Supplemental breaking systems

[Bob Lawrence]

Hi group,
We have a new Honda Element that we will be towig when we fulltime out
of here in Tacoma in Oce 07.

What supplemental systems are you guys running?

I see lots of states that require such a system if over 3,000 lbs. The
Element weighs 3,500 lbs.

Canada is fine as limit is 4,000lbs, but worry about here in states.
If I get in an accident, I'm sure the insurance co. will look for any
excuse to deny the coverage.

Thanks,
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Tacoma, Wa.

[Curt Sprenger]

Bob,
I just installed the SMI Silent Partner SmartBox, wireless communication
between vehicles. I wanted a unit that stayed in place, nothing to hook
up or take out before/after a trip.

I haven't been out on the open road yet, but will be next week. Several
forum members have one type or another of many SMI units available. They
will chime in I'm sure. If I remember I'll report back after I have
taken a short trip.

Installing the unit was pretty much straight forward, nothing
complicated. About 4 hours time...well more because the neighbors stop
in to see what I'm up to and the talking adds to the time.

Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38 8V92, Anaheim Hills, Calif.



Bob Lawrence wrote:

>Hi group,
>We have a new Honda Element that we will be towig when we fulltime out
>of here in Tacoma in Oce 07.
>
>What supplemental systems are you guys running?
>
>I see lots of states that require such a system if over 3,000 lbs. The
>Element weighs 3,500 lbs.
>
>Canada is fine as limit is 4,000lbs, but worry about here in states.
>If I get in an accident, I'm sure the insurance co. will look for any
>excuse to deny the coverage.
>
>Thanks,
>Bob Lawrence
>84 PT36
>Tacoma, Wa.
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>Yahoo! Groups Links
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[Pete Masterson]

I just ordered an SMI system for my vehicle. It uses the toad's
regular power braking system with a vacuum pump. Minimizes stress on
the toad brakes. See <http://www.smibrake.com> for details.

M&G Engineering system was also interesting ... it ties into the
coach air brakes. Eventually, I decided on the SMI system because I
was uncomfortable about splicing into the coach air brake lines. See
<http://www.m-gengineering.com> for details.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On Oct 3, 2006, at 7:27 PM, Bob Lawrence wrote:

> Hi group,
> We have a new Honda Element that we will be towig when we fulltime out
> of here in Tacoma in Oce 07.
>
> What supplemental systems are you guys running?
> <snip>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Gardner Yeaw]

Bob,
I installed an SMI system in my Jeep. I liked it because it
required only one modification to the jeep which was to install a one-
way valve and a tee in the vacuume line, and no changes to the coach.
I have taken several short trips with steep hills and it seems to
work fine.

The difference between the M&G and the SMI function is that the
M&G applies the brakes whenever the coach brakes are applied
proportional to the brake air preasure, while the SMI uses an
inertial measurement system and only applies the brakes when you are
really trying to slow down quickly (it is adjustable for
sensativity). The theory is that the brakes only need to be applied
in heavy stopping situatuins and not when just slowing or controling
speed on a hill.

I also purchased the breakaway feature so if the toad gets loose it
will put on the brakes.

I think the toad brakes will last much longer this way and since
the Jeep is a fraction of the coach weight I doubt it will
significantly effect the life of the coach brakes. Setup is simple,
turn it on. (and connect the breakaway cable to the coach if
installed)


Gardner
78FC33
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
wrote:
>
> Hi group,
> We have a new Honda Element that we will be towig when we fulltime
out
> of here in Tacoma in Oce 07.
>
> What supplemental systems are you guys running?
>
> I see lots of states that require such a system if over 3,000 lbs.
The
> Element weighs 3,500 lbs.
>
> Canada is fine as limit is 4,000lbs, but worry about here in states.
> If I get in an accident, I'm sure the insurance co. will look for
any
> excuse to deny the coverage.
>
> Thanks,
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Tacoma, Wa.
>

[tmaspreadborough@...]

Bob:

I installed the SMI system as has Pete Masterson. I have been very pleased with
this system. I am pulling a Ford Explorer and have had no problems once I
figured out how to get to the brake light switch wiring. Good Choice.

Tim Spreadborough
'86 PT38
Oregon City, OR
"End of the Oregon Trail"




-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Bob Lawrence"
> Hi group,
> We have a new Honda Element that we will be towig when we fulltime out
> of here in Tacoma in Oce 07.
>
> What supplemental systems are you guys running?
>
> I see lots of states that require such a system if over 3,000 lbs. The
> Element weighs 3,500 lbs.
>
> Canada is fine as limit is 4,000lbs, but worry about here in states.
> If I get in an accident, I'm sure the insurance co. will look for any
> excuse to deny the coverage.
>
> Thanks,
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Tacoma, Wa.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>