Braking systems

[mapakids]

My husband and I will be purchasing a toad and most likely will be installing the towbar, baseplate and the braking system. I have been looking at them some of them physically push the brake and some of them just connect with wires. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each type, also which ones are able to be installed by a do it yourselfer with little trouble? I did notice the ones that actually push the brake are very expensive.

Thanks for the help.

 

[grashley]

While I do not have a toad, my personal favorite is the Ready Brake system.

http://www.readybrake.com

It includes the tow bar and a surge brake.  The cable operated brake can be DIY installed.  When you tow, just connect two cables for service brake and breakaway brake connections.  There is nothing to install before each tow or remove in order to drive.

I believe all toads will push the brake pedal by one means or another.  Those that connect by wire are trailers or Fifth Wheels that have their own  (usually) drum brakes and no on board actuator other than the break away switch.  The tow vehicle will have a trailer brake controller, which "use wires" to actuate the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle brakes are pressed.

 

[Tom]

We have an article in our forum Library (button in the menu above) that compares some auxiliary (toad) braking systems, although it needs some updating. They all have pros and cons.

The "brake in a box" such as Brake Buddy that sits on the floor of the car and attaches to the brake pedal is popular and has been around for a number of years.

We have a diesel coach with compressed air readily available; That allows us to use the M&G braking system. No wires to hook up, just an air hose. They have an option for gas coaches. Both versions can be installed by a handy owner (folliwing their instructions), but we had ours installed by their techs when we were near their factory.