BCM Community

We are trying to get a feel for those Bus Nuts towing 4-down, are you using a supplemental braking system?

Please help us out by answering this simple question.

If you would like to add other comments, please add them here.

Thanks.

No supplemental on mine, but may eventually consider it. I think you should have additional breaking system if toad is over 3000 lbs. Especially on 4104's, since they have good breaks, not great. Add in a leaking rear oil seal and you could be in trouble.

 

NSA RV Products RB-4000 Receiver Style Ready Brake

dave

Yes I do, an Even Brake. I toad with a jeep wrangle for years, one time my tow hitch came apart with one arm coming apart, causing the jeep to weave back and forth, moving on the one arm that was left, at one point as I was slowing the pin was pulled and it braked by itself, if it had broken completely loose, it would have braked earlier and stopped on the freeway by itself,  lvmci...

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on November 25, 2019, 02:07:25 PM
We are trying to get a feel for those Bus Nuts towing 4-down, are you using a supplemental braking system?

Please help us out by answering this simple question.

If you would like to add other comments, please add them here.

Thanks.

The conversion came with a blue ox tow bar but nothing for the toad. There is a brake system for the toad but still searching for the towing option that is best for our requirements. Electing to tow multiple vehicles requires a flexible tow solution. In either case, the supplemental brake system should work.

I have used M & G brake system with break away for many years. 

Brakemaster pneumatic air ram on our Honda CR/V.
Mike in GA

NSA receiver type surge brake and Breakaway cable.

M&G system with breakaway on Subaru Outback.

None. But should. And will soon.

 I use a Brake Buddy with brake away cable and alarm. Easy to install.

How many also use safety chains or cables?

I think an important part of the decision is what is legal.  Some states require and auxiliary system and/or some breakaway protection.  Safety chains are also often the law.

Crossed safety Cables as required by law here.

My little toad weighs a third of the weight of my bus. I use a Blue Ox now supplied with air from the bus's compressor (with a one way valve on the BO air tank) since the BO pump gave up and is no longer available. I also use a break away switch and chains.  I recently installed a wireless telltale lamp on the dash of the bus that lights whenever the brakes are applied in the toad--that should keep me from dragging the toad down the road with the brakes locked up.  Jack ;D

Yeah, but the smoke should be a dead giveaway too.😅

But if you don't see the smoke, it will go away and be replaced by the sparks from the rims. Eventually, somebody might honk their horn. I had a flat on a boat trailer once that disintegrated completely, and I was running on the bare rim for miles without any swaying or sparks. Someone noticed and honked, and when I stopped, the rim was so hot it sunk down into the pavement. In the case of a toad, a tire pressure sensor would be necessary in addition to supplemental braking, break away's, and safety chains. Even a rear view camera might not show a flat if the vehicle is steady.

My toad weighs 1706 lbs
So I stopped using my Even Brake. Used it for my Wrangler though.

Same as Dave and Dave

NSA RV Products RB-4000 Receiver Style Ready Brake

99 Ford Ranger

A few years back when cars still had traditional antennas. Some RV'ers would put a tennis ball on the toad's antenna and were able to see it in rear view mirror. Normally it would be steady, but a flat would make it move around.

Because we do own a RV Fabrication Shop. Yes, we recommend that you us a braking system. There are many brands. We do prefer american made which is Blue OX products. We do offer a 10% to members here. When you call us. You just have to mention BCM Form Board.

We can compare brands for you with pricing if needed. But, you really want a brand that has great customer service and a company that if you every need warranty help. You will get it. That is another reason we recommend the Blue Ox. But, we do offer many other great brands. So, if you want to purchase one, Just call us. 413.223.5416 we are on the east coast in Mass.

Still planning for that 'parasite' toad to be carried in the center bay. Anybody who happens across a Honda Pioneer 500 SxS that has been rolled please let me know.

Jim

Jim, you could just buy an intact one and "roll your own".  Sorry, I just couldn't resist.  Jack

In my area, any trailer over 2000 lbs must have brakes. Yes a toad would be considered a trailer as it has wheels touching the ground. Is a matter of fact, if the trailer (toad) is not insured, they can void your tow vehicle in the case of a loss.
So I will be installing a braking system. Just like everyone on this board, I would NEVER break the law. Stretch maybe...but break it, never.

Funny.  ;D

Jim