home slows down, the toad pushes on the slide receiver.
  
  
• Deceleration
  The toad (or motor home) slows down faster than some predetermined value. A mercury switch, pendulum system, or accelerometers are used to detect the deceleration. Some of these systems require that the motor home’s brake pedal to be depressed also.
  
  
• Pressure applied to motor home’s brake.
  

Since different manufactures use different meanings for some of the important terminology, here are the definitions that I will use in this report.

Proportional: The toad’s brakes are applied in proportion to the pressure on the coach’s brake pedal.

Invasive: Installation of the system requires insertion of a connector in the toad’s (or coach’s) vacuum line, hydraulic line, or air lines (coaches with air brakes.) Invasive will not be used to describe mounting of vacuum pumps, air cylinders or cables.

Permanent installation: One does not have to remove devices from the toad before driving the toad. Although this does not mean that one cannot move the system to another toad; it does imply more than a casual amount of effort. Conversely, a non-permanent installation implies that part of the system must be removed prior to driving the toad. Non-permanent also implies that the system can be easily moved to another toad.

Apollo By Blue Ox
(See BrakeBuddy for a similar system)
Deceleration system. Accelerometers are used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. When triggered, an air cylinder extends an arm to apply pressure to the toad’s brake pedal.

Monitoring. Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (radio) to the coach. The signal indicates the toad’s brake light switch has been activated. The transmitter is wired to the cold side of the brake light switch. The transmitter setup is permanent, in the sense that it is not removed to drive the toad. The transmitter requires a 12-volt DC connector. Since the base unit requires a 12-volt DC connector, the combined systems require two.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: The sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of pressure applied to the toad’s brake pedal can be adjusted.

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independently from the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is not proportional

Is not an invasive system.

System uses the toad’s electrical system. The unit is plugged into the 12-volt DC adapter. Note: The alert system also requires a 12-volt connector.

Installation is not permanent. The unit must be removed before the toad can be driven. Although the installation and removal is a simple process, the unit must be stored somewhere while the toad is being driven.

Has a breakaway system

Website: Blue Ox Apollo Brake System
Phone: 1-888-425-5382
Warranty: Five years

BrakeBuddy
(See Apollo for a similar system)

BrakeBuddy has come out with an updated version which they call 'Vantage.' Since I'm on the road now, I will have to wait until I return home later in August to fully investigate the new system. Here is a link to BrakeBuddy's Vantage page.

At first glance, here is a summary of changes: 1) The abiltity to change the Sensitivity settings "on-the-fly" from the coach. 2) A digital pressure guage that allows for more precise pressure settings. 3) Automatic setup feature.

The flyer mentioned above appears to misuse the work 'sensitvity' in the lower righ-hand corner. There it describe it as adjusting the braking force. 'Sensitivity' is used to adjust how quickly the system will activate. I believ member GotSalt has the new system. Give him a PM if you have a question.

I will make a full report after I return home and can contact the company.

Deceleration system. Accelerometers are used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. When triggered, an air cylinder pushes forward an arm to apply pressure to the toad’s brake pedal.

Monitoring. Application of toad’s brakes is signaled (radio) to the coach. The signal is based on whether or not the air cylinder's arm is extended.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: The sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of pressure applied to the toad’s brake pedal can be adjusted.

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independently from the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is not proportional

Is not an invasive system.

System uses the toad’s electrical system. The unit is plugged into the 12-volt DC adapter.

Installation is not permanent. The unit must be removed before the toad can be driven. Although the installation and removal is a simple process, the unit must be stored somewhere while the toad is being driven.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: brakebuddy.com
Phone: 1-800-470-2287
Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee. 3-year warranty

BrakeMaster 9000 & 9100 Series by RoadMaster
Pressure applied to the coach’s brake pedal causes a proportional amount of pressure to be applied to the toad’s brakes. Air pressure is transmitted from the coach to an air cylinder that is non-permanently mounted in front of the driver’s seat. The air pressure can come from the coach’s airbrake system or, in the case the coach has a hydraulic brakes, from a compressor mounted in the coach. (See below) Note: The toad must have power brakes to use the standard BrakeMaster systems. An optional pressure regulator can be purchased to adapt a non-power brake toad.

Monitoring: Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (wire umbilical cord) to the coach. The signal indicates that the toad’s brake light switch has been activated.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system form within the toad: None

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independent of the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is proportional

Is invasive: 9000 Series: A hydraulic line must be run from the proportioning valve and tap into the coach’s hydraulic system at one of several possible locations.
9100 Series: For coaches with air brakes, a port on a relay valve near the rear axle is used to tap into the coach’s air brakes. For coaches with air-over-hydraulic systems, a port in the air booster near the coach’s front axle is used to tap into the air system.

Uses the toad’s electrical system. (Looking at the wiring diagrams, it appears that the toad’s battery could receive a charge from the motor home. That is not listed as a feature, Can anyone shed a light on this?)

Is not permanent in the sense defined for this review. An air cylinder must be attached between a mounting post and the toad’s brake pedal. The mounting post is affixed to a circular base plate that is bolted to the floor through hole drilled through the floor panel immediately in front of the driver’s seat when in its furthest back position. Seat adapter brackets are available for some vehicles. The seat adapter replaces the floor base plate and is secured by the seat channel bolts. In addition, the 9000 series requires the installation of an air compressor on the coach in “clean, dry place.” A storage bay is recommended. Also, a proportioning valve must be mounted on the chassis.

Has a breakaway system that requires the mounting of an air tank (usually under the hood). The air tank should be drained regularly to prevent moisture buildup.

Website: RoadMasterInc.com (Scroll down the page to Braking Systems or use the Products menu.)
Phone:1-800-669-9690
Warranty: One year

BrakePro by Roadmaster

Roadmaster has stopped manufacturing BrakePro is now producing a similar system, Even Brake. A review of the Even Brake system can be found alphabetically below. Since BrakePro can still be purchased at discount prices, this review will remain for awhile.

Deceleration system. Accelerometer(s) are used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. When activated, an air cylinder pushes forward an arm to apply pressure to the toad’s brakes. Based on rate of deceleration, software determines how much pressure, up to a user determined maximum, is used to apply the brakes.

Monitoring. Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (radio) to the coach. The signal is base on whether or not the cylinder’s arm is extended.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: The sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of pressure applied to the toad’s brake pedal can be adjusted.

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independently from the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is proportional: This is somewhat different from that which is usually described as proportional. The proportionality is based on the rate of deceleration as opposed to the amount of pressure on the coach’s brake pedal. In addition, the user determines a threshold, which must be met before the toad’s brakes are applied. And, finally, the user determines the maximum amount of pressure.

Is not an invasive system.

System uses the toad’s electrical system. Note: A 20-amp DC connector is required. Not all cars provide such a connector; many have only 15-amp connectors. Roadmaster sells a battery-direct 20-amp DC connector that is easy to install.

Installation is not permanent. The unit must be removed before the toad can be driven. Although the installation and removal is a simple process, the unit must be stored somewhere while the toad is being driven.

Has a breakaway system

Website: No longer exists.
Phone: 1-800-669-9690
Warranty: One year

Even Brake by Roadmaster –

DRAFT

Deceleration system. Accelerometer(s) are used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. When activated, an air cylinder pushes forward an arm to apply pressure to the toad’s brakes. Based on rate of deceleration, software determines how much pressure, up to a user-determined maximum, is used to apply the brakes.

Monitoring. Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (radio) to the coach. The signal indicates that the toad’s brake light switch has been activated. Even Brake also monitors the toad’s battery. (See below.) The transmitter setup is permanent, in the sense that it is not removed to drive the toad.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: The sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of pressure applied to the toad’s brake pedal can be adjusted.

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independently from the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is proportional: This is somewhat different from that which is usually described as proportional. The proportionality is based on the rate of deceleration as opposed to the amount of pressure on the coach’s brake pedal. In addition, the user determines a threshold, which must be met before the toad’s brakes are applied. And, finally, the user determines the maximum amount of pressure. Maximum pressure is use for emergency stops.

Is not an invasive system.

System uses the toad’s electrical system. The Even Brake monitors the toad’s battery and will transmit a signal to a monitor in the motorhome to indicate a low battery condition. If the battery’s voltage drops “too low,” the Even Brake cuts power to itself and retains only emergency braking function.

Installation is not permanent. The unit must be removed before the toad can be driven. Although the installation and removal is a simple process, the unit must be stored somewhere while the toad is being driven.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: Even Brake
Phone: 1-800-669-9690
Warranty: One year – The warranty is extended to two years if Roadmaster receives the product registration card within 20 days of purchase.

M & G Tow Brake

Update 2/22/06: Now has an optional wireless alert system and a new warranty.

Pressure applied to the coach’s brake pedal causes a proportional amount of pressure to be applied to the toad’s brakes. Air pressure is transmitted from the coach to an air-over-hydraulic cylinder inserted between the toad’s vacuum booster and master cylinder. The air pressure can come from the coach’s airbrake system or, in the event that the coach has a hydraulic brake system, from a compressor attached to the coach. (I’ll describe this process later.) Note: The toad must have power brakes and some vehicles with a certain type of antilock brakes cannot be fitted with this system. Contact the company to determine if your toad can be fitted.

Monitoring: An optional, wireless alert system based on Blue Ox's alert system is available. The alert uses a pressure switch attached to the the M&G air cylindar to detect when the toad's brakes are applied. It transmit a signal to a receiver in the coach.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: None

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independent of the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes. Note: This is rather meaningless. The M & G tow brake is its own power brakes. No pressure is applied to the toad’s brake pedal or brake arm.

Is proportional

Is invasive. A T-connector is inserted into the coach’s existing air system at a rear relay valve (for RV’s with airbrakes) or a T-connector is inserted into the coach’s hydraulic lines (for RV’s with hydraulic brakes). In addition, an air cylinder is inserted between the toad’s vacuum booster and master cylinder.

Doesn’t use toad’s electrical system.

Permanent Installation (as described above). In addition, for coaches with hydraulic brakes, a tray consisting of an air compressor, air storage tank, pressure switch, and proportioning valve is secured to the coach’s frame or cross member. The coach’s hydraulic system is connected to the proportioning valve by inserting a T-connector between the flexible brake line and the steel line. An air hose is routed from the proportioning valve to the rear of the coach. For RV’s with airbrakes, an air hose is routed from a rear relay valve to the rear of the coach.

Has a breakaway system which is purchased and installed separately. The breakaway system requires the installation of an air tank, diverter valve and trip switch on the toad. The air tank is pressurized at the start of each day’s drive by fully applying the coach’s brakes for one minute.

Website: m-gengineering.com
Phone: 1-800-817-7698
Warranty: M&G Engineering warrants its product to be free from defective material and workmanship for a LIFETIME of service to the original purchaser on the M&G brake cylinder only. The hydraulic control valve carries a three year warranty. Any electrical components (compressor, switch, valve, etc.) carry a one year warranty.

ReadyBrake
Surge system. A hydraulic system on the slide receiver uses a cable to pull on the arm of the toad’s brake pedal. A factory set threshold is used to prevent application of the toad’s brakes on minor pressure against the slide form the toad.

Monitoring. Application of toad’s brakes is signaled to the coach. There are two options to choose from. Their older system uses a wire from the toad to the RV; their newer version is wireless. The alert systems are wired to the cold side of the toad's brake light switch.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: None.

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: None

The toad’s brakes cannot be applied independently from the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of its brakes.

Is proportional.

Is not an invasive system, but requires the installation of a pulley on the toad’s firewall.

System does not use the toad’s electrical system.

Installation is permanent.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: readybrake.com
Phone: 1-800-933-3372
Warranty: One year

SMI
SMI makes four supplementary brake systems: SilentPartner, FourWire, PlugAndPlay, and Stay-IN-Play. Describing the systems is more complex than that because a Stay-IN-Play variation can be applied to the SilentPartner and FourWire systems. I will try to get the pertinent points across in the review.

Deceleration system (combined with coach brakes). A mercury switch, located in the coach (SilentPartner and FourWire) or in the toad (PlugAndPlay and Stay-IN-Play), is used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. (Note: the SilentPartner may use accelerometers instead of a mercury switch.) In addition to a decrease in forward momentum, the coach’s brake lights must be on (from pressing the coach’s brake pedal). When activated, a vacuum operated arm applies pressure to the brake pedal arm. The vacuum system also is applied to the toad’s power (vacuum) assist unit. The Stay-IN-Play system uses a vacuum cylinder ‘permanently’ attached to the brake arm. It is this part of the system that can be used by the SilentPartner and FourWire systems and eliminates the need to store the vacuum arm before driving the toad.

Monitoring. Application of toad’s brakes is signaled (radio – except FourWire system which uses wires between coach and toad) to the coach. The signal indicates that toad's brake light switch has been activated.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: With the SilentPartner and FourWire systems, the sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of braking cannot be adjusted in the coach. With the SilentPartner, you can select between ‘Latched’ and ‘Real-Time’ modes. The toad’s brakes are applied the same in both modes. In ‘Latched’ mode, the toad’s brakes stay on "as long as the coach's brakes are on, regardless of the inertia." When in ‘Real-Time’ mode, the toad’s brakes are released when the forward momentum is sufficiently reduced.

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: With the PlugAndPlay system, the sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. The amount of braking can be adjusted for all four units.

The toad’s brakes can be applied independent of the coach’s brakes. (SilentPartner and FourWire systems only)

All systems use the toad’s power (vacuum) assisted brakes.

Is not proportional. Note 1: A misconception exists that if a system uses the toad’s vacuum system, then it must be proportional. That is not necessarily true. With the SMI systems, a fixed amount of vacuum is used; the amount of braking is constant. Note 2: With the Stay-IN-Play variation, the brakes in the towed vehicle are applied progressively harder in a panic stop. The longer you are in the panic, the harder the towed vehicle brakes are applied

All four systems are invasive. A T-connector and check valve are inserted into the toad’s vacuum system

Uses the toad’s electrical system.

The connection to the toad’s vacuum system is permanently installed. Without the Stay-IN-Play variation, part of the systems must be removed and stored before driving the toad.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: smibrake.com
Phone: 1-800-893-3763
Warranty: Five years (1st year company pays freight both ways. Years 2 and 3, customer pays inbound freight. Years 4 and 5, customer pays freight both ways and the company reserves the right to charge for labor only, depending on signs of abuse (part are still covered, regardless).

US Gear Unified Tow Brake
Deceleration system (combined with coach brakes). Actually, I’m not sure whether it is the motor home’s brake light switch or accelerometers detecting a decrease in forward momentum that triggers the application of the toad’s brakes. In either event, both are involved. When triggered, accelerometers and software in the coach are used to determine how much pressure should be applied to the toad’s brakes. The actual application of the toad’s brakes is affected with a push/pull cable driven by an electric solenoid. The system also uses a vacuum pump to enable the toad’s power (vacuum) assist system.

Monitoring. Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (wire umbilical cord between motor home and toad) to the coach. The signal originates from a small power module in the toad.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: The braking force of the toad’s brakes relative to that of the motor home’s brakes can be adjusted.

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: 'Tweaking' of the solenoid is done when the system is first installed.

The toad’s brakes can be applied independent of the coach’s brakes.

Uses the toad’s power (vacuum) assist system.

Is proportional. Note: The proportionality is to the deceleration rate of the coach instead of the pressure on the coach's brake pedal.

Is invasive. A T-connector and check valve are inserted into the toad’s vacuum system

Uses the toad’s electrical system. The toad's battery is charged by the coach's alternator using a line in the wire umbilical cord between the coach and the toad.

Permanent installation. A vacuum pump is mounted in the toad’s engine compartment. A T-connector and a check valve are installed in the toad’s vacuum line. A pulley is attached to the inside firewall. A solenoid is mounted inside the toad.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: usgear
Phone: 1-800-874-3271
Warranty: One year

VIP Tow Brakes
Deceleration System (combined with coach brakes). A mercury switch, located in the coach, is used to detect a decrease in forward momentum. In addition to a decrease in forward momentum, the coach’s brake light must be on (from pressing the pedal). When activated, a high-speed electric actuator applies pressure to the toad’s brake pedal arm.

Monitoring: Application of the toad’s brakes is signaled (wire between coach and toad) to the coach.

Adjustments to the system from within the coach: The sensitivity – how quickly the coach must be stopping before the toad’s brakes are activated – can be adjusted. Automatic braking can be turned off.

Adjustments to the system from within the toad: The amount of force applied to the toad’s brake pedal arm is set with a pressure regulator on the actuator assembly.

The toad’s brakes can be applied independent of the coach’s brakes.

Does not use the toad’s power (vacuum) assist to aid in the application of brakes.

Is not proportional.

Is not invasive.

Uses the toad’s electrical system. The toad’s battery receives a trickle charge from the coach’s electrical system.

Installation is not permanent (as I have defined permanent). A bracket is mounted to the floorboard of the toad and to the brake pedal arm. The actuator is connected between these two brackets when towing. The actuator must be removed and stored from driving. The process involves removing a couple of pins. In addition, there is a one-time wiring installation. The controller in the coach and the actuator communicate through a wire – wire form front of coach to rear, a wire from the actuator to front of toad, and a jumper between them when towing.

Has a breakaway system.

Website: VIP Tow Brake
Phone: 1-800-422-4663 ext 847 (message for callback)
Direct: 734-516-2056
Warranty: Ten years

Corrections and suggestions are solicited, especially from those who use these system. It is not easy to extract this information from the Internet!

Tom

[RonPar]

I just returned from my first trip (1400 miles) with the Even Brake proportional braking system. I found it to work very well after I found the right setting.

At first, I experienced the "lock on" as reported. The brakes did't release right away! It happened only on the first brake application after set-up. When I changed the setting; Force to low and Sensitivity to low, I no longer had this happen.

I changed the settings because I could feel the toad (06 Honda C-RV - 3400 lbs.) "tugging" as brakes were applied. At the new setting, what I feel is the momentary slight "push" of the toad on the RV (vs. toadless). Then the red light on the monitor shows braking and the "push" stops. The toad brakes evenly and in proportion to my RV. I tried soft, medium and heavy braking. The Even Brake responded accordingly. I was very impressed!

It did not run down the battery during the two week trip. Installing and uninstalling the system now takes about 5 minutes. I have to wait ~5 min. for my CRV to idle as per mfg. reccommendations anyway. I install the system while it idles. The peace of mind in having a working braking system far outways any minor inconvenience in set-up.


There is a concern in the design of the pedal clamping system. The lock holding the claw tight on the brake pedal has loosened a couple of times. This didn't affect my braking as the larger bottom clamps still hold it to the brake pedal. My concern is the brake pedal pushing on the lock to spring it open. I'd like to see a more secure clamp. In the meantime, I'm very careful to fully engage the lock and position it where the pedal has an indentation in the rubber.

[FunFrankieRV]

Well I've used Roadmaster's BRAKEMASTER for going on well let's say since they came out years ago. Only thing I ever had to do or get for it was new hook up for a new car. I refer to her as GOOD OLE RELIABLE.... I freaking love it...

Frankie

[portablevcb]

So, does anyone out there have a ToadStop?

charlie

[Jeff_Laura]

As mentioned earlier, I installed the US gear unit. It, too, has a vacuum pump. One of the features that I like most is that it charges the battery when we are going down the road. That takes a lot of concern out of worrying about that problem. It does require a 6 prong plug though.

[Belgique]

Jackjagt wrote:
The key advantage is that it uses a vacuum pump so that the existing brake vacuum booster is a key part of the system. The brake system is actuated by a vacuum cylinder controlled by the same vacuum pump, in response to the brake light signal and braking/deceleration forces acting on a pendulum in the system unit.
Reliable, out-of-the-way, works seamlessly.
I self installed, a fair bit of work, but minimal fuss now. Turn it on at the start of a trip, off at the end.

Re the SMI system...

How involved is the hook up to the TOAD's vacumn system? I get scared when it comes to tapping into brakes.

Thanks for this thread!!!! Steve

[Pat-trisha]

Someone mentioned another system early on in this thread, and it has never been mentioned again. It's not been reviewed, and I'm not sure why.

It is Tow Brake International's Mountain Master Brake system.

I just purchased it and had it installed in my new Jeep Liberty. Their website for the Mountain Master is: http://www.towbrake.com/towbrakes.htm

The initial installation is time consuming. However, it is easy to use once it is installed. It takes a bit of fussing to get it properly calibrated for the correct sensitivity. Nearly every part of it is adjustable. There is a Mercury switch in the coach (so it is inertial) and you can adjust the amount that will trigger it.

It has a break away built in.

It is all electric, non invasive. It is a cylinder that attaches with a pin and in the case of the jeep, it is has a bar bolted to the floor in front of the seat that it attaches to. The cylinder is adjustable as to pressure, and throw.It is NOT proportional (which is fine, I don't want to engage my toad brakes EVERY time I use the coach brakes.)

It is controllable from inside the coach via a panel that allows you to manually apply toad brakes, manually disengage them (for long grades, hence the name mountain master, I presume), plus two lights that show whether the brakes have been engaged, if there are any problems, and an alarm.

If you can apply the brakes manually, you can avoid potential jacknife situations (presumably...yhou must understand the causes of such manuevers and know when and how).

The system does require quite a bit of "getting to know you" to understand how it works and adjustments, so it assumes some proactivity on the part of the owner/driver. However, for the control it offers as a trade off, I'll take it. I'd rather know and understand and learn, and in turn, have the ability to override the brake on a long downhill grade, or conversely, apply the brake when I have a potential jackknife situation.

It is comparably priced, by the time you have it installed. and one should really have it installed by someone who is conscientious and thorough, not just trying to get the job done. You don't want to miss any of the calibration steps.

I thought I'd write this up because I hadn't seen anything like it except another user who also liked his wrote about it.

Any chace we can add this to the review?

I had a brake buddy (still do) for my other toad, and it discharged the battery (and doesn't warn you). I just ended up with a dead toad at a reset area in Janesville WI. couldn't start the car for it's 5 minutes "on time" (it was a Honda civic). I had problems with that toad battery being run down frequently with the brake buddy, although other than that, and having to kneel down into the mud on a rainy day setting it up a few times, it worked as advertised. I don't care for the wahy the brake buddy attaches to the brake pedal with that claw foot. It can come off if the latch works its way loose, or if the spring comes off the claw mechanism.

After my experience with the brake buddy, I decided to get something more interactive and less dependant on little claw feet with tiny springs that can come loose.

I will touch base after some considerable experience with the Mountain Master brake (I am going through the colorado mountains next...) and let you know how that goes.

I'd be happy to share information from my documentation with the moderator if you want to add it to your review.

Thanks.

Patricia

[MrMudstud]

Pulsar,

You have done a Superb 2nd to none complete detailed write-up on this much needed information. My hat goes to you, thanks again, Ron.

[Jeff_Laura]

In response to the posting of 2/22/06...I went ahead and purchased the US Gear System. It is a permanently mounted system and the write up provided by Pulsar is right on the money. It's a little pricey at around $1800 but well worth it for the peace of mind and the technology involved.

To everybody that did respond........thank you very much

Jeff Grossman
Elk Grove, CA

[Don___Gloria]

Yes, there is a button on the MH monitor that you can press to get a reading of the toads battery voltage. I remember checking it when I first got the unit, but did not look at it later in the week when I had the low battery alarm.

[pulsar]

Don & Nancy,

The Even Brake monitor has two warning messages about low toad battery conditions. The first is a statement similar to "low battery voltage in the towed vehicle." The second one is about shutting down. That message is similar to, "'Power Save' battery protection mode has been applied."

If you didn't get the second one, then the Even Brake system stayed fully functional. As previously stated, if it did go into 'Power Save' mode, you would retain emergency braking for panic stops and breakaway.

A question for you, does the monitor give you a readout of the toad's battery voltage?

Tom

[Don___Gloria]

Tom & Bob: Thanks for the response. I did not know the unit basically shut down except for emergency braking when given a low battery alarm - that's interesting. I am definately going to look into monitoring the brake light on the toad with a separate wire to a light on the MH dash and I would guess after the first couple of toad batteries go dead on me - I'll get "motivated" on that charging circuit as well. I had forgotten too about "load testing" a battery, so I'll get that done and make sure I keep my jumper cables stored in the toad.

This string of messages doesn't sound like it -- but this is fun -- right? We are having fun aren't we?

[CA_Traveler]

Don & Nancy wrote:
I have a new Roadmaster Even Brake unit and just made my first trip towing a dingy. I do have a couple of concerns with the Even Brake.

One concern has to do with the remote communications from the remote brake to the receiver in the motor home. Several times the remote monitor in the motor home showed the brakes applied, but then did not release right away. I stopped and checked the tow car and the brakes were not on. I power cycled the monitor in the motor home and it returned to normal. I think there are times when the sending unit in the tow car does not link well with the receiver in the motor home.

The tow car had a low battery alarm on the trip back - we were still an hour from home. The Even Brake unit reported the low battery alarm as it said it would. I don't know if I had a weak battery to begin with or not. We drove the toad around a lot the day before we came home and we were only 200 miles away. I don't think the Even Brake should have run down the battery on that short of a trip, the tow car started when we got home - I didn't have to use jumper cables or anything.

What a discouraging report, that is if you think Roadmaster can design a good product. I bought a BrakePro and it took them 1 year to get it right. The biggest problem was false braking on small road bumps. To their credit they did finally get the design to match their advertisements after 1 year.

In the meantime I installed a light on the dash connected to the toad brake lights so that I WOULD KNOW when the brake was applied and not when the monitor said it was applied. I was also motivated by posts on other products that had applied the brakes and caused expensive repairs.

Have your battery load tested, you could have a weak battery. My 04 CRV just got weaker and I became aware of it because the BrakePro monitor started flashing indicating a weak battery. ie A plus for BrakePro. Honda replaced the battery under warranty.

The other thing I learned is that using any box brake without a charge circuit from the rig has the potential to run the battery down.

And the third thing I learned is that over time installing a box brake becomes a PITA.

I fell for the proportional braking because I'm an engineer and understand these type of systems. The reality is what's important is stop when you need to stop. Starting over I would not use a box brake nor would I use any system that did not depress the brake petal. Why? Because I require a wire and light from the brake light switch to the rig that indicate when the toad brakes are depressed and that eliminates all systems that tap into the hydraulic system. And if the system did not have a charging circuit I would add one. So for me turn key operation, charging circuit and independent brake circuit light.

[pulsar]

Don & Nancy,

Thank you for your post about Roadmaster's Even Brake system. It is always beneficial to have reports from members who acutally use a system, especially a new system.

Since Even Brake has, at least, a sense of porportionality, it will use more of the toad's battery reserve than would a system like Apollo or BrakeBuddy. Though, it is hard to imagine that it would drain a battery on a 200-mile trip. Since Even Brake sort of shuts itself down when it detects a low batter situation, retaining only the emergency braking features, the toad's battery could have gained a little charge on the remainder of your trip.

Please keep us updated about your remote communications and low battery situations.

Tom

[pulsar]

pparker900,

I made an informal agreement with some of the manufacturers that I would not show a preference for a particular system. In exchange, I was able to communicate with engineers at many of the companines - some via e-mails, some via telephone.

As far as the Blue Ox braking systesm, the Apollo system is the first one in the reviews, which are listed in alphabetical order. Blue Ox makes quite a collection of supplementary brake systems – Apollo, AutoStop, ToadStop, ToadStop II, and BrakeSafe. The different systems were more than I could handle when trying to write reviews. For example, with the BrakeSafe system, Blue Ox advertises as an important feature that it does not tap into the toad’s brake system. Yet the BrakeSafe does tap into the coach’s brake system. And, more to the point here, ToadStop does tap into the toad’s brake system. It seems as if when any company came out with a brake system, Blue Ox came out with a similar model. The criteria I established writing a review included either access to someone knowledgeable at the company or direct access to a working unit. At the time, I could not get a meaningful dialog opened with Bleu Ox. I do have a friend who uses the Apollo system; thus, I was able to include it.

Here are some brief observations about the Blue Ox systems, other than Apollo, which has a full review in the first post.

AutoStop is very similar to ReadyBrake

ToadStop is a system that taps into the RV’s vacuum system and the toad’s vacuum system. The vacuum is used to power the toad’s power brakes and to pull on a cable attached t the toad’s brake pedal. I think they have an optional vacuum pump for diesels and those who don’t want to tap into the RV’s vacuum system.

ToadStop II is a self-contained system that puts a vacuum pump in the toad’s trunk. A cable from runs through a pulley on the toad’s firewall to pull on the toad’s brake pedal. The system is connected electrically with the RV. Like ToadStop, it reads the RV’s brake lights.

Both ToadStop and ToadStop II have a control unit in the RV that allows the system to be turned off, work ‘normally’, or be activated independently of the RV.

BrakeSafe Push (but it could be Pull) is the one that might be compared with the BrakeMaster and M&G systems. It taps into the RV’s air system or hydraulic system.

Tom

[Don___Gloria]

I have a new Roadmaster Even Brake unit and just made my first trip towing a dingy. I do have a couple of concerns with the Even Brake.

One concern has to do with the remote communications from the remote brake to the receiver in the motor home. Several times the remote monitor in the motor home showed the brakes applied, but then did not release right away. I stopped and checked the tow car and the brakes were not on. I power cycled the monitor in the motor home and it returned to normal. I think there are times when the sending unit in the tow car does not link well with the receiver in the motor home.

The tow car had a low battery alarm on the trip back - we were still an hour from home. The Even Brake unit reported the low battery alarm as it said it would. I don't know if I had a weak battery to begin with or not. We drove the toad around a lot the day before we came home and we were only 200 miles away. I don't think the Even Brake should have run down the battery on that short of a trip, the tow car started when we got home - I didn't have to use jumper cables or anything.