Instructor: Grant Garagnon
Tow cars brakes: This is an issue of safety. Most states require, depending on the toad's weight, a towed vehicle braking system. Most states don't presenty enforce it. But the real issue is *safety*. The main law here is the law of physics -- inertia: a body in motion tends to stay in motion.
A brake is an instrument designed to use friction to overcome inertia. The more braking tire surface that's on the pavement, the more easily inertia is overcome. Example: Motorhome alone = 204 feet; mothorhome with van and no supplemental brake system = 373 feet; mothorhome with a supplemental braking system 248 feet. This is about 1/3 shorter stopping distance. Note it's also important to consider the impact of less than parallel connection between toad and motorhome.
Gross combined weight rating: The maximum weight the motorhome and toad together can weigh.
If it's so great, and there are perhaps 20 systems on the market, why do so few people have them?
Braking types:
Surge brake: You'll find them on U Haul trailers. Do you want your supplemental brake to work every time you apply the service brakes? Proportional braking -- if I come to a light stop, the toad stops lightly; if a panic stop, the toad does likewise. The surge brake is a proportional brake. Typically it activates from the receiver, or a replacement shank with a cable. As the tow car inertia pushes against the motorhome, a cable going to the brake pedal pulls the brakes on. It's also adjustable, and can be tailored to the weight of the toad. A red light on the dash tells you when the toad's brakes come on. This is the least expensive and simplest installation. Keep in mind some supplemental braking systems are non-proportional.
Air Assist Brake: These may be smoother than surge brakes. For use in diesel pushers with air brake system. An air actuated brake system. It's proportional, but requires a small device permanently connected to the toad's pedal. It connects with an air hose (quick disconnect type) from back of the coach to the front of the toad. Again simple to install. Air Pro is one brand. AE makes one as well.
M&G System requires air operated diaphragm, and it's all done under the hood. Opinion: It's a very good system, but no indicator light on dash to say it's on or off; and no adjustment capability. Blue Ox product is adjustable, and can be made more or less aggressive. M&G may cause warranty concerns. Air brake coach would want this system
Where a coach doesn't have air brakes, the above system can be used -- but only by adding an air compressor in the back seat or luggage compartment of the toad. The box used in the demo was fairly hefty, measuring about 8"x8"x12". This box has a pendulum which opens the air valve and provides proportional braking.
Brake Buddy -- a different system. A slightly larger box sits on the floor in the toad and accomplishes the same for coaches with hydraulic brakes.
If a system is too hard to hook up, you'll stop using it. So it's essential you select something that's quick and easy to use.
Vacuum Assist Brake: Gas engine makes vacuum, diesel engine does not. If you have a gas coach, you can tap into the vacuum system that already exists. These are typically non-proportional brake systems. A diesel pusher would need a separate vacuum system installed. A "Toad Stop" is such a system.
How do you choose?
Needs to be tailored to your needs; needs to work; needs to be simple; from a company that will be there next week. And it should not diminish the safety of the braking system when the toad is being driven.
How does all this interface w/interlock system? Since the anitlock doesn't operate when the car isn't "on", the antilock system on all of these systems will not be operational.
Gross combined vehicle rating is maximum allowable for both, assuming both have brakes.
Breakaway Systems
States require breakaway device in tow cars. In the event of a true breakaway, the tow car will just keep going. The breakaway system implies that if everything else fails, and the toad actually gets loose, it will automatically come to a stop.
See Towing World website (www.towingworld.com).