Supplemental Breaking Systems for taking 4 down

Ninjakitty · 02-08-2019, 07:48 PM

I've been looking at supplemental Breaking Systems for towing a vehicle. I'm looking online and am wondering what fellow skoolie owners are using for their toads?

Any recommendations under $1000? Under $500?

FamilyCircus · 02-08-2019, 08:00 PM

I am using a PacBrake flow through 4" exhaust brake on my DT466E. It bolts directly to the turbo. I am going to use a air solenoid to drive the air cylinder that is on it.

I will need to have the engine ECU re calibrated to activate the signal for the engine brake, not a huge issue and I will have to connect it to the Allison TCM as well so it knows the engine brake is on.

Lots of info on engine exhaust brakes on the net. PacBrake has lots of engine and tranny combination specific wiring info.

family wagon · 02-08-2019, 11:20 PM

Are you looking to add braking capacity on the bus, or are you looking for a system that operates the towed vehicle's brakes -- a trailer brake, of sorts?

Ninjakitty · 02-09-2019, 05:24 AM

Sorry about the confusion, I think autocorrect changed my title. I'm looking at supplemental Breaking Systems for towing a car behind the bus in 4 down towing style

EastCoastCB · 02-09-2019, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjakitty

Sorry about the confusion, I think autocorrect changed my title. I'm looking at supplemental Breaking Systems for towing a car behind the bus in 4 down towing style

Look for a used retarder. The exhaust brake prob won't do much.
I've seen folks tow with a short bus and auxiliary braking. Unless you're talking about the Rockies I'd skip it.

Drew Bru · 02-09-2019, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjakitty

Sorry about the confusion, I think autocorrect changed my title. I'm looking at supplemental Breaking Systems for towing a car behind the bus in 4 down towing style

If you haven't got a tow bar yet, you might consider a surge brake system like the Ready Brute Elite. It eliminates the need to have a separate remote system that applies the brake pedal inside the vehicle itself. I've only used the Ready Brute Elite, myself, but in research it looked to be the most simple solution to towing 4 down. The Brake Buddy system, and the like, just seemed like they would be too fiddly for my liking.

Ninjakitty · 02-09-2019, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew Bru

If you haven't got a tow bar yet, you might consider a surge brake system like the Ready Brute Elite. It eliminates the need to have a separate remote system that applies the brake pedal inside the vehicle itself. I've only used the Ready Brute Elite, myself, but in research it looked to be the most simple solution to towing 4 down. The Brake Buddy system, and the like, just seemed like they would be too fiddly for my liking.

Thanks Drew. That is probably the route I'll end up going. Is this the one that includes the brake away system as well?

somewhereinusa · 02-09-2019, 09:04 AM

I have one of these. Haven't installed it yet. That's a warm weather project.

Supplemental Brake Systems

Got it brand new from eBay for less than $400

Drew Bru · 02-09-2019, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjakitty

Thanks Drew. That is probably the route I'll end up going. Is this the one that includes the brake away system as well?

Yes, it's available with the ReadyStop breakaway. I don't recall if it came with the package, or if I bought it separately. Looks like it's $120 on the website. I haven't installed that part yet

We're happy with it, but have only logged a few thousand miles so far. Worst thing about it is you can't back up with it (I assume it applies the towed vehicle brakes). I like that you just hook it up and go, without having to calibrate an actuator that applies the brake pedal inside the vehicle.

ol trunt · 02-09-2019, 10:38 AM

I went with a used "Blue Ox" that goes between the seat and the brake pedal. It is a PITA to deal with and is in the way if you need to jump in the toad and move it away from your camp site. Not long after I got it it's internal air pump quit and it isn't available. I ended up sourcing air from the air tank on my bus so the system was saved. I'd have gone with a surge system if it had been available at the time. Still, the systems like Roadmaster and Blue Ox will get the job done and are often available on ebay for next to nothing.
Jack

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