I have a problem with my US Gear Braking system, when I hook it up I get no green light at the control. I went through all the steps to check the wireing and found all to be OK . So I guess it must be the control in the motor home. I checked and found them to be over $300, well I guess since I only paid less that $500 for the whole setup I find to be that entirely too expensive. I guess I will once again run without the braking system. Or I will just wait until I can afford another type. This little piece of which needs replaced probably doesn't cost $50 but US Gear think it is worth much more than that. Maybe I will be lucky and find a place to repair the control or maybe a used one. If anyone has a good cheap solution please let me know.

What have you specifically checked? There are several places you could have a wiring problem that would cause failure. Did it ever work? How did you verify voltage on the blue lead to the towed vehicle control box? Did you 100% verified 12v, ground and brake lamp switch connections on the towing vehicle? On the control box end in the towed vehicle, did you check and verify that the blue lead (and all others for that matter) is actually plugged into the control box? Have you verified that the cable between the towed and towing vehicle is not the issue? Does the break-away switch activate the system?I think the UTB is a great system. Even with a controller at $300 replacement cost if you actually need it, it's still cheaper than a complete new system from anybody else. Additionally, if you can find a qualified electronic technician, he may be able to repair what you have inexpensively.

..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.

willald wrote:..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.Couldn't have said it better myself and the time for the OP to get rid of that mess is now, for around $400 that should work well with any existing tow bar. The $35 dash LED monitor is usually included with your order as well.

willald wrote:..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.I assume that the ready brake (surge brake) system has a damper (like a shock absorber) to minimize hysteresis - is the damper adjustable to suit the mass of the toad?

Popsie wrote:willald wrote:..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.I assume that the ready brake (surge brake) system has a damper (like a shock absorber) to minimize hyseteresis - is the damper adjustable to suit the mass of the toad?If I might chime in here, it doesn't have to be, since as soon as the toad brake is applied, it slows and the brakes are released. The only cable adjustment necessary is for how soon you'd like for the toad brake to be applied, as it catches up to the coach or whatever might be pulling it. I have mine pretty tight, since I want some degree of braking at the moment the toad catches up to the coach.

US Gear Braking system | Good Sam Community

tropical36
Explorer
Jul 13, 2013
wbwood wrote:
man, y'all are making a good sell for the Ready Brake system. I'm getting pretty close to buying something and I don't really like any way that any of these braking systems work, lol. I was almost convinced to just go the tow dolly route with electric brakes, for what the cost of something like the brake buddy or the patriot costs, plus the base plate. Luckily I am going to be given a blue ox tow bar. So that cut some of the costs down.

Does anyone know if somewhere like CW will install a Ready Brake system? I don't believe they sell it.

You should be able to do the job yourself and if not, find a friend who's a little mechanically inclined to help. Otherwise take it to a hitch shop and if they can't handle it, run fast to find another.
You can talk with Vince and order what you need for a good price at TOWBARS UNLIMITED.
wbwood
Explorer
Jul 13, 2013
man, y'all are making a good sell for the Ready Brake system. I'm getting pretty close to buying something and I don't really like any way that any of these braking systems work, lol. I was almost convinced to just go the tow dolly route with electric brakes, for what the cost of something like the brake buddy or the patriot costs, plus the base plate. Luckily I am going to be given a blue ox tow bar. So that cut some of the costs down.

Does anyone know if somewhere like CW will install a Ready Brake system? I don't believe they sell it.
brobox
Explorer
Jul 13, 2013
willald wrote:
..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.

I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.

X2 I learned the hard way and a Ready Brake is all I will ever own now.
mowermech
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013
willald wrote:
..Expensive electronic components that can foul up and cause havoc....Your post here shows One of the main reasons why I want nothing to do with ANY 'electronic box' type braking system.

I highly recommend the ReadyBrake system. You could buy an entire Readybrake system for not much more than what US Gear wants to charge you for that controller that failed on yours. No electronics, nothing to fail and over-brake your toad or cause other problems. Just simple, no-nonsense cable-operated brake system that simply works, period. Almost anything that *might* one day wear out or break with the Readybrake can be bought from a local hardware store for less than $20. Its the only system I'll own.

I agree.
427435
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013
I started with the US Gear system. It worked fine the first year. Then the black box failed in the middle of a trip the next year. US Gear sent me a new one on warranty to a campground I was at. The 4th year, the vacuum pump failed. US Gear wanted $460 for a replacement. I found another (actually from Ready Brake for half that price). That also failed a year later. On hind sight, I should have taken the vacuum pumps off when they weren't needed and kept them somewhere warmer and cleaner than the engine compartment of a vehicle during a Minnesota winter.

Rather than spend more money on the US Gear system and it's electronics, I bought the Ready Brake system (including break-away system) for about $500. It has worked great so far and no electronics to fail in the middle of a trip.
MRUSA
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013
I have had USGear for ten years and it has been flawless. Maybe I am just lucky.
B_s_Bunch
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013
Thanks guys. I have had USGear for my last three toads. I have also had to replace brake pads earlier than I think I should have. Has to be the breaking system applying the brakes when it is not necessary. Really liked US Gear as it work flawlessly BUT hear is pad replacement really early. I dont need brake assist with my present setup but I want break away breaking/stopping. I just may check this out. Thanks again Larry
willald
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2013
B's Bunch wrote:
Does ready break have any braking capabilities for break away?

..What 'off pavement' said, linked to. :)

Yes, Readybrake provides a great break-away setup, with their 'Ready Stop' component. Follows same basic idea of Readybrake's braking system, too: Simple, no electronics, no-nonsense cable operation (although like tropical said, you hope it NEVER has to engage!)

..This is a common misunderstanding about Readybrake. Folks frequently assume it has no break-away option, but it indeed does, with the ReadyStop piece.

Will
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013
Off Pavement wrote:
B's Bunch wrote:
Does ready break have any braking capabilities for break away?

ReadyStop Break-Away

I installed it as well, but have no plans for ever using it...:E
Off_Pavement
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2013
B's Bunch wrote:
Does ready break have any braking capabilities for break away?

ReadyStop Break-Away