MPond
Thousand Oaks, CA
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lkentn wrote:I have used the Blue Ox Auto Stop direct cable around the brake pedal on our Jeep and while driving into Yellowstone NP the cable actually broke so I abandoned that system. I went to the Brake Buddy system which I had to set up every time I towed. Since I tow a Jeep Liberty and it is recommended that I disconnect the battery while towing, I had to go to a direct from the battery connection to my brake buddy. After my most recent trip, I noticed a strange smell in my Jeep not a brake smell. I pushed the button to release the air from the BB tank and it contained no air. The Brake Buddy had failed me again and likely for the last time. It had failed me so many times previously that it probably wasn't working properly more of my driving time than it ever did working properly. I am now giving up on my second auxiliary braking system and am in a quandary as to which system to try next. Since I have probably driven as many miles without my braking system working as I have with it working, I have not noticed any advantage of my 25,000+ lb Diesel Pusher towing my Jeep with any of my auxiliary braking systems i have used. What do next?
I've heard good things about the Ready Break from Night Shift Auto - http://www.readybrake.com/
But I agree with your statement about towing a Jeep behind a heavy DP - not sure that it is really necessary, as I've never noticed a difference either.
2003 Country Coach Intrigue, Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) toad, with just a few mods...
Other rig: 2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax Dually / Next Level 38CK Fifth-wheel Toy Hauler w/ quads, sand rail, etc...
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lkentn
Anywhere, USA
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MPond wrote:lkentn wrote:I have used the Blue Ox Auto Stop direct cable around the brake pedal on our Jeep and while driving into Yellowstone NP the cable actually broke so I abandoned that system. I went to the Brake Buddy system which I had to set up every time I towed. Since I tow a Jeep Liberty and it is recommended that I disconnect the battery while towing, I had to go to a direct from the battery connection to my brake buddy. After my most recent trip, I noticed a strange smell in my Jeep not a brake smell. I pushed the button to release the air from the BB tank and it contained no air. The Brake Buddy had failed me again and likely for the last time. It had failed me so many times previously that it probably wasn't working properly more of my driving time than it ever did working properly. I am now giving up on my second auxiliary braking system and am in a quandary as to which system to try next. Since I have probably driven as many miles without my braking system working as I have with it working, I have not noticed any advantage of my 25,000+ lb Diesel Pusher towing my Jeep with any of my auxiliary braking systems i have used. What do next?
I've heard good things about the Ready Break from Night Shift Auto - http://www.readybrake.com/
But I agree with your statement about towing a Jeep behind a heavy DP - not sure that it is really necessary, as I've never noticed a difference either.
I always thought that having an auxiliary braking system on my toad would give me peace of mind but it never has. Because I have had so many problems with braking system failures, I believe I would have way more peace of mind without a braking system on my Jeep. When we had a 26 ft. Lazy Daze class C towing a Saturn, I could feel the braking system actually helping me stop both vehicles. But, when towing my Jeep with my much heavier, more powerful, better braking with air brakes Diesel pusher, I doubt that braking my toad has much effect on my downward speed on long grades like the one going into Yellowstone or the one coming into Denver on I-70 from Dillon, CO. On both of those grades my braking system had already failed and was not working at all. I made it down without incident. I watch my speed, distance from other vehicles and how I use my motorhome brakes; I am very careful. I think most of these braking systems are very expensive and many are ineffective.
* This post was
edited 05/06/13 10:03am by lkentn *
Kent and Margaret
2004 Newmar Kountry Star DP 38'
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Retired VSP
Bedford, Virginia
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I have a Bay Star 33'and plan to tow a small vehicle without braking system installed....I have a "tow" button on the gear shift lever and I believe that assists with slowing and pulling....but I'm not sure of the full technique...is this the wrong forum to get advise on this since we are talking about braking? Thanks for any advise/thoughts.
Bobby and Lynda
Retired VSP and High School Counselor, respectively
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value".....Albert Einstein
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egmurray
Stonewall MB
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Need to replace my brake buddy... looking at a new Patriot?
Is this a good, reliable unit. My brake buddy let me down twice. The brake buddy doesn't seen to like cold weather; I have no choice when I leave for the south.
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gasser9
United States
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You might want to check with your insurance co. Another consideration is is if it is required & you are involved in an accident you have an equipment VIOLATION wich can change liability!! Lawyers have a hayday with saftey violations some are totaly rediculus. Just ask any old time trucker.
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gasser9
United States
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I think SMI & US Gear make the best they use your power brakes instead of just breaking your firewall!Niether one will engage without the MH breaks being engaged. They both stay very inconspicously in the Toad. The SMI all you have to do is turn on a switch. The US Gear has a twin wire that is connected to the MH.
www.smibrake.net
http://www.usgear.cc/unified_tow_brake.htm
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gasser9
United States
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I installed the SMI unit myself in 3 hours includind watching the video. It is on line at their link. Could probably do the next in 2 easily.
One of my friends had a "Buddy" that broke the booster/mastercylinder off of the firewall!!!!!
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Retired VSP
Bedford, Virginia
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gasser9 wrote:I installed the SMI unit myself in 3 hours includind watching the video. It is on line at their link. Could probably do the next in 2 easily.
One of my friends had a "Buddy" that broke the booster/mastercylinder off of the firewall!!!!!
That's scarey....I just bought a brake buddy...will use it in July going from Bedford, Va to PEI.....say it ain't so Joe....
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lkentn
Anywhere, USA
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I have pretty much decided to use the ReadyBrake system. I may go to the factory to get it and to see if they can use my existing Auto Stop cable tubing for the cable in my toad. I have heard good things about this system. I am going to keep this thing simple again. http://www.readybrake.com/brake-systems.html
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johnwb
Florida
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I have a small MH, (Winnie/Aspect 26a) and tow a Honda, CRV. Use a Brake in a box on CRV floor. Helps stop when I need it and KEEPS THE WIFE HAPPY AS SHE IS A WORRY WART. Happy wife = happy life. Nuff said ??
John
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