Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

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Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

June 19, 2017, 10:40:39 pm

I am about to install a base plate in the Subie Forester. The folks that do the install are very keen on the RVi brake controlling system. They feel they are better for the customer because of the portability. I did a search of the forum and there are people using RVi system, but I have did not see anything with a recent date.
I think I remember seeing that Larry likes the installed on board brake systems over removable systems and that is the biggest reason I am asking for help. I trust his opinion. Larry, please forgive me if I mis-stated your views. What I like the idea behind the RVi3, their current product, that controller can tie their TPMS into the same screen (just more dollars down the road). For the Forester it requires a rack installed with the seat to keep it in place when pressing on the brake. I see this as a positive issue because the device is locked in a holder rather that relying on the shape of the floor. But I am new to this and it is more than possible that I have been swayed by sales pitch. The installer will put in anything I buy. They did not try to sell me on the device. They simply said they thought it was best for most of their customers because of portability. The sales pitch came with the product video from RVi.
John

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #1 – June 19, 2017, 11:11:08 pm

John

Have you investigated the SMI 'Stay-In-Play Duo' system. It's dead stone simple... throw a toggle switch and go!

I've had two, an early model which I had installed on a 2002 Honda Civic and then when I replaced that vehicle I had an updated model installed in my 2008 Honda CRV. The system is permanently installed (no removal needed) and there is only one control to be adjusted for brake sensitivity. Once it's set for your preference you throw the switch and you're on your way.

Amazon.com: SMI 99251 Tow Brake System: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #2 – June 19, 2017, 11:16:56 pm

Can't comment on this system, but portable systems in general offer ONLY the advantage that they can be moved to another towed vehicle. Installing and dismounting them every time you hook up to tow is time-consuming and introduces the possibility of error. There are likely other issues as well, and extensive rewiring will usually be needed to provide breakaway braking and power. We have the SMI Stay in Play permanently installed in our Fit, which is invisible and unobtrusive for normal use. It requires only the flip of a hidden switch to activate it.

Steve

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #3 – June 19, 2017, 11:37:48 pm

John

If you go to the SMI web-site at the link below you will find the installation video I spoke of in my PM.

STAY-IN-PLAY DUO Braking System

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #4 – June 20, 2017, 08:06:19 am

I've used the ReadyBrake surge brake system for about 8 years with a Demco tow bar and it works great. Simple to adjust and hookup. ReadyBrake™ Towed Vehicle Receiver Style Supplemental Brake System

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #5 – June 20, 2017, 09:27:09 am

Some like blondes, other redheads. I would not have a portable brake system. That said, for casual infrequent, use, it might be more desirable.

I installed an SMI 11 years ago. Swapped it from one toad to another. Could not be more pleased. The newer ones are even better.

The Companion

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #6 – June 20, 2017, 12:27:46 pm

After knowing two who've lost their toads due to portable brake units shifting and applying the brakes, which lead to fire and the burning of their vehicles....no way would I ever have anything to do with one of them.
I want a permanently installed brake unit.
IMO, The only application where a portable brake is appropriate is if you own multiple toads and don't the expense of not installing permanent tow brakes in each.

We have used an SMI brake for fourteen years and would not hesitate to install another one tomorrow.
Being permanently installed makes it easy to use, just flip a switch, the wiring is done through the towing light's umbilical cord .
It is a relatively simple device without a lot of electronics to fail at the wrong moment.

After you have towed for a while, you will appreciate a system that requires the minimum amount of effort to use.
Not having to place and remove the brake unit each time you want to use the toad is a good thing.
We like being able to disconnect and drive away in just a couple minutes. We often use the toad, when on the road, to check out campgrounds and or local slights, where the LD isn't the right vehicle or the road is too narrow or congested to attempt with the LD and toad connected.
Make the entire hookup and disconnect processes as easy on yourself as possible, it can be a hassle if not done right.

The RVi brake may be a decent brake, who knows? It hasn't been around long or at least I have not seen one nor heard anything about it. It isn't built by a company with a long term record.
Having a brake that is connected to the TPMS doesn't seem to be a big advantage.
The only indicator that I like to see is a hard-wired light on the LD's dash, that illuminates when the toad's brakes are activated. The dash light is wired to and activated by the toad's Factory brake light, which is powered when the toad's brakes are applied. This is very useful as it will show when the toad's brakes are activated (a good test to perform at the beginning of each day's drive) and also showing unintended braking, in case something in the toad brake fails and sets the brakes.

When descending a long, steep grade, I would prefer knowing there is some history behind the toad brake.
SMI has been in business for many years and has good customer support and part availability.

Now, if you would like to be the test subject, please report back in a year on how well the brake unit has performed.

Larry

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #7 – June 20, 2017, 10:19:37 pm

Thanks Larry,

I may put my Brake Buddy on the market based on your years of experience.

One more project for the Lazy Daze...

HD

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #8 – June 21, 2017, 07:45:54 am

Quote from: Larry Wade - June 20, 2017, 12:27:46 pm

We have used an SMI brake for fourteen years and would not hesitate to install another one tomorrow.
Being permanently installed makes it easy to use, just flip a switch, the wiring is done through the towing light's umbilical cord .
It is a relatively simple device without a lot of electronics to fail at the wrong moment.

We have used an SMI brake for a couple of years and agree. In fact, in switching from our DP to a non-air brake coach, we are replacing our AF1 with the Stay n' Play Duo.

SMI support is outstanding. I have had to contact them twice, and both times they have been very friendly and complete with their answers.

Just an FYI, they are being purchased by Demco.

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #9 – June 21, 2017, 04:18:00 pm

When I started, back in 2008, I got a Brake Buddy for my (then) Toyota Yaris. I had mixed feelings about it. When I changed from the Yaris to a Subaru Forester, the Brake Buddy did not have enough oomph to get decent braking in the Subaru. I had a US Gear braking system installed. Over the years, I have had mostly good experience with the US Gear Proportional Braking System but I did have some problems with its controller. Were I to start over, I would go with SMI's system.

Subjective stuff - When I was using the Brake Buddy there were a few occasions when I had to unhook the car and move it, then hook up again. This occurred when I had gotten into a spot where I had to back up. That process meant that I had to unhook the Brake Buddy, disconnect the car, move the car and the RV, then hook up the car and re-connect the Brake Buddy. Now, connecting or disconnecting the US Gear system means simply plugging or unplugging a two-connector plug. It is so much easier and more convenient that the Brake Buddy was.

Larry said "IMO, The only application where a portable brake is appropriate is if you own multiple toads and don't the expense of not installing permanent tow brakes in each." I heartily endorse his opinion.

Ken F in WY

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #10 – June 21, 2017, 04:57:38 pm

Quote from: Kenneth Fears - June 21, 2017, 04:18:00 pm

Over the years, I have had mostly good experience with the US Gear Proportional Braking System but I did have some problems with its controller. Were I to start over, I would go with SMI's system.

Many years ago, the US Gear Unified Brake was the state of the art.
Not anymore. The solid state controllers burned out way too often and at a high cost.
You are being redirected...
They burned up so often that I always had one on hand, selling off the last one a few weeks ago.

Larry

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #11 – June 22, 2017, 07:37:15 am

Interesting about burning up controllers with US Gear system. Had ours installed in '08. 5k miles per year and nary a problem. Love the ease of hitch/unhitch. Can't imagine a portable system- though we won't consider changing cars (Honda CRV-08) due to cost of putting in the braking system to be ready to tow, and the Honda has served us very well.

Can understand some wanting to use a portable system, but the ease of hitch is especially good for us now as I usually do most all of it due to hubby's inability to help most of the time. Norma 2000 IB

Re: Looking for RVi brake system reviews in the LD community..

Reply #12 – June 22, 2017, 09:16:39 am

Wow, this is a great thread and I am so glad to hear everyone lauding the SMI. Before flying out to CA to pick up our LD, I stopped by a shop in Sebring, FL (our home base) to organize a Blue Ox tow bar installation on our Sonic and to talk about a brake system. When I said we wanted to order the Patriot II, the man said he would purchase it for us but would not install it. "The only braking system we'll install is an SMI because it's the only one we have confidence in." After he explained it to us, it seemed like a logical choice to me; no hassle with placing the brake unit every time you need to roll and less chance of me making a crazy mistake in the set up. So, that's what we ordered and everything will be installed after the 4th of July in preparation for our 4 month trek north. Thanks again for everyone's expertise and willingness to share.

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