Hey all. Planning a trip from here in Omaha out to Colorado this summer, looking to flat tow my tj behind my class c camper. Everything seems pretty straight forward as far as the towing setup and lights, except the auxiliary braking. Nebraska and most other states require brakes on a towed vehicle over 3,000 lbs. My question is there any affordable braking systems anyone has found or came up with that isnt the $1,000 dollar brake buddies or blue ox systems? Looking to stay legal but not break the bank. Tia
Flat tow braking options
- Thread starter Ders816
- Start date
Bob Brown
Member
I have the Ready break tow bar system it has the surge brake system built into the hitch very quick and easy to use
I know you aren't looking for top of the line systems, but if I had to flat tow a lot, I would get a permanent system like this one:
http://www.brakebuddy.com/phone/stealth.htmlIt permanently installs in the dinghy and activates only during a flat tow. The system also includes a proportional trailer brake controller which prevents inappropriate activation of brakes that can occur with surge or acceleration based brakes. The trailer brake controller can also be used on an actual trailer, so if you ever want to pull a flatbed or box trailer with your RV, you are wired to go.
http://www.brakebuddy.com/phone/stealth.htmlIt permanently installs in the dinghy and activates only during a flat tow. The system also includes a proportional trailer brake controller which prevents inappropriate activation of brakes that can occur with surge or acceleration based brakes. The trailer brake controller can also be used on an actual trailer, so if you ever want to pull a flatbed or box trailer with your RV, you are wired to go.
Bob Brown
Member
If you already have your towbar you can just add this part to it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK56OC0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK56OC0/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Bob Brown
Member
I set mine up with the ready brake this summer and have been very happy with it. I like the fact it's mechanical so I didn't need to tap into the Jeep's electrical system and it didn't break the bank. Very simple setup and easy to use.
I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the ready brake based on some of the feedback I’ve seen. I’ve towed with the road master even brake for 9 years and the last two with demco stay and play. No issue towing and I’ve had some hard stops
I have a used Ready Brake with the break away device that I don't use anymore since I bought a trailer. It's in outstanding condition and 100% complete that I could sell. PM me if interested.
This is an example of a $1k+ system you are trying to avoid. It is the Stay-in-Play Duo. You can see it buried down in there on the anti-lock tray. While it is expensive, it works flawlessly, and being permanently mounted it makes connecting or disconnecting very easy. If you are not flat towing regularly it is overkill, but if you are going to do this regularly I can highly recommend it.
It looks like a super slick system. For the time being tho, I may be flat towing once or twice a year, so I'll start with a cheaper system. If I end up deciding I want to do it more regularly, something like this seems ideal.
I have the same setup as Turbo TJ- same location- I'd suggested looking around for a used compressor system that pushed your brake pedal by pushing against your seat. I have the evenbrake and have one to sell if your in the seattle area..
Airjunky
TJ Enthusiast
I just bought the Stay-In-Play DUO SMI Tow Vehicle Braking System.
Will be the first job done in the new shop.
Will be the first job done in the new shop.
The stay in play looks like a good setup, does that cylinder ever get in your way? In videos it looks to be not too high above the brake peddle.
What’s the best option that’s removable, something you pop in and pop out? Is it the brake buddy?
What’s the best option that’s removable, something you pop in and pop out? Is it the brake buddy?
I was worried about the cylinder getting in the way and also about it getting loose and moving around. In two years and 10k miles of flat towing neither of those things has happened.
I am not sure what the best option is for a portable system. One issue with the portables is I think they will eventually drain your battery. That may not really be a problem if you are not towing great distances before recharge.
I am not sure what the best option is for a portable system. One issue with the portables is I think they will eventually drain your battery. That may not really be a problem if you are not towing great distances before recharge.
Airjunky
TJ Enthusiast
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