Toad Braking Systems

[Flyjay]

I am new to the RV world. I have a 35 foot Class A diesel pusher, I need to tow a Honda CRV. I do have a Roadmaster Sterling tow bar. I am at a loss what system to install for a supplemental brake system. I need help, as I said before I am a novice. Thank you very much!

[buckeyejoey]

Hi All -

We just bought our first good used motorhome last July. We are trying to put together what is needed to tow our 2010 Honda Fit w/manual transmission behind our 35 foot 2006 Forest River Georgetown built on the Ford F-53 Gas chassis w/ the Ford Triton V-10, 20-valve, 310 HP engine and the F400 transmission. Motorhome has a 3000/300 hitch receiver from factory and we have a Blue Ox Aladdin 4000 lb. rated tow bar that was part of the system that the original owners provided as part of the sale to us. Blue Ox makes a base plate for the Honda Fit. Found a diode plug-in wiring solution for the brake lights and trickle charger for the battery. Trying to find the best economical braking system and break away system to round out the package.

Any experience with "surge" supplemental braking systems like the NSA Readybrake with the additional emergency breakaway system?

[Snowwing]

I just installed an M&G with breakaway system on my new 2014 CRV.I wasn't as easy as the one I installed on my 2000 CRV but still not bad. after the initial installation it is very simple and easy to live with. Worth consideration in my opinion.
Good Luck
Ron

[traveylin]

Good closure...

[Flyjay]

Thank you all so much for your help.
It is a confusing subject, I want to make the right decision!

We are looking forward to our first trip in the Spring!

[willald]

...As you've seen from the responses so far, this subject will get you lots of different answers, almost all of which will be recommending the brand, type that each person owns. Just the way it is with subjects like this. 🙂

Since you have a DP with full air brakes, I would agree that Air Force One (or maybe M&G) is probably the best choice. That is, assuming money is no object and you want the absolute best you can get regardless of cost.

However, for most of us, money IS an object/factor, and must be considered. If you want the absolute best you can get for the $$ involved, bar none, get you a Readybrake, like already mentioned. Costs several hundred $ less than anything else, and gives you a very simple, easy to install and maintain system that works great.

[traveylin]

In addition to The Physics of towed vehicles, you might also read the two stickies at the top of Dingy topic that includes 30 threads, three hundred comments and 300,000 looks. This is a well debated topic with a lot of contrary information.

For breakaway protection a correctly installed base plate and towbar, is backed up by correctly installed safety chains. Aux braking system will merely shorten the glide path of an improperly installed toad after it has broken away. The toad may still go into oncoming traffic on the left or gas stations on the right

[tenbear]

I use a Blue Ox Patriot.

If you don't use a braking system, as someone suggested, you will not have any breakaway protection.

[Off_Pavement]

I recommend you read this article before you discount supplemental brakes... The Physics of Towed Vehicles

Personally, we use US Gear's Unified Tow Brake and here is my review... Unified Tow Brake Review

[traveylin]

Do not automatically assume you need an aux braking system. With a diesel pusher and a small crv you may be well within the breaking capacity of your motor home.

My unscientific survey the last several years in rv parks has about half of the toad users without auxiliary brakes. Texas does not require the specific application of aux brks. Perf std not application.

I have a bias against the aux brakes since it adds additional complexity to the hook up process and has the potential to add failure

pops

[Heisenberg]

RVI2

[summerhouse]

We got the Invisibrake wired in our 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Yes, it does require a small box to be mounted under the driver seat of the Jeep, and yes we find pay to have it installed. But it works beautifully and smoothly and is absolutely no-fuss// no muss!!

[gbopp]

Readybrake

[Bumpyroad]

lanerd wrote:
ever tried to use power brakes on your car without the engine running?? Just think how much force is required for all those other braking systems that doesn't use the toad's power brakes.



Ok, I'm done.


Ron

that is an often cited "problem" with the brake buddy system, primarily given by someone with no actual experience with their use. In 10 years of use I have not noticed any issue.
bumpy

[Big_Katuna]

Ready Brute Ready Brake for over ten years. Simple, works easy to connect.