brake system

[kelpie]

Hey ladies, I'm planning to get a different car so i can tow it behind the rig. What I need to know is this - pros and cons of various brands/types of braking systems and/or tow bars. CW is having a special with free installation for two kinds but it only lasts 3 weeks and I'm not sure i'll have the car trade done by then. But I'd like to have the research done before hand

[Mrssissy]

Our set up uses a Blue OX and I have always read it is the best and so far no complaints.
We don't use any extra brake because the weight of our rig over powers the car enough to stop it.
If I put a break system in I have always the Brake Buddy is the best.
Hope this 2 cents helps.

[sharon]

I have the Blue Ox tow system and love it. I can hook up by myself in about 10 minutes. I don't really need an auxillary brake system either but got the Brake Buddy when I went to Alaska just in case I was checked at the Canadian border and the 10% grades in Alaska. Very easy to use and the only thing that has to be wired in is the break-away. Found it the cheapest on PPL. I watched a guy hook up with a Sterling tow bar one time, that looked easy, too, but I'm more than happy with my Blue Ox and you can't beat the warranty on it. They completely went through it in Quartzsite for 20 bucks and made it like new. As with any tow bar the trick is to make sure your car is completely straight behind you before you try to un-hook. Took me a few times and a lot of cussin' to figure that one out. Check the Blue Ox web site to make sure they have the parts for the car you're going to buy. They have a list there. Good Luck!

[relaxing101]

I also have the Blue Ox and the Brake Buddy and love both. Very easy to use. I was very hesitant about it at first until I learned how easy it is to hook up and use (both of them).

I did some shopping online and purchased both of mine for a SUBSTANTIAL savings. And having the Blue Ox installed was not that expensive either.

Good luck,

Bonnie

[retiredhappy]

Bought my Brake Buddy on ebay and got a good deal cause it wasn't the "newest" model.. On the tow bar just be sure that the arms are extendible for ease of hooking up.

[Getupngo]

I use the full Blue Ox system ... both tow bar & braking system. The brake box went on the fritz, I sent it to Blue Ox and they sent it back fixed -- no charge. Love them. They also have an 800 number to call when you have problems. I had trouble getting the tow bar off, and they told me to turn the front wheels one way or the other to unbind it. Great company.

Be sure to get an all-terrain tow bar ... you can hook them up when the rig and the car are skee-whompus. The more rigid bars require both vehicles to be on the flat & perfectly lined up.

BTW, when my braking system is hooked up, my rig stops about 50% better than the MH with its brakes alone. Well worth the investment in a panic stop.

[sharon]

Yeah, I hook up the brake buddy whether or not I think I may need it and set it on the lowest setting for those unexpected panic stops....like when the guy in the right lane decides to make a left hand turn. I've got air brakes and Hope can pretty much throw Sam the cat through the windshield on a panic stop or short light...really pisses him off! Sometimes I think he rides up on the dash just 'cause he doesn't trust my driving!

[asirimarco]

We have used the demco - excalibar tow bar . very easy to use in fact just ordered another one for the new RV


http://www.adventurerv.net/demco-excalibar-tow-bar-towing-p-1656.html

[sunshinecruiserTN]

I too have the blue ox and love the ease of hooking up. That was a huge consideration for me as a solo traveller. I don't have a braking system yet but will probably go with blue ox. IMHO, they can't be beat.