Toad brakes
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12-11-2007, 06:02
Post: #1
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Toad brakes
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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12-11-2007, 06:34
Post: #2
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Toad brakes
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 > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > |
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12-11-2007, 07:11
Post: #3
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Toad brakes
The Roadmaster Breakmaster unit is my choice if I could not use the M & G
breaking system. I have seen too many Break buddy and there type of system fail, and then there is the storage when not in use. We have the on board air at the ready, why not use it. Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma At 06:02 PM 12/11/2007 +0000, you 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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12-11-2007, 09:47
Post: #4
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Toad brakes
Take a look here before you decide.
http://www.m-gengineering.com/ Bill 88 FC Michigan --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "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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12-11-2007, 12:37
Post: #5
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Toad brakes
Hi,
I had a Brake Buddy and it was fine. Any system helps. Proportional systems are better, and storage can be a pain. This time I got the Roadmaster air system - proportional to air input from the coach. A "pendulum system (Brakebuddy and some SMI ) activate over bumps etc and the SMI system that requires brake lights "on" still causes the toad to apply brakes with engine braking since brakelights come on with engine or exhaust brakes. The cylinder with the Roadmaster sytem is small enough that I snap it off the pedal and leave it to the left on the floor without unplugging the air quick-connect. I take the cylinder out if stooped for few days and I don't feel lazy. (I leave it more and more). Trade off -- time, safety ,possibly wear out brake pads, cost. Good Luck, Ross ----- Original Message ---- From: whynotam To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 12:02:24 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad brakes 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 <!-- #ygrp-mkp{ border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px 0px;padding:0px 14px;} #ygrp-mkp hr{ border:1px solid #d8d8d8;} #ygrp-mkp #hd{ color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0px;} #ygrp-mkp #ads{ margin-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-mkp .ad{ padding:0 0;} #ygrp-mkp .ad a{ color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;} --> <!-- #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{ font-family:Arial;} #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{ margin:10px 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{ margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;} --> <!-- #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;} #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;} #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;} #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;} #ygrp-text{ font-family:Georgia; } #ygrp-text p{ margin:0 0 1em 0;} #ygrp-tpmsgs{ font-family:Arial; clear:both;} #ygrp-vitnav{ padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;} #ygrp-vitnav a{ padding:0 1px;} #ygrp-actbar{ clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text-align:right;} #ygrp-actbar .left{ float:left;white-space:nowrap;} .bld{font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-grft{ font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;} #ygrp-ft{ font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666; padding:5px 0; } #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{ padding-bottom:10px;} #ygrp-vital{ background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;} #ygrp-vital #vithd{ font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text-transform:upp\ ercase;} #ygrp-vital ul{ padding:0;margin:2px 0;} #ygrp-vital ul li{ list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee; } #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{ font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text-align:right;padding-ri\ ght:.5em;} #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{ font-weight:bold;} #ygrp-vital a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-vital a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor #hd{ color:#999;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov{ padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{ padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{ list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;} #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{ text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;} #ygrp-sponsor #nc{ background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad{ padding:8px 0;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{ font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font-size:100%;line-height:122%\ ;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{ text-decoration:none;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{ text-decoration:underline;} #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{ margin:0;} o{font-size:0;} .MsoNormal{ margin:0 0 0 0;} #ygrp-text tt{ font-size:120%;} blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;} .replbq{margin:4;} --> Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-11-2007, 15:29
Post: #6
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Toad brakes
I also have the Roadmaster Brakemaster setup for towing a 2001 GMC Yukon XL 3/4
ton weighing 6500 lbs. It works well. Troy Tikalsky Waconia, MN 1986 Newell ----- Original Message ----- From: Ralph L. Fullenwider To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 1:11 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad brakes The Roadmaster Breakmaster unit is my choice if I could not use the M & G breaking system. I have seen too many Break buddy and there type of system fail, and then there is the storage when not in use. We have the on board air at the ready, why not use it. Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma At 06:02 PM 12/11/2007 +0000, you 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 > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-12-2007, 03:31
Post: #7
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Toad brakes
Thanks to all who responded. I have a local dealer that handles the
M&G system and plan to call them to see if they could install before we head south on December 21. Alvie Miller 93 WLWB Arthur IL --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Troy Tikalsky" > > I also have the Roadmaster Brakemaster setup for towing a 2001 GMC Yukon XL 3/4 ton weighing 6500 lbs. It works well. > > Troy Tikalsky > Waconia, MN > 1986 Newell > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Ralph L. Fullenwider > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 1:11 PM > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad brakes > > > The Roadmaster Breakmaster unit is my choice if I could not use the M & G > breaking system. I have seen too many Break buddy and there type of system > fail, and then there is the storage when not in use. > We have the on board air at the ready, why not use it. > > Safe travels, > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > Duncan, Oklahoma > > At 06:02 PM 12/11/2007 +0000, you 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 > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > |
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12-12-2007, 14:04
Post: #8
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Toad brakes
Alvie,
I have M&G and and did the install. The install involves removing the master cylinder, installing a pneumatic ram, adjusting the M&G stroke rod and bleeding the hydrolic brakes. Prior to messing with the brakes (even if you are getting it done) you may want to check and note the freeplay and feel for the toad brakes so you can be shure you get it back after the install. I never question the feel of the pedal until I messed with it. I was so unshure that I didnt drive the truck until Tim put on few hundred miles. GregoryO'Connor 94ptRomolandCa --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "whynotam" wrote: > > Thanks to all who responded. I have a local dealer that handles the > M&G system and plan to call them to see if they could install before > we head south on December 21. > > Alvie Miller > 93 WLWB > Arthur IL > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Troy Tikalsky" > > > > > I also have the Roadmaster Brakemaster setup for towing a 2001 GMC > Yukon XL 3/4 ton weighing 6500 lbs. It works well. > > > > Troy Tikalsky > > Waconia, MN > > 1986 Newell > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Ralph L. Fullenwider > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 1:11 PM > > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad brakes > > > > > > The Roadmaster Breakmaster unit is my choice if I could not use > the M & G > > breaking system. I have seen too many Break buddy and there type > of system > > fail, and then there is the storage when not in use. > > We have the on board air at the ready, why not use it. > > > > Safe travels, > > > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > > Duncan, Oklahoma > > > > At 06:02 PM 12/11/2007 +0000, you 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > |
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12-12-2007, 14:44
Post: #9
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Toad brakes
Greg: I have had M&G on three vehicles and only had to bleed brakes
on one because I had to sprice the lines. Most vehicles can accomodate the M&G air cylinder by just moving the master cylider and bending the brake lines. No bleed at all. Just have to set the length on the push rod. Just the opposite when you pull the air cylinder off and put the master cylinder back. No adjustment needed at that point. R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, tX 92WB40 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory OConnor" > > Alvie, > I have M&G and and did the install. The install involves removing the > master cylinder, installing a pneumatic ram, adjusting the M&G stroke > rod and bleeding the hydrolic brakes. > > Prior to messing with the brakes (even if you are getting it done) > you may want to check and note the freeplay and feel for the toad > brakes so you can be shure you get it back after the install. I never > question the feel of the pedal until I messed with it. I was so > unshure that I didnt drive the truck until Tim put on few hundred > miles. > > GregoryO'Connor > 94ptRomolandCa > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "whynotam" > wrote: > > > > Thanks to all who responded. I have a local dealer that handles the > > M&G system and plan to call them to see if they could install > before > > we head south on December 21. > > > > Alvie Miller > > 93 WLWB > > Arthur IL > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Troy Tikalsky" > > > > > > > > I also have the Roadmaster Brakemaster setup for towing a 2001 > GMC > > Yukon XL 3/4 ton weighing 6500 lbs. It works well. > > > > > > Troy Tikalsky > > > Waconia, MN > > > 1986 Newell > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: Ralph L. Fullenwider > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > > Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 1:11 PM > > > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Toad brakes > > > > > > > > > The Roadmaster Breakmaster unit is my choice if I could not use > > the M & G > > > breaking system. I have seen too many Break buddy and there > type > > of system > > > fail, and then there is the storage when not in use. > > > We have the on board air at the ready, why not use it. > > > > > > Safe travels, > > > > > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > > > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > > > Duncan, Oklahoma > > > > > > At 06:02 PM 12/11/2007 +0000, you 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > |
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12-14-2007, 17:04
Post: #10
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Toad brakes
SMI has recently introduced their Air Force One system that is the
only system that ties into the coach air brakes that meets federal requirements for such (according to SMI). Their old technology is no longer available (Silent Partner at least). Go to their new site, http://www.smibrake.net, to see the new technology. Amazingly, it is chaeper than the Silent partner. Tommy 2 Shoes McCarthy Poway CA --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson wrote: > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > |
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