TravelHawk
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Re: Suggest brake system for 2015 Wrangler Unlimited
bighatnohorse wrote: Post is now months old. Did you settle on a brake system? Which one and how did the install go for you? Thanks for the reminder. The answer is, "not yet". I'm still trying to get delivery of the Wrangler...expected last Friday but just got bumped to 2 weeks from now, "still on a railcar". Frustrating. So, I'm still investigating all options. For auxiliary braking I'm inclined to transfer over my Liberty's Unified Tow Brake system, in spite of the business issues, because it is clearly the most sophisticated system, and I already did the hard part -- buy it. For lights I'm trying to grasp pros and cons of Mopar "factory" cable vs. CoolTech (apparently a knock-off) vs. the various home-brew methods that installers use, with diodes and sometimes relays (Mopar and CoolTech use both). The difficult is, labor seems to be about the same using any of the options, so it comes down to best and most reliable method. For towbar I'll reuse my BluxOx Aventa II. The final debate is over which baseplate for a Wrangler. BlueOx is the obvious choice, but on a Wrangler it mounts very low (almost 3 inches lower than on a Liberty), which then requires I use a 6-inch dropbar (ugh, I already use a 4-inch), and potentially exposes the baseplate to ground impact when off-roading. Demco seems to mount almost 3 inches higher, but the mounting seems far less robust (fewer bolts, etc). I don't think Roadmaster baseplate is worth considering since I already have BlueOx towbar.592Views0likes0CommentsRe: Suggest brake system for 2015 Wrangler Unlimited
Off Pavement wrote: I am curious about your statement the device is no longer made, and wonder where that information comes from? My first plan was to move my 2007-vintage UTB from my old Jeep to my new Jeep, but I wanted to verify that it's smart and practical to do this. So in the past couple of weeks I called my original Unified Tow Brake dealer, and some other UTB "premier" dealers (as listed on UTB's site in bold blue). I specifically asked about parts availability (because my original UTB control module had burned out a couple of years ago). Each of the dealers told me of a recent lawsuit between the product's inventor and the separate business that has been the product's seller for many years. They say the seller lost the suit, and can no longer sell the UTB product, only whatever spare parts it has on hand...until they run out. Moving to my Plan B, I started calling other brake system manufacturers for info, and mentioned that I had been using UTB. One of the manufacturers confirmed the lawsuit story, saying he knows the inventor, and was offered the chance to take over UTB selling but declined. I suppose UTB might find a new seller to work with, because it seems to be a superior brake system design, but I can't wait. Of course, I haven't researched the actual lawsuit nor contacted the inventor of UTB, just reporting what I've been told. If anyone else wants to dig deeper, please share what you learn.592Views0likes0CommentsRe: Suggest brake system for 2015 Wrangler Unlimited
I appreciate the responses (keep 'em coming!). Some feedback: Unified Tow Brake -- This is what I've been using for 7+years, probably the most sophisticated design and performance, but.. Very expensive to move from Liberty to Wrangler ($1250 labor!) which seems unwise because the device is no longer made. When spare parts run out it's game over, and I already have needed to do emergency field repairs (the control module burned up internally, had to drive the Rockies brakeless). SMI Stay-In-Play -- Closest in design to the Unified Tow Brake, though SMI's control system is not quite as sophisticated. Is it also vulnerable to component failure? Installation quotes are approx $1000, seems high, don't know if it can be a do-it-myself job. ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute -- Quite interesting, but every towing/RV shop I've contacted has either refused to install this, or wants huge $$ and won't warranty the work. They say it's horribly difficult to install and seems impossible to have reliable performance...different braking force when turning, or wheel locking, or no braking, etc. Same with the similar BlueOx. RVibrake2 Auxiliary Braking System and similar devices that get put in-out-in-out-... -- I have no experience with this, but worry about the hassle factor. Even stowing the device while driving could be a pain in a small Jeep. Or am I misunderstanding?306Views0likes0CommentsSuggest brake system for 2015 Wrangler Unlimited
I'm switching from a 2008 Liberty to a 2015 Wrangler Rubicon. I''m not going to move my Liberty's brake system to the new Jeep, time for something new. I need a new brake system -- what do you suggest, and why? Factors: ease of installation (cuz that can become a crazy/expensive job), price to buy, and how well it does the job of applying brakes appropriately. I'm aware of the main three types: -- electric always in place, solenoid or similar pulls on brake pedal -- electric move in/out of place, arm presses on brake pedal -- mechanical surge brake, cable from tow bar pulls on brake pedal If you are using a recent vintage brake system, especially on a recent vintage Wrangler (2007 or newer is the current JK chassis), I'd love to hear about it. My rig is a gas coach so Air Force one or similar is not useable. I'll continue to use my BlueOx Aventa LX tow bar.10KViews0likes25CommentsRe: Vernal to Estes Park (and/or Denver)
Thanks for the suggestion, but I've heard that driving a big rig THROUGH RMNP is not advisable. Some have said it is not allowed or not possible (like it's not possible to drive the primary route through Yosemite due to clearances). Can anyone confirm/deny?377Views0likes0CommentsVernal to Estes Park (and/or Denver)
We love scenery and secondary routes, and I'm fine with mountain roads and high passes when they are worthwhile. But in a class A + towed, some roads are not worth the fuel or hassle. So, of the several routes between Vernal UT and Estes Park (or general Boulder/Denver area), what is recommended to consider, or avoid? I could go north from Vernal to I-80 in various ways, or south to I-70 in various ways. Both of these Interstate segments would be new to us. Or I could go east on US-40 to...where?1.3KViews0likes5CommentsRe: Redmond OR to Portland OR - US26??
Tillamook Cheese Factory is interesting, BUT two years ago about this same time, after the tour we tried to eat in their little restaurant. A major item is cheese sandwich and tomato soup, seemed appropriate to order. But then it took 50 minutes to receive it! We almost went to our rig to get snacks while waiting. Weird. There's an aircraft museum nearby that was very interesting, lots more history in that area than I realized.424Views0likes0CommentsRe: US101 vs. I680 thru SF bay area
Maps are deceiving because of how California and S.F. Bay are tilted. US-101 is slightly shortest in miles but not in speed. The east bay route is essentially the same distance, but typically a better drive: US-101 to San Jose, then I-880 along the east bay shoreline to the Bay Bridge "maze" of multiple freeways. Continue north on I-80/I-580, staying on I-580 when it turns west across Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, merging back into US-101. (Toll is $5 for single vehicle. For those who tow, it jumps to $20 for 2 vehicles hooked together -- the State is very bad at math.) I-880 road quality is poor in south Oakland, and there will be plenty of truck traffic. But the west bay route of US-101 is worse, plus it requires city streets through San Francisco, and the scenic but tight GG Bridge and tight and twisty US-101 in south Marin. PS: I-680 would be way off-course. From San Jose it leaves the bay and routes inland, north to I-80, which would then be a tough drive to get back to US-101. Of course, commute traffic and accidents can change everything!423Views0likes0CommentsRe: Coach Length
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/bus-motorhome/ Key statements: 45' Motorhome: On this web page, a 45' motorhome refers to a single-unit motorhome that is longer than 40 feet but not more than 45 feet. The basic California length law for vehicles is 40 feet unless specifically exempted. On October 9, 2001, Governor Davis signed Assembly Bill (AB) 67 which changed the California Vehicle Code (CVC) to allow motorhomes over 40 feet in length, up to 45 feet, on certain routes. The CVC requires a motorhome endorsement on a noncommercial class B driver license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The pertinent CVC sections are copied below under "Legal History." The driver must pass a written and skills examination (i.e. a driving test), submit a specified medical form, and pay a $34 fee. The medical exam must be repeated every two years. The license is valid for approximately five years. Out-of-State Drivers: Non-residents visiting California may not operate a motorhome over 40 feet in length unless in possession of an out-of-state driver license authorizing the operation of that vehicle. LEGAL ROUTES Access Routes: 45' motorhomes may travel on virtually every State route EXCEPT those signed with a 30-foot kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) advisory sign. This sign advises trucks with a KPRA of more than 30 feet not to use the route. There are also KPRA advisories signs with 32, 34, 36, and 38 feet. These advisories that are 32 feet and higher ALLOW 45' motorhomes to use the routes. On-Line Map: See: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/bus-mh/45-bus-map.htm. Click on the red numbers to open each regional map. Restricted Route List: An on-line list of route segments that restrict 45' motorhomes is at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/bus-mh/45-bus-restrict.htm. The list includes beginning and ending post miles and intersecting streets or highways of each segment. Stopping for Services: 45' motorhomes may exit the designated route for fuel, food, and lodging provided the access is safe, and provided the service is within one road mile of an "identified" exit. The exit must be identified to show that the service route has been evaluated and approved by State and local engineers. Currently, the only identification system for service exits is a "Service Access" sign, which is an "S" on the back of a truck, as illustrated below. These signs were intended for large trucks, and are located primarily on the interstates. City and County Access Roads: Caltrans has jurisdiction over State routes only. 45' motorhomes are allowed on certain State routes, but not necessarily on local roads. Cities and counties have jurisdiction over local roads. To inquire about motorhome access on local roads, contact the appropriate city or county public works department.328Views0likes0Comments
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