Toad Braking systems

[Jim Riordan]

I have a 88 wbwl

I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle, a
suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work
best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system

I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking
systems

Jim Riordan
88 WBWL XXV
Stuart, Fl.
772-260-1328

[birdshill123]

JIm:

On our SOB we have installed the US Gear Unified tow brake. Very good
system. Nothing to remove and reinstall. My second choice would be the
M&G setup. Very well made piece. I am not a big fan of anything made by
SMI as their advertising is very confusing. US Gear comes with an
excellent installation DVD. It is also one of the few systems that
utilizes your power brake booster. Althought the intitial installation
is time consuming it is not difficult. No a matter which system you buy
stay away from any that push against the seat of your toad!! If you go
to RV.net one of the moderators has written an exellent non biased
review of the available systems. M & G and US Gear seem to be the most
popular permanently installed systems.

Bruce
1988 FC35

[Pete Masterson]

I have an SMI system in my Toyota Camry. I've towed it for over 12,000 miles last year. The SMI system has been reliable and generally satisfactory. I've twice had it not release the brakes when desired (but the in-cab signal alerted me to the problem before any damage to my toad brakes occurred). Both lock ups occurred on steep downgrades, so I presume that had something to do with it. (In both cases, I simply turned the SMI off until my next rest stop.)

With my coach, it doesn't ever seem like the supplemental braking system does very much. I've adjusted the "sensitivity" of the deceleration sensor to the lowest setting (least sensitive) so that the supplemental braking only kicks in when a quicker stop is involved. (I'd prefer it to only kick in for true "emergency" stops, but with the minimum sensitivity it still comes on for many braking situations that are far short of a panic stop.)

Frankly, the performance of my coach does not seem to be much affected by the presence of the toad. I never feel any effect in acceleration or stopping (and there have been a few times when I'd completely forgotten to turn on the SMI system). However, in California, the law requires having a supplemental braking system on any "towed vehicle" over 1500 lbs.

The SMI system is satisfactory to me. It's relatively simple to install. The model I have is out of the way. The "box" fits under the driver's seat -- it might interfere with the tow space for a rear-seat passenger, but since I'm tall, no one ever sits behind me anyway. The device that activates the brake is a small vacuum-activated cylinder that clamps to the pedal arm and pulls on a small cable attached to the firewall. It's above the place where your toes will ever wander, so it's not at all in the way. The only thing I'd do differently  is that I'd put the on-off switch in a slightly different location that that I selected -- it's near a kick panel by the driver's door and I sometimes brush it with my foot getting in-out of the car, turning the system on or off. It doesn't create any problems being on or off (when not in actual use) but I made a poor choice of position for it.

The primary reason I selected the SMI is that it uses the power braking system in the car (by providing vacuum to activate the power brake) so that it does not apply excessive stress to the mechanical components of the system. (Well, that's what their sales material said.) Seems to work effectively. If I had it to do over again -- I'd use 'em again.

Note: It appears that, with some slight hassle, the unit can be uninstalled and moved to another vehicle, if desired. 

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 30, 2008, at 9:03 PM, Jim Riordan wrote:

I have a 88 wbwl 

I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle, a 

suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work 

best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system 

I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking 

systems

[Tom McCarthy]

Jim,

Your choice of towed vehicle might come into play. Also, if you desire
to have the coach air brake system activate the brakes in your vehicle,
you have to choose between M&G and SMI. M&G's system is having
problems with space on newer vehicle. It does not fit in any new Jeep
(or many new Jeeps, Hummers and others). I tried to buy it based
mainly on Randy Dupree's success with M&G.

I had the same system Pete described but most of it went with the
stolen Jeep Rubicon to Mexico. I just went through the evaluation and
selection process. I wanted the air brake after experiencing some of
the shortcomings Pete described. BTW, SMI is not longer producing the
Silent Partner product since their release of Air Force One.

M&G would not sell me their system for my 2008 Rubicon. We installed
SMI Air Force One and it is fantastic. Very small (most people at
QZite could not find it under the hood). Works as advertised.

Tom McCarthy
Poway CA
95 PT42


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Riordan"
wrote:
>
> I have a 88 wbwl
>
> I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle,
a
> suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work
> best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system
>
> I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking
> systems
>
> Jim Riordan
> 88 WBWL XXV
> Stuart, Fl.
> 772-260-1328
>

[Ross MacKillop]

Brakemaster by Roadmaster is also an option for air brakes. I leave the cylinder on the floor nearest the door( still plugged into airline) unless I'm stayng at a spot for more than few days.
http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/braki...s_main.php


Ross
2006 LXi
At 2 Springs ,Palm Desert
going to Emerald Desert

----- Original Message ----
From: Tom McCarthy
To:
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:18:05 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Toad Braking systems

Jim,



Your choice of towed vehicle might come into play. Also, if you desire

to have the coach air brake system activate the brakes in your vehicle,

you have to choose between M&G and SMI. M&G's system is having

problems with space on newer vehicle. It does not fit in any new Jeep

(or many new Jeeps, Hummers and others). I tried to buy it based

mainly on Randy Dupree's success with M&G.



I had the same system Pete described but most of it went with the

stolen Jeep Rubicon to Mexico. I just went through the evaluation and

selection process. I wanted the air brake after experiencing some of

the shortcomings Pete described. BTW, SMI is not longer producing the

Silent Partner product since their release of Air Force One.



M&G would not sell me their system for my 2008 Rubicon. We installed

SMI Air Force One and it is fantastic. Very small (most people at

QZite could not find it under the hood). Works as advertised.



Tom McCarthy

Poway CA

95 PT42



--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Jim Riordan"

wrote:

>

> I have a 88 wbwl

>

> I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle,

a

> suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work

> best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system

>

> I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking

> systems

>

> Jim Riordan

> 88 WBWL XXV

> Stuart, Fl.

> 772-260-1328

>

---

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

[Gregory OConnor]

I have a M&G in my 4x4 shortbed toad, cost about $600.00 for bus and
toad and took about 4 hours to install. ordered from M&G direct as a
factory reman but it was a new unit.

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Tom McCarthy"
wrote:
>
> Jim,
>
> Your choice of towed vehicle might come into play. Also, if you
desire
> to have the coach air brake system activate the brakes in your
vehicle,
> you have to choose between M&G and SMI. M&G's system is having
> problems with space on newer vehicle. It does not fit in any new
Jeep
> (or many new Jeeps, Hummers and others). I tried to buy it based
> mainly on Randy Dupree's success with M&G.
>
> I had the same system Pete described but most of it went with the
> stolen Jeep Rubicon to Mexico. I just went through the evaluation
and
> selection process. I wanted the air brake after experiencing some
of
> the shortcomings Pete described. BTW, SMI is not longer producing
the
> Silent Partner product since their release of Air Force One.
>
> M&G would not sell me their system for my 2008 Rubicon. We
installed
> SMI Air Force One and it is fantastic. Very small (most people at
> QZite could not find it under the hood). Works as advertised.
>
> Tom McCarthy
> Poway CA
> 95 PT42
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Riordan"
> wrote:
> >
> > I have a 88 wbwl
> >
> > I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger
vehicle,
> a
> > suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will
work
> > best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system
> >
> > I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux
braking
> > systems
> >
> > Jim Riordan
> > 88 WBWL XXV
> > Stuart, Fl.
> > 772-260-1328
> >
>

[PM7088@...]

I'm hoping dumb questions are free.

Where does the vacum supply come from for the towed?

Pete

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Ross MacKillop

Brakemaster by Roadmaster is also an option for air brakes. I leave the cylinder on the floor nearest the door( still plugged into airline) unless I'm stayng at a spot for more than few days.
http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/braking_systems_main.php


Ross
2006 LXi
At 2 Springs ,Palm Desert
going to Emerald Desert

----- Original Message ----
From: Tom McCarthy cox.net>
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:18:05 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Toad Braking systems

Jim,

Your choice of towed vehicle might come into play. Also, if you desire
to have the coach air brake system activate the brakes in your vehicle,
you have to choose between M&G and SMI. M&G's system is having
problems with space on newer vehicle. It does not fit in any new Jeep
(or many new Jeeps, Hummers and others). I tried to buy it based
mainly on Randy Dupree's success with M&G.

I had the same system Pete described but most of it went with the
stolen Jeep Rubicon to Mexico. I just went through the evaluation and
selection process. I wanted the air brake after experiencing some of
the shortcomings Pete described. BTW, SMI is not longer producing the
Silent Partner product since their release of Air Force One.

M&G would not sell me their system for my 2008 Rubicon. We installed
SMI Air Force One and it is fantastic. Very small (most people at
QZite could not find it under the hood). Works as ad
vertised.

Tom McCarthy
Poway CA
95 PT42

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Jim Riordan"
wrote:
>
> I have a 88 wbwl
>
> I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle,
a
> suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work
> best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system
>
> I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking
> systems
>
> Jim Riordan
> 88 WBWL XXV
> Stuart, Fl.
> 772-260-1328
>

---

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

[Ross MacKillop]

Hi,
I imagine that you are referring to to vacuum for the power brakes in the towed vehicle. None necessary, as the car brakes work without power assist ie the piston that is pressurized from the coach airbrake system pushes on the brake peddle harder.
Ross

----- Original Message ----
From: "PM7088@..." To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, February 1, 2008 8:24:30 AM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Toad Braking systems

I'm hoping dumb questions are free.

Where does the vacum supply come from for the towed?

Pete

------------ -- Original message ------------ --
From: Ross MacKillop

Brakemaster by Roadmaster is also an option for air brakes. I leave the cylinder on the floor nearest the door( still plugged into airline) unless I'm stayng at a spot for more than few days.
http://www.roadmast er-tow-bars. com/braking_ systems_main. php


Ross
2006 LXi
At 2 Springs ,Palm Desert
going to Emerald Desert

----- Original Message ----
From: Tom McCarthy
To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:18:05 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Toad Braking systems

Jim,

Your choice of towed vehicle might come into play. Also, if you desire
to have the coach air brake system activate the brakes in your vehicle,
you have to choose between M&G and SMI. M&G's system is having
problems with space on newer vehicle. It does not fit in any new Jeep
(or many new Jeeps, Hummers and others). I tried to buy it based
mainly on Randy Dupree's success with M&G.

I had the same system Pete described but most of it went with the
stolen Jeep Rubicon to Mexico. I just went through the evaluation and
selection process. I wanted the air brake after experiencing some of
the shortcomings Pete described. BTW, SMI is not longer producing the
Silent Partner product since their release of Air Force One.

M&G would not sell me their system for my 2008 Rubicon. We installed
SMI Air Force One and it is fantastic. Very small (most people at
QZite could not find it
under the hood). Works as ad
vertised.

Tom McCarthy
Poway CA
95 PT42

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Jim Riordan"
wrote:
>
> I have a 88 wbwl
>
> I recently enlarged my family and now cneed to tow a larger vehicle,
a
> suburban. I am trying to evaluate what aux braking system will work
> best with my BB. M&G SMI or some other system
>
> I would love to hear what experiance others have had with aux braking
> systems
>
> Jim Riordan
> 88 WBWL XXV
> Stuart, Fl.
> 772-260-1328
>

---

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

---

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

[Pete Masterson]

The SMI unit includes a vacuum pump (powered by the toad battery) that starts up whenever the brakes need to be applied. The pump is attached to the auto vacuum line with a "T" connection and a check valve (to avoid loosing the vacuum through the engine vacuum source). The vacuum from the SMI pump is also used to power the device that pulls on the brake pedal to apply the brakes.

The electrical use is intermittent and small enough that the battery isn't seriously taxed.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 1, 2008, at 7:24 AM, "PM7088@comcast.net" wrote:

I'm hoping dumb questions are free.

 

Where does the vacum supply come from for the towed?