Toad brakes.

Kenny kustom · 09-03-2017, 04:49 PM

Planning a two month trip next summer, and will likely be dragging a Jeep too.

What is everyone liking for braking systems?

Kenny kustom · 09-03-2017, 04:52 PM

I would prefer one that stays installed.

BamaBob · 09-03-2017, 04:52 PM

We have a SMI Air Force one - if your Dynamax has a Air system, this is the only brake system I would consider Kenny - it really is best in class (it IS expensive though)

Kenny kustom · 09-03-2017, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaBob

We have a SMI Air Force one - if your Dynamax has a Air system, this is the only brake system I would consider Kenny - it really is best in class (it IS expensive though)

No air..[emoji30].

I don’t mind expensive.
You get what you pay for.

Kenny kustom · 09-03-2017, 05:24 PM

I was looking at the invisibrake.

Edit... the invisibrake seems to overcomplicate the wiring for the control.
Hacking up the mh tail light wiring for a signal. Not sure if I’m a fan of that.

Kenny kustom · 09-03-2017, 05:53 PM

M&G seems interesting.
They even have a setup for hydraulic brakes.

BamaBob · 09-04-2017, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

I was looking at the invisibrake.

Edit... the invisibrake seems to overcomplicate the wiring for the control.
Hacking up the mh tail light wiring for a signal. Not sure if I’m a fan of that.

I believe for non—air systems, The invisibrake is rated best in class

Kenny kustom · 09-04-2017, 08:36 PM

I’m waiting to hear back from MG.
I really like the master cylinder install on the toad.
Easy to do, and nothing inside the toad.
I just want to see what they use for a hydraulic coach signal.

Rkloud9 · 09-05-2017, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

I’m waiting to hear back from MG.
I really like the master cylinder install on the toad.
Easy to do, and nothing inside the toad.
I just want to see what they use for a hydraulic coach signal.

We are using the Blue Ox Patriot system, and it seems to do the job well. We are pulling about the smallest car around, a Chevy Spark... in many states the toad brake is not required on a sub 3000 lb vehicle, but we feel better having it in place. I ran a 12v power line from the 7 pin coach connector through the 5 pin toad plug to power the Patriot, after killing the Spark battery on an exceptionally long drive day. The Patriot includes a remote control for the coach cab that wirelessly controls brake sensitivity, and a manual brake actuating lever.

Hope this helps!

Kenny, I enjoy all your posts on the Isata 4 experience.

Bob & Cynthia
2017 SunSeeker MBS 2400w

Sharon455 · 09-05-2017, 02:36 PM

We use the Blue Ox Patriot 2 with our 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It can be a hassle putting it in and out, but when we bought it there were too many reviews on the Invisibrake about it locking up and no one in the motorhome seemed to notice until the toad was on fire or tires shredded off.

Kenny kustom · 09-05-2017, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharon455

We use the Blue Ox Patriot 2 with our 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It can be a hassle putting it in and out, but when we bought it there were too many reviews on the Invisibrake about it locking up and no one in the motorhome seemed to notice until the toad was on fire or tires shredded off.

I’ve heard of that.
I guess they did too!
They now include a led light that is hooked to the brake switch. The led is placed on the windshield, and can be viewed from the coach camera. Makes sense.

Kenny kustom · 09-05-2017, 04:16 PM

I did hear back from mg.

They use a proportioning valve, air compressor and air tank.
Seems pretty easy.
$1200 inc brake away.
I asked about just the prop valve, as I already have a compressor installed, and a tank I can put in.
No need to double up.

Attach a 3 way at the rear axle. New line goes to the prop valve. The prop valve controls the air, sending it to the toad. Nice idea.
Cylinder is installed between the master cylinder and booster.
One time install.
Only an air line from coach to toad.

Kenny kustom · 09-05-2017, 08:31 PM

$1k for mg.. no compressor /tank. includes break away kit.
We have a winner!

BamaBob · 09-06-2017, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

I’ve heard of that.
I guess they did too!
They now include a led light that is hooked to the brake switch. The led is placed on the windshield, and can be viewed from the coach camera. Makes sense.

Actually, a better 'plan' is to run that wire/LED back to the cockpit.

When I step on the brakes, the bright red LED comes on and illuminates my pedals - can't miss it even in bright daylight

Kenny kustom · 09-06-2017, 02:10 PM

That’s one thing that wouldn’t be possible with the MG kit.
It doesn’t actually depress the brake pedal.

BamaBob · 09-06-2017, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

That’s one thing that wouldn’t be possible with the MG kit.
It doesn’t actually depress the brake pedal.

Doesn’t Have to physically depress the Break. The LED is activated the brake light circuit is completed.

I was referring to depressing the break in the coach [emoji6]

Kenny kustom · 09-06-2017, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Doesn’t Have to physically depress the Break. The LED is activated the brake light circuit is completed.

I was referring to depressing the break in the coach [emoji6]

Buy having a light come on, when you depress the coach brake.. wouldn’t tell you if the unit in the toad has malfunctioned and is holding the brakes.

The light I was talking about, comes from the toad brake switch.

Gidyupgo · 03-16-2018, 08:30 PM

We like RVi3.
https://rvibrake.com/pages/auxiliary-brake-comparison

Kenny kustom · 03-17-2018, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

We like RVi3.
https://rvibrake.com/pages/auxiliary-brake-comparison

I have no interest in the portable units.
I don't want something i have to install and remove all the time.
I don't want anything attached to the brake pedal from the inside.
I don't want something that is going to be draining the battery.

The M & G is a one time install, that you never have to touch.

One simple air line from the coach is all thats needed ( plus break away coiled cable )

CharlieS3 · 05-15-2018, 12:36 AM

I started with the classic brake buddy, but hated the process of installing and removing the brake buddy all the time. I switched to the SMI duo, which did not require that I tap into the air system of the motorcoach. I did the install myself. I used the existing brake wire (blue wire) to backfeed an LED I put in my motorhome dash from the brake switch in the toad. I also installed extra wiring and diodes to run the toad lights straight off the RV wiring. It took a full day, but it was worth the effort.

I'm thrilled with this system. Hook up, connect the wire plug up front, make sure the emergency brake is off, and go. I leave the switch on all the time. My jeep doesn't have the steering lock, so no key needed in the ignition. Easy peasy.

You should also consider having a tire pressure monitor that includes your toad. Nothing worse than finding you've been dragging a flat tire for the past 300 miles and destroyed your rim.

Charlie

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