JoeT
McKinney, Texas
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Joined: 03/01/2004
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I've been using the VIP Tow Brake for a little over a year. I can confirm your statement that the amount of force applied to the toad's brake pedal is set with a pressure regular on the actuator assembly.
Joe T
Joe & Loretta
2012 Winnebago View24M
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Thanks, JoeT. You are the second confirmation. I'll edit the post to remove the confirmation request.
Tom
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joemyers
Houston, Tx, USA
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Joined: 02/12/2004
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Note to other viewers of the VIP comparison chart. There are quite a few errors in the chart, I only compared my SMI SP system and found quite a few mistatements. Do not base a choice on this chart, remamber, it was produced by a biased manufacturer. Use it for general info only and do more research.
Joe, Retired & on the road whenever I want, KeepMov'n
2000 Dodge/CTD 3500 DRW SLT+ 6 speed 4x4, 3.54 rear, Exhaust Brake
2003 Lance 1121 with all the options plus
1999 Toyota Taco V-6 5 speed 4x4 Toad, SMI wireless power brake control
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Frank & Carole
Rhode Island
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Joined: 02/11/2002
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Pulsar-Nice Job!! About time somebody did this!
ENJOY!!
Frank & Carole
2002 Winnebago-Adventurer 35U-2 sliders
2007 Saturn Vue-Toad
2007 Saturn Aura
Blue Ox Hitch/Brake Buddy brake supplement
FMCA F126104
GOOD SAM (LIFE) 56703
WIT 109591
ENJOY!! ">">
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lotydon
Palm Desert, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/19/2004
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Anybody out there using a Tow-V-Aire system? If so, I'd like some feedback, stories, experiences, information, etc. DW
Don W
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runnysucklehose
Here and There,
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Joined: 01/14/2005
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It is nice to get some objective information on brake systems for a change. Thanks a lot. I am just getting oriented on this message board, seems like a ton of good stuff.
I have a 1986 Itasca 33 ft. class A. I have been full timing without a toad for a while now, but am thinking about getting one. I already own a '92 explorer 4x4, manual trans. and will tow it IF I CAN AFFORD the towing accessories.
What system would you recomend to a budget minded guy like myself? I am just looking to get by with a safe reliable system, no bells and whistles. I am a good mechanic and would install it myself. I have looked at the break buddy and us gear's system and both seem a little rich for my blood.
Also, does anyone know how much the early model Explorers weigh, and/or a good place to find out older model vehicle weights?
Any recomendations for tow bars, etc would also help but I understand that we are talking about breaks here.
Thanks.
Full time Musician - 1987 Flxable Metro 40', 6V71 TurboDiesel
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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runnysucklehose,
There is a tow bar and cable arrangement that will apply the brakes. I have a friend that uses one and is quite satisfed and I believe it's lower cost than some of the other options. Hopefully others will be able to fill in additional information.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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GotSalt
GA
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Joined: 10/22/2003
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Quote:runnysucklehose,
There is a tow bar and cable arrangement that will apply the brakes. I have a friend that uses one and is quite satisfed and I believe it's lower cost than some of the other options. Hopefully others will be able to fill in additional information.
You're referring to Ready Brake described on page 1 of this topic.
"> 2000 Leak Prone Winnebago 31C
Towing a 1994 Mazda B4000 with a
Remco Drive Shaft Disconect and
a Demco Aluminator Tow Bar
with a Brake Buddy Vantage
(Looking for my lost shaker of salt)
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Catdave
North Carolina
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Joined: 04/22/2004
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Thanks Pulsar for an extremely informative topic. It's really helping me to figure out my tow braking needs.
For those using the SMI systems, I have a question. I'm seriously considering buying either the Four Wire or Plug and Play system soon. My question: When using the Four Wire system it is my understanding that the floorboard box that moves the brake pedal up & down has to be installed and removed from the vehicle each time you want to pull the toad- much like a Brake Buddy. From what I've read, by going with the Stay In Play option you do away with the need for the floorboard box and the system uses a cylinder attached to the brake pedal instead. Is this correct?
Any comments on system operation, effectiveness, installation & operating tips, etc. would be appreciated. I'll be installing the system in a 2004 Chevy Silverado ext. cab 4x4.
Thanks!
Dave
2006 Fleetwood Excursion 39L
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Hi, Dave (Dave & Cathy). Welcome to the forum.
You pretty well have it right. The FourWire system has a box that you must move out of the way to drive the toad. So does the PlugAndPlay system.
The Stay-In-Play system does use a cylinder that attaches between the firewall and the brake pedal. It does not have to be removed to drive the toad. The Stay-In-Play also has a box, about the size of a ceral box. Since it is small, it can be stored under many seats, or as their website shows, on the floor under the dash. The idea is that you can place it in an out-of-the-way location.
While you are waiting for responses from users of the systems, you might want to learn how to use the forum's search engine. There are many posts about SMI systems in the archives. There is a tutorial on the first page of the Beginning RVing forum.
Tom
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