Four down supplemental braking up for discussion

dtcerrato · October 18, 2018, 08:10:39 PM

Been Four down towing for five decades, having never towed with any sort of supplemental braking system. In an attempt to comply with many different state & provincial laws pertaining to four down supplemental braking we are contemplating setting up supplemental braking for our toad. Their are so many units on the market, been go batty trying to sort it all out. For those who have &/or are using supplemental braking on their four down toads please chime it with opinions, comments or recommendations on these products. Thanks!

Dave5Cs · October 18, 2018, 08:59:33 PM

We use the NSA surge brake. And break away cable. Works great and is mechanical. No air or electric needed and a lot cheaper than the fancy ones.

eagle19952 · October 18, 2018, 09:27:46 PM

roadmaster air with break away

Astro · October 18, 2018, 09:59:40 PM

I second the vote for NSA surge brake. Close to perfect. Cheap, reliable, fast to install and easy to use.

windtrader · October 18, 2018, 10:07:25 PM

Some one showed me the kind that does not require any extra installation steps such as drilling for brackets and such. The one I saw just lays on the floor somehow. Others know what I'm talking about. Sounded cool but I already have one so wasn't taking detail notes.

Mike in GA · October 19, 2018, 06:44:28 AM

Love my Roadmaster. Great feeling of security working off the bus air.
Mike in GA

luvrbus · October 19, 2018, 07:01:54 AM

If the M&G will fit the Jeep that is the one I would go with,check their site for your year and model of your vehicle it mounts between the master cylinder and the booster simple and works nothing mounts on the pedal,Air Force one is a good system it's the most popular unit now. I haven't used one of their new systems people that use it love the system

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 19, 2018, 11:30:52 AM

I had the Roadmaster "direct" brake system with the cylinder that you put on your brake pedal and seat rail and hook to an air line every time you hook up. It was not difficult but not that easy either trying to work under the dash panel.

When I sold my Jeep and started towing my Lexus, I decided to go with the Roadmaster Invisibrake system. It is all automatic. You don't have to hook up anything for your brakes to work. You simply hook up your tow bar and your light cable and put the toad in the proper gear and ensure the e-brake is released and you are ready to go. VERY SIMPLE and I highly recommend it. With this system it also charges your battery while hooked up and also has a break-a-way system which applies the brakes if your toad gets away. It also does not need an air line hooked into your air brake system so it is easier.

Check it out here. http://roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/sys_for_me.html

Gary

chessie4905 · October 19, 2018, 03:34:58 PM

Wait...Lexus?

And we are sending you money for forum?lol

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 19, 2018, 03:37:53 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on October 19, 2018, 03:34:58 PM
Wait...Lexus? And we are sending you money for forum?lol

It is an old Lexus and it is paid for. :-)

luvrbus · October 19, 2018, 04:00:53 PM

Gary, you have a transmission pump on the Lexus ? mine I am afraid to tow 4 down so we tow the Envoy

chessie4905 · October 19, 2018, 04:27:44 PM

My dad towed two different Fwd Cutlass Cieras with lube pumps for several thousand miles with no issues behind the 4104. Later, he switched to a Chevy /GEO metro to reduce towing weight and stopping distance.

dtcerrato · October 19, 2018, 07:22:39 PM

Thanks for your responses! We are favoring the M&G unit but don't think it will fit our application. We find our vehicle in the M&G vehicle compatibility chart but in measuring under the hood - there is only 1/2" between the front of the master cylinder & the rear electrical distribution box. We contacted M&G & are awaiting their response. Also interested in the Roadmaster BrakeMaster System w Brake Away for RVs w Air Brakes - Proportional. Its half the price as AF1 & can be moved to another vehicle but does require uninstall & reinstall between towing & driving the toad. We like the AF1 but install is very involved & unit permanently attached to the brake pedal arm under the dash may clutter an already compact driver's cockpit for an 6'+ guy. Don't know where this will land but appreciate all the feedback.

dtcerrato · October 19, 2018, 08:15:47 PM

Here's a different kind of system, does anyone have experience with it?
http://www.usgear.cc/unified_tow_brake.htm

eagle19952 · October 20, 2018, 09:38:09 AM

Quote from: dtcerrato on October 19, 2018, 07:22:39 PM
Also interested in the Roadmaster BrakeMaster System w Brake Away for RVs w Air Brakes - Proportional. Its half the price as AF1 & can be moved to another vehicle but does require uninstall & reinstall between towing & driving the toad.

The Roadmaster air can be had often on Ebay for small $'s.
There isn't much that can wear out.