Bugle_Boy
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Re: Supplemental Brake Systems - update 8/7/06
I have just had the M & G brake system installed on a 1998 Newmar Mountain Aire 37.5 ft. tag axle, Ford 460 gas engine. I required the optional air compressor to convert my RV hydraulic brake fluid to compressed air to operate the toad brakes. The toad is a 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4 door[not a Grand]. I have about 30 miles on the set up and all is working as it should. The stopping ability seems to be slightly better than with no toad. I have a tendency to downshift from 4th[OD] to 3rd direct approaching lights in traffic and can see a noticeable improvement in stopping performance. The system is completely proportional, and that is very, very important to me. It's not a real big deal, but now when I put light [or heavy] pressure on the RV brakes I have the "stopping power" of 10 disc brakes all working together. The compressor tray with tank is mounted on the inside of the rear frame with an air line quick disconnect in a welded bracket within 6 " of the unit.The rearward mounting also allows me to simply reach under the bumper and open the small tank drain valve to let any accumulated moisture drain out without having to actually get under the RV. The steel brake line to the air compressor is from a "T" at the rear driving wheel at the point where the hydraulic steel line goes into the flex line to the disc brake calipers.The tag axle also has disc brakes, but the "T" is at the drive line brakes. A flexible Teflon [?] line goes from the quick disconnect at the rear bumper of the RV through the grill of the toad direct to the M& G supplied device at the brake master cylinder.The compressed air directly loads the brake system on the toad in proportion to the amount of pressure I place on the RV brake pedal. When the toad is in regular use, we have coiled up the flex line back through the grill and into the engine compartment in a Velcro strap secured near the brake cylinder away from all heat sources. A mechanical rod goes through the supplied M&G cylinder unit and allows the toad brakes to work as normal,when not in toad mode.[flex line open ended and "breathing" so as not to compromise the system]. I am scheduled on an over 1000 mile trip in 3 weeks and will be glad to report my feelings on the new brake system upon my return. The unit was installed by a truck fleet repair company where the owner has a motor home and does have some RV customers. This installation was their first for this set up and they read everything carefully and proceeded slowly. The total time suggested by M& G was 4 hours and my system installation was 6 hours. It would have been a bit less if I had a Diesel RV [ air brakes, eliminating the bolt on air compressor system].A few hundred dollars cheaper, too. So far , I am pleased with the unit and the mechanic was impressed with the quality of the machined M&G components and also the fact that all fittings and parts were supplied for both the toad and the coach.......even down to a packet of lock tite material. My only cost for parts was for steel approved brake lines not supplied due to the difference in coach lengths from rear brakes to air compressor mounting point. So far, so good. Bugle Boy Warren455Views0likes0Comments
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