Kajtek1
CA
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Joined: 12/04/2002
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The VIP constructed the chart, so their system looks good and the others bad.
Let's take "System status indicator light(s) in M/H (number)"
Do you care about having a discotheque on your dashboard? According to VIP having 3 lights is a good thing. I would say give me one red light, when something is wrong and forget the rest.
Personally for me the most important in braking is the maximum braking force and proportionality.
I would rule out all the systems, that wouldn't give me at least 50% of maximum braking force. Since this is very "unpopular" subject with the manufacturers, I suspect that only couple systems can deliver 50% of the performance.
The same goes to proportionality, what was "avoided" in VIP chart.
Go, figure.
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fcooper
St. Augustine, Florida
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Joined: 09/23/2003
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Tom
One more item about the SMI stay n play. The box that remains under the drivers seat maintains the vacuum for the toad power boost system. This vacuum setting is adjustable. It appears that by changing the vacuum pump setting the braking force in the toad is changed also. Mine was adjusted slightly low, and after increasing the vacuum setting the toad seems to brake a little more.
Regarding your question about "invasive", I really was not concerned about inserting a T connection into the vacuum line. Getting into the hydraulic system is more invasive than the T fitting in the vacuum line. I'm not sure your report has space to define how invasive the installation becomes, but it might be helpful info.
Still no answer to my email question to SMI.
Fred
Fred & Vicki
St. Augustine, Florida
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Fred (fcooper)
Thank you for all of the help you have provided. Your comments in the thread, private messages, and email have been very useful. I have communicated (phone and email) with Peter Schuck II, the president of SMI. I still have an email question that he hasn't responded to, but I sure am impressed that he took the time to communicate with me. He described the way they test their products, answered some basic questions, and talked about some interesting things they are planning. (I'm not allowed to say what.) I have emailed the other companies asking for input in the post. So far none of the others have responded.
Tom
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TimHayden
Seekonk, Ma, USA
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Joined: 08/04/2003
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I have the tow brake system - and so far have been happy with it. It does take some effort to make the initial installation - but works well. The pressure regulator is not adjustable as far as I can tell. There is a lever on the end of the linear electric motor where it attaches to the brake pedal - the lever is loaded by a spring - like a snow plow - if the motor pushes harder than the pedal needs, the pressure of the spring is overcome and the lever flexes.
The comment on the lights - there are small leds - on the M/H cab mounted control box - I have mine on the left wall. This also contains the mercury switch, the sensitivity adjustment, the on/off switch and a push button to activate the toad brakes without the M/H brakes. Green led on - power on, system OK. Red light on, brakes activated (at beginning of activation, short burst from buzzer. If cord from toad becomes unplugged (breakaway) the buzzer sounds continuously and the brakes are applied.
It takes about 2 - 3 minutes to install - putting pin in brake pedal bracket under dash is worst part.
Feel free to send a PM if you would like more info.
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toban
Canada
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Joined: 10/31/2003
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What about the Appollo braking system similar from Blue Ox to Brake Buddy but is digitized and more accurate maybe? What are their advantages over BB?
Toban
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Nicksrick
Diamond Bar, CA USA
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Joined: 10/28/2003
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Thank you for all of your hard work and anaalysis Tom!
One plus for US Gear's Unified Tow Brake is having a nation wide network of service installers.
VIP Tow Brakes does not have such a network of service installers in the Western United States.
Rick
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Hayhauler
Huntsville, AL USA
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Joined: 05/02/2002
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Tom,
Great work!
Do you have any info on the Remco brake system. I am looking at it because it is a surge system, it is simple to connect (one line for brake fluid), and the price seems very reasonable. My concern however is I cannot find much info on their breakaway system, and their receiver has to be welded on beneath the existing receiver if you do not have a minimum of 20 inches clearance. If you have any further info it would be appreciated.
Bill Gray
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Bill, (Hayhauler)
I've looked at the Remco system, but don't have enough info to make a report yet. I have asked the company for a brochure. As of yet, it has not arrived.
There is a break-away system that is included free. ($105 value, if you ask them.) I know that it is a cable that is attached to the RBS receiver on the coach and to the break pedal. Supposedly, if the toad breaks away, the cable will pull on the brake pedal. In talking to them on the phone, I could not get a clear image in my mind as to how this is going to work. I asked if there was a clamp that was then going to hold the cable and I got a 'yes, well no.' answer. I asked if the cable was to stay attached to the coach (and the coach continues to drag the toad down the highway). Instead of an answer, they offered to send a brochure.
I did determine that there is no alert system.
Hope this helps. If I get more info, I'll pass it along.
Tom
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ScottB1
Yorba Linda, CA
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Joined: 05/28/2003
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I spoke with Roadmaster customer service the other day and they said the new unit will be available the end of Feburary. Not much to offer on specifications yey.
02 Coachmen Aurora
04 Jeep TJ Toad
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The Beave
Georgetown TX USA
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Joined: 08/07/2002
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We just purchased a Remco brake system. A brake away option ia available for about $250.00 from Remco if purchased separately. The Remco tow bar is a relabeled Blue OX Aventa II rated at 10,000 lb. They painted it red, so I guess you could call it a Red Ox tow bar.
If you happen to be in Quartsite Arizona before the end of march you can pick up used Blue Ox tow bars for $175.
In order to fit the Remco receiver/brake assembly to my hitch I will have the existing receiver cut out and and the Remco unit welded in.
We were at the Quartsite Arizona RV show last week and were able to purchase a new Remco brake for $150 including tax. It was the vendors last unit and he now sells a competitors brake system.
The Beave
30' 1997 Beaver Monterey
(The shortest DP we could find)
2005 Honda CR-V
Remco surge brake
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