Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome is
a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
(mountain master type class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
wagon 5 speed.

I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.

I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the tow
car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
brakes are doing.

I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and I
have most tools, easier install is always nice - if it doesn't give
up too many features.

Thus far I am at:
SMI Air Force One
SMI Stay In Play Duo
US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000

I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
Thanks,
Dan
94 BB BMC 37'
Albuquerque NM

Dan,

I have an SMI unit installed in our '87 PT38 and Bronco toad. The SMI gives feedback to let you know the toad brakes are applied, and the dial allows setting the amount of toad braking. This was installed a couple years ago so SMI may have updated units now. If you need more info. don't hesitate to let me know.




--
Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, CA

We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome is
a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
(mountain master type class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
wagon 5 speed.

I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.

I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the tow
car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
brakes are doing.

I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and I
have most tools, easier install is always
nice - if it doesn't give
up too many features.

Thus far I am at:
SMI Air Force One
SMI Stay In Play Duo
US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000

I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
Thanks,
Dan
94 BB BMC 37'
Albuquerque NM

Note that many states have requirements that a towed vehicle (car or
trailer) have a braking system if it is over a certain weight (which
varies by state). In this case, even if your home state does not have
that requirement, if you go into a neighboring state that does... you
can get a very expensive citation.

I note, too, that I've towed my Toyota Camry with the supplemental
brake system turned off (oops!) and I didn't notice any difference in
my coach's handling. That's why I have the sensitivity of the SMI
system I have set at the lowest position, so that the toad brakes
only come in during a very heavy braking situation. It also keeps the
brakes from over heating and wearing excessively.

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



On Nov 18, 2008, at 10:23 AM, jim riordan wrote:

> Dan,
>
> I have both a jeep wrangler and chevy suburban, as toads. When I
> towed the jeep wrangler I did not have an aux braking system, the
> coach seemed to handle this fine. a breakaway situation would have
> been a problem however. When I decided to tow the suburban I did
> research and ended up using the M&G system.The hardest part was
> probally tapping into the brake system of the bus. Installation on
> the suburban took some time but once we read the instructions
> things went faster. LOL
>
> http://www.m-gengineering.com
> <snip>

Our U S Gear brake has been in place since 2005. It performs great
and provides good feedback, and the toad is always ready to drive.

I was able to integrate the wiring into the 7-pin connector so only
one electric cable is needed for hookup.

The U S Gear does require some installation time, but the result is
worth the effort. A cable run is required from dashboard to rear
bumper of the coach. In my case, a small tail light loom had to be
installed from bumper to bumper in the toad. I also added a junction
box under the toad's hood for a cleaner install.

For toad tail lights I installed additional 1157 sockets and bulbs in
spare holes in the existing lenses so the bus and toad are entirely
independent except for ground and +12V battery connections.

When bus brakes are applied, the additional toad brake lights come
on. When the U S Gear brake activates, the stock toad brake lights
also come on. Turn signals and parking lights are supplied by the
additional 1157 bulbs. After dark or in the rain I usually turn the
toad parking lights on as well.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA, '04 Honda CRV toad

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wallace Craig
wrote:
>
> I have had the u s gear on two coaches and find it excellent. I
know nothing of the others.
>
>
> Wallace Craig
> 95 WLWB 42
> Azle, Texas
>
> --- On Mon, 11/17/08, drw907 wrote:
>
> From: drw907
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad / Tow Brakes
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, November 17, 2008, 9:50 PM
>
> We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome
is
> a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
> (mountain master type class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
> wagon 5 speed.
>
> I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.
>
> I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the
tow
> car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
> brakes are doing.
>
> I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and
I
> have most tools, easier install is always nice - if it doesn't give
> up too many features.
>
> Thus far I am at:
> SMI Air Force One
> SMI Stay In Play Duo
> US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000
>
> I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
> Thanks,
> Dan
> 94 BB BMC 37'
> Albuquerque NM
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>

----- Original Message -----

From: jim riordan

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:24 AM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad / Tow Brakes

Dan,

I have both a jeep wrangler and chevy suburban, as toads. When I towed the jeep wrangler I did not have an aux braking system, the coach seemed to handle this fine. a breakaway situation would have been a problem however. When I decided to tow the suburban I did research and ended up using the M&G system.The hardest part was probally tapping into the brake system of the bus. Installation on the suburban took some time but once we read the instructions things went faster. LOL

www.m-gengineering.com

Jim Riordan

88 WBWL XXV

Stuart, Fl

772 -260 -1328

drw907 com> wrote:

We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome is
a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
(mountain master type class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
wagon 5 speed.

I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.

I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the tow
car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
brakes are doing.

I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and I
have most tools, easier install is always nice - if it doesn't give
up too many features.

Thus far I am at:
SMI Air Force One
SMI Stay In Play Duo
US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000

I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
Thanks,
Dan
94 BB BMC 37'
Albuquerque NM

I agree
with Jim on the M&G Braking. They have a site just Google and they will give you a list of who they can hook up to. I pull a Tahoe and it works fine. For your info If you use this system you should have two female air plug hookups one on the car onthe Bird and use a double ended male plug for air supply attachment It takes me about 3/4 minutes to hook up and go, brakes and all, but to my knowledge there is no feedback to the coach on the car brakes. another good thing is if you were to change toads, M&G will trade your old pump control (it goes between you master booster and master cylinder) for $400.00 and you are set to go.

Since I have another toad I am looking for a M&G for a 06 Trailblazer anybody have a lead?

Jim if you are reading this IF you were to be pulled over or heaven forbid you got in a accident with you Jeep attached, you are in violation. Not to mention your insurance
would be out the window if no brakes on Jeep or any toad that is 1,200 pounds or more. this is the law.

Scooter

2000LX

Ocqueoc, MI

----- Original Message -----

From: jim riordan

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:24 AM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad / Tow Brakes

Dan,

I have both a jeep wrangler and chevy suburban, as toads. When I towed the jeep wrangler I did not have an aux braking system, the coach seemed to handle this fine. a breakaway situation would
have been a problem however. When I decided to tow the suburban I did research and ended up using the M&G system.The hardest part was probally tapping into the brake system of the bus. Installation on the suburban took some time but once we read the instructions things went faster. LOL

www.m-gengineering.com

Jim Riordan

88 WBWL XXV

Stuart, Fl

772 -260 -1328

drw907 com> wrote:

We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome is
a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
(mountain master type
class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
wagon 5 speed.

I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.

I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the tow
car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
brakes are doing.

I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and I
have most tools, easier install is always nice - if it doesn't give
up too many features.

Thus far I am at:
SMI Air Force One
SMI Stay In Play Duo
US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000

I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
Thanks,
Dan
94 BB BMC 37'
Albuquerque NM

-------------- Original message from jim riordan : --------------

Al,

There are differing rules (laws)in different states regarding brakes for towed vehicles. some state don't even require aux brakes.No doubt it is clearly safer and smarter to have a braking system with a breakaway feature. My suburban requires no pump becauce my master cylinder is a vacuum.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

Al Scudder com> wrote:

I agree with Jim on the M&G Braking. They have a site just Google and they will give you a list of who they can hook up to. I pull a Tahoe and it works fine. For your info If you use this system you should have two female air plug hookups one on the car onthe Bird and use a double ended male plug for air supply attachment It takes me about 3/4 minutes to hook up and go, brakes and all, but to my knowledge there is no feedback to the coach on the car brakes. another good thing is if you were to change toads, M&G will trade your old pump control (it goes between you master booster and master cylinder) for $400.00 and you are set to go.

Since I have another toad I am looking for a M&G for a 06 Trailblazer anybody have a lead?

Jim if you are reading this IF you were to be pulled over or heaven forbid you got in a accident with you Jeep attached, you are in violation. Not to mention your insurance would be out the window if no brakes on Jeep or any toad that is 1,200 pounds or more. this is the law.

Scooter

2000LX

Ocqueoc, MI

----- Original Message -----

From: jim riordan

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:24 AM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad / Tow Brakes

Dan,

I have both a jeep wrangler and chevy suburban, as toads. When I towed the jeep wrangler I did not have an aux braking system, the coach seemed to handle this fine. a breakaway situation would have been a problem however. When I decided to tow the suburban I did research and ended up using the M&G system.The hardest part was probally tapping into the brake system of the bus. Installation on the suburban took some time but once we read the instructions things went faster. LOL

www.m-gengineering.com

Jim Riordan

88 WBWL XXV

Stuart, Fl

772 -260 -1328

drw907 com> wrote:

We will begin full timing within the next 6 months. Our motorhome is
a 1994 Bluebird BMC diesel pusher with a Spartan air brake chassis
(mountain master type class) , tow car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
wagon 5 speed.

I have done some net research, and have not made a final decison.

I do not want to have to add/remove any components inside the the tow
car to tow/drive. I want feedback inside the coach of what the toad
brakes are doing.

I will likely install myself, and while mechanically inclined, and I
have most tools, easier install is always nice - if it doesn't give
up too many features.

Thus far I am at:
SMI Air Force One
SMI Stay In Play Duo
US Gear Unified Tow Brake UTB-1000

I could use any advice/rational to help me decide,
Thanks,
Dan
94 BB BMC 37'
Albuquerque NM