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Topic: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow... (Read 417 times) previous topic - next topic
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Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Does (or has), anybody towed their dingy using a Ready Brute II tow bar equipped with the Ready Brake braking system?  We're looking at installing this on our Jeep Wrangler to use with our 24' TK.

Anyone have experience with this or knowledge of this product?
TIA
Bill & Km
Bill & Kim
W/Zia, our 2013  27’ RK
2001  Jeep  Wrangler
Land of Enchantment
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #1 –
We used a Ready Brake with a Blue Ox tow bar and had zero problems. Once the cable is calibrated and the system is set up, using the Ready Brake is a breeze. When traveling I found it much easier to hook up the Toad as there was nothing to install in the car. As an additional point of reference, we had borrowed a system that you'd place on the driver's side floor in front of the seat and connect it to the brake pedal and aux power. It was a hassle to set up and did not always stay in place, especially on curvy, bumpy roads.

With the Ready Brake I do recall a few times feeling the Toad "bump" the rig as the mechanical portion engaged the brakes.

Since it is purely mechanical, there are few parts to break and no electrical burden on the Toad. Obviously, you'll still need to hook up all your lights.

And the cost for the ready break is considerably less then the systems that get installed under the seat or in the engine compartment.

We used the Ready Brake on multiple trips from the Midwest to the Rockies where we went up and down multiple passes. However, it terms of total miles, I'm sure the majority were on the Interstate.

1998 Mid Bath
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #2 –
I think the Ready Brake product will work for your Jeep but on some vehicles it won’t.  Check out Andy B’s blog here on the difficulties he had with the Ready Brake:

Follow the leader
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #3 –
I have it installed on a  2006 Mid Bath to a 2020 Jeep Wrangler.  Using a Blue Ox baseplate on the Jeep. 
2006 MB
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jaxon  - 
Does (or has), anybody towed their dingy using a Ready Brute II tow bar equipped with the Ready Brake braking system?  We're looking at installing this on our Jeep Wrangler to use with our 24' TK.

Anyone have experience with this or knowledge of this product?
TIA
Bill & Km
We got it installed in KS at factory. There was no RV to check out the wiring etc. Now I am towing for two weeks and I have no problem at all. No reference point to compare but hooking and unhooking is around 5 minutes and it get easier and faster ...
Yes price is lower but I went with this vendor because of simple mechanical system which I do understand.
There is internet package which include everything needed which took out any guessing.

Good luck...
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #5 –
I have it on my 2003 MB and tow a 2012 Jeep Liberty. Works well for me!

If you look for an instructional video from We're the Russo's on YouTube you'll see they towed a 4-door Wrangler with theirs. I bought it from them when they switched to a van.
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #6 –
Thank you all - really good info! 

We ordered their “complete kit” which includes base plate, wiring for lights, breakaway brake, etc..  Really like that I don’t have to change out the LD 4-pin connector to a 7-pin powered brake and such. 
Bill & Kim
W/Zia, our 2013  27’ RK
2001  Jeep  Wrangler
Land of Enchantment
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #7 –
The only downside is the lack of a test button and a 'brake on' indicator light.
I wire all installations with a test button that activates the toad brake and dash light that illuminates when the toad brake are activated.

When at the top of a very long and steep downgrade, it's reassuring to push the test button and see the brake indicator light come,
No matter what toad brake is used, failures of some sort are possible and do happen.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #9 –
Quote from: debinvenice  - 
There is a brake indicator light option. I have it but did not install it.
Ready Brake In Dash Braking Indicator #DL-300 - NSA Tow Bars

Didn't know that, thanks for the information.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #10 –
I wasn't able to install the ReadyBrake on my Honda Fit due to problems routing the cable that pulls on the brake pedal. But I did know another LD owner who used it with a Scion xD and was happy with it.

The one caveat I remember from reading reviews at the time (ten years ago) is that it's very important to keep the sliding parts lubricated. The only failures I read about were due to lack of lubrication.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
I wasn't able to install the ReadyBrake on my Honda Fit due to problems routing the cable that pulls on the brake pedal. But I did know another LD owner who used it with a Scion xD and was happy with it.

The one caveat I remember from reading reviews at the time (ten years ago) is that it's very important to keep the sliding parts lubricated. The only failures I read about were due to lack of lubrication.
I asked for lubrication and newer version does not need any lubrication. Just fyi ....
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #12 –
I have used the Ready Brute II and Ready Brake. Love it, I read about too many horror stories related to the brake systems installed on the floor to activate the brake pedal. I like that the Ready Brake is all mechanical. I've been towing a Jeep Wrangler JKU with out issue. I wired in two led lights in my motorhome dash, one shows when the Ready Brake is engaged and one when the Jeep brake pedal is being pulled on. So far so good, easy to connect and unhook.
Have an awesome day!
Dan - on list for a 31' IB White/Sliver
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #13 –
"newer version does not need any lubrication."

Good! That removes a weak point.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
"newer version does not need any lubrication."

Good! That removes a weak point.
BUT ... Though I keep break wire two inch loose I do not have any idea if break works. I tow 3500 lb car and do not feel any pull or push from tow and driving rv with or without tow is same. I have a small red light on tow car which is supposed to come on when break is applied and I thought I will see it from back camera but guess I have not got a chance driving in dark so far. At the time of installation if I had rv, that light can be put in rv cockpit.

And Andy, thanks ... Your travel log got me to rv life style and we are enjoying it.
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #15 –
Muhammad

"...supposed to come on when break is applied..."

Point of clarification on the twisted English language... to 'break' is to smash asunder! To 'brake' is to stop something. Yeah, I know, it's a quirky tongue we speak.   ::)   ;)

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #16 –
Interesting thread. I have a Ready Brake Elite on my 2004 CRV. Even though it does not require lubrication, I do lube it. Unfortunately I have learned that I need to replace the cable proactively (yearly) because of cable breakage. I have always assumed it was due to incorrect installation. After reading Andy’s comments about his fit and clearance between the engine and fire wall I am convinced it is very difficult to install it correctly on a limited clearance vehicle. I am currently outfitting a Cross Treck and am springing for a Duo Stay and Play. Sounds like the Jeep works well with the surge break it is also said to be one of the easiest vehicles to put the base plate on. Now if it was only a bit lighter and a bit more reliable it would be perfect.
Ken and Pat 2021 Midbath Mariposa
Re: Ready Brute with Ready Brake tow...
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Muhammad

"...supposed to come on when break is applied..."

Point of clarification on the twisted English language... to 'break' is to smash asunder! To 'brake' is to stop something. Yeah, I know, it's a quirky tongue we speak.   ::)   ;)


Thanks

Talking about language, we used to have three languages at dinner table when kids were young and my mom was alive and living with us ... my kids will speak English, my Mom will speak Memni (local language from a small village she grew up) and my wife will speak Urdu ..... Another interesting fact, my wife and my mother will not understand each other :-) So I am not sure it is language or my brain .... I mentioned Andy's travel log and one of his earlier writeup he mention that he was surprise how homogeneous motorhome owners are .... perhaps I bring some spices to homogeneous group but will be looking for break as English/American is my fourth or perhaps fifth language.