Best Breakaway System?

[Jim]

I haven't used a breakaway system before, but after watching the runaway Jeep in a previous thread, I've decided to get one. So I have no experience in what to look for. Who is using what, how difficult is it to setup initially, and what was the cost?

TIA

 

[Neal]

@Jim if you're asking about a toad braking system, I personally use the Air Force One. It's not the cheapest of the options but it's the simplest to hook up and disconnect with a system like this and I sure needed it as a newbie RVer getting myself into situations where I had to disconnect, turn around, reconnect. Such a pain lessened by a system like this.

Air Force One Braking System

Our Air Force One supplemental braking system is a truly innovative, one-of-a-kind standard for its industry. With safety and efficient design in mind, it’s the only air brake that meets DOT and chassis regulations. Air Force One’s straightforward application makes it ideal for cars and...

www.demco-products.com

 

[Neemer]

I have the Airforce one system in my class B, which is a breeze to hook up. The system itself is a bit spendy, and I also paid someone to install it.

In my other toad, I use the Roadmaster Even Brake which is a portable system that has to be emplaced each time you use it. That can be a bit of a pain in the arse, especially when it is raining. Not great for a person with trashed knees either.

My personal opinion is the AF1 is the best system available.

 

[GlampDaddy]

I formerly had AF1. Changed to M&G when I changed toads. It’s a sweet thing! M&G has their own break-away device too.

 

[team bradfield]

Blue Ox Patriot 3, I hope I never have to find out if the breakaway works...

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I haven't used a breakaway system before, but after watching the runaway Jeep in a previous thread, I've decided to get one. So I have no experience in what to look for. Who is using what, how difficult is it to setup initially, and what was the cost?

TIA

We have Brake Buddy and have had it for probably 15 years. I have sent it to the manufacturer once to have the compressor rebuilt. It does work well (I test the brake away system periodically) and it's not that difficult to hook up but but to me, it is sloppy. No matter how I adjust the bracket that rests against the seat, it is sloppy. Doing it again, I would rather have a permanently mounted system. I think I paid about $1500. Cdn back then.

Darrell

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Jim,

I used an Air Force One for 5 years on two coaches with my Raptor. Cost a couple grand professionally installed. It's a very elegantly designed system and, aside from the coiled air and breakaway cables, you'll have NO parts to carry and/or store.

Now, with my '21 Grand Cherokee, I wanted to go a different route since I wasn't completely sure we'd keep it and I didn't want to install the AF1, only to remove it later. So, I grabbed a used Blue Ox Patriot 3 for $400. It's incredibly light, and I can put it in and set it up in 45 seconds. I store it in a Milwaukee bag. I installed the breakaway box at the bumper, and the wire travels through the firewall and is just coiled up under the carpet for whenever I need to plug it into the Patriot.

So, I have 2 versions of a brake/breakaway system; one permanent, and one portable. The biggest advantage to a Patriot, even if bought new, is you don't incur the install costs when you want to change TOADS.

If you're interested, I made a video about my AF1 and Raptor a while back:

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I have used the M&G Engineering system since 2008 on 4 different toads. When I bought my GMC Canyon, I had M&G install the brake, brake-away, diode brake lights, and Roadmaster baseplate for less than $2500.

Brake Systems for RV Towing | M&G Brake Systems

M&G Brake Systems is the Brake System for RV Towing that integrates the brakes in your coach and towed vehicle to act as one, providing safe, proportional braking. They are 35% more powerful than Air Force One, and no electricity is required for normal operation. No maintenance is ever required...

www.mgbrakes.com

 

[GlampDaddy]

I have used the M&G Engineering system since 2008 on 4 different toads. When I bought my GMC Canyon, I had M&G install the brake, brake-away, diode brake lights, and Roadmaster baseplate for less than $2500.

Brake Systems for RV Towing | M&G Brake Systems

M&G Brake Systems is the Brake System for RV Towing that integrates the brakes in your coach and towed vehicle to act as one, providing safe, proportional braking. They are 35% more powerful than Air Force One, and no electricity is required for normal operation. No maintenance is ever required...

www.mgbrakes.com

Me too!

 

[Rich W.]

I had M&G and they have a nice break away system but I never got it. I used two very stout safety cables, securely attached to both the jeep and coach, so there was simply no physical way the jeep could get loose.

The only thing that could happen is that if the tow bar failed, the jeep would probably rear end the coach when I stopped, but I always used a good well maintained tow bar too. So after thinking it through and analyzing all the possibilities, I decided not to bother with a break-away system.

 

[DennisT]

Having seen baseplates that failed etc we would not run without a braking system. A lot has to happen to come completely disconnected but it can happen.

That said we like the Demco braking system. We have the Stay and Play Duo in our current toad. Same system as our old one had.

Could have gone with their Air Force One since we have air brakes now but stayed with the old setup. Would have had to install the extra lines and connections for the air hookup. Nothing to hookup this way, just turn them on.

Has worked great over the years in both toads and set so they are more for breakaway now since the coach doesn’t need help stopping the extra weight.

 

[Rich W.]

Having seen baseplates that failed etc we would not run without a braking system. A lot has to happen to come completely disconnected but it can happen.

That said we like the Demco braking system. We have the Stay and Play Duo in our current toad. Same system as our old one had.

Could have gone with their Air Force One since we have air brakes now but stayed with the old setup. Would have had to install the extra lines and connections for the air hookup. Nothing to hookup this way, just turn them on.

Has worked great over the years in both toads and set so they are more for breakaway now since the coach doesn’t need help stopping the extra weight.

I have to agree - I’ve never liked conventional base plates. The connections just seem so small, even minimal to me. That’s why I built my own mounts and bolted them through the bumper and into the front cross member of the jeep frame. If I were using a typical base plate I would have probably opted for the break away braking system too. They just don’t look stout enough to me. This is also why I used a receiver extension with a 6” rise to keep everything level. I also used them to mount my rock screen to stop the damage to the jeep.

Through bolted mounts

Receiver extension with 6” rise to make everything level. Not a great pic of it but you can see it there. Also used hitch tighteners to keep the receiver extension from bouncing around in the hitch.

 

[DennisT]

I have to agree - I’ve never liked conventional base plates. The connections just seem so small, even minimal to me. That’s why I built my own mounts and bolted them through the bumper and into the front cross member of the jeep frame. If I were using a typical base plate I would have probably opted for the break away braking system too. They just don’t look stout enough to me. This is also why I used a receiver extension with a 6” rise to keep everything level.

It was interesting meeting a couple in the site next to us from Canada.

They had a breaking / breakaway system installed and mentioned that it was the law in Canada that you have to have one. Not sure how that translates coming from the States across the border and don’t want to move the thread in another direction though

I think the baseplates depend on the vehicle and the installer. Current ones on the Cherokee bolt up where the front tow hooks were located so they should handle quite a bit.

Don’t want the liability “just in case” so, personally, will never tow a vehicle without the braking / break away system.

 

[Neal]

My recent baseplate failure, as you may recall:

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

My recent baseplate failure, as you may recall:

I must have missed that! That could have put you in a bad spot for sure.