Toad brakes

[Pete Masterson]

Simplicity of installation is but one feature of a supplemental
braking system. Take a look at the SMI system -- they have both
portable units and "permanent" units (that can be un-installed with
some effort and re-installed in another toad if you have a permanent
change).

I have the "stay and play" unit. The control unit is on the floor
under the driver's seat. There is a _slight_ interference with toe
space if someone were to sit behind me -- but I'm tall, so no one
chooses to sit behind me in my toad. There is a radio-activated
sensor in the coach that let's me know when the toad brakes are applied.

The SMI systems tap into the existing power brake system in the toad
and supply vacuum to activate the power brakes. They claim that it
puts much less stress on the toad brakes than systems that simply
overpower the braking system without the vacuum assist.

I installed my system myself. It took me about 3 hours (and I'm not a
mechanic). The most difficult part was tapping into the electrical
system in my Toyota Camry toad -- the wires are sealed in conduits
and are very hard to find easy places to connect. (Eventually, I put
in a fuse and attached directly to the battery cable.) The toad
lights had already been modified for towing when I had a mechanic
install a transmission lube pump, so the wires that needed to connect
to the brake lights were easy connections (as the wires from the
coach umbilical were already in place). You can download the
installation instructions from the SMI web site.

The only tools required were an electric drill, a couple of
screwdrivers, utility knife, wire striper, pliers, etc. -- nothing
special.

See <http://www.smibrake.com> for further details and to determine
which model is best for you.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at



On Dec 11, 2007, at 11:02 AM, whynotam wrote:

> Does anyone have an opinion on the Roadmaster Even Brake and or the
> Brake Buddy Vantage as toad braking systems? They both seem to be very
> simple to install and operate which would be a huge advantage versus
> spending hours installing a unit.
>
> Alvie Miller
> 93 WLWB
> Arthur IL
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> Yahoo! Groups Links
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