Text only | Text with Images

Country Coach Owners Forum

Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: Countrycoachbrad on June 07, 2008, 05:36:34 pm

Title: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 07, 2008, 05:36:34 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39097 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39097)
I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota Tundra. I do not want Brake Buddy or any of the other box-on-the-floor systems. The 2 most interesting products that I have found are the Air Force One by SMI Manufacturing and the M&G Car braking systems for coaches with air brakes. The beauty of both of these systems is ease of connect and no visable parts in my new Tundra.

Has anyone installed either of these tow systems or do you know of any other sites where they have been discussed.

Muchas gracias,

Dick B

04 Intrigue #11830
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Jim Hill on June 07, 2008, 05:55:10 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39098 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39098)
Hi Dick,

I have the Air Force 1 installed on my 2006 Ford F250 4x4 SuperCab Diesel and am very happy with it. It is the best braking relayed system that I have ever used. It connects directly via a small hose, to the coach air brakes. You can't see any sign in the cab that it is even there without getting down low on the floor to look up and see it attached to the firewall and the brake arm. I would buy it again in the future.

Jim Hill

Country Coach
2008 Tribute 260
Ford F250 4x4
CanAm 4x4
Cessna 180
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Lyle Wetherholt on June 07, 2008, 07:14:42 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39100 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39100)
Quote from: countrycoachbrad"
r />]
Dick,

This is one of those subjects where you can't win. Everyone will think theirs is the best. I am no exception. I have the M&G system and it is on my third toad and third coach. I can safely call it faultless, simple to hook up and trouble free. I would recommend that if you go that way be sure to get the emergency break-away portion of the system as well as the main unit. Good luck in your search.

Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Daniel Lieberman on June 07, 2008, 10:26:09 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39102 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39102)
Look at the US Tow Brake. It comes with the break-away and is completely hidden in my Tahoe
Title: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Sharon Brandt on June 08, 2008, 12:34:12 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39105 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39105)
We have Air Force One on our Jeep Grand Cherokee and find it very satisfactory. We had it installed at Henderson's in Grant's Pass, Oregon.

SMI is a sponsor on IRV2.com. There is much discussion there about various toad braking systems
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Larry F on June 08, 2008, 08:46:03 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39108 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39108)
I have the SMI AF One on my Tacoma. I researched the M&G and the AF One. Both use air and are fully proportional. The M&G does not come standard with the dash red light or the emergency break-away system. The AF one does. Also, the M&G won't fit all vehicles, but the AF One does. Love the AF One because it's effective and easy to hook up.

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Quote from: sharbra43
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 08, 2008, 12:03:29 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39113 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39113)
Jim,

I understand that the AF1 has a cable mounted to the floor under the brake pedal. Is this correct? Also, is the brake pedal mounted cylinder completely out of the way? I have size 12's.

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

Quote from: Jim Hill
Hi Dick,

> I have the Air Force 1 installed on my 2006 Ford F250 4x4

SuperCab

Quote
Diesel and am very happy with it. It is the best braking relayed system > that I have ever used. It connects directly via a small hose, to

the coach

Quote
air brakes. You can't see any sign in the cab that it is even there

without

Quote
getting down low on the floor to look up and see it attached to the

firewall

Quote
and the brake arm. I would buy it again in the future.

Jim Hill

Country Coach

2008 Tribute 260

Ford F250 4x4

CanAm 4x4

Cessna 180

> From: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com) > [mailto:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com)] On Behalf Of
countrycoachbrad
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 08, 2008, 12:07:32 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39114 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39114)
Lyle,

thanks for the reply. I am very impressed with the simplicity of the M&G, i.e. nothing in the cab of the toad. Why is the break away so important (unless you break away as I did with my aluminum tow bar)?

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

Quote from: Lyle Wetherholt
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Bikerbill44 on June 08, 2008, 12:23:29 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39115 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39115)
Quote
I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota Tundra. I

do

My first question is, since when does the Toyota Tundra offer 4 down towing? Or are you installing a transmission pump? I checked last year and it was a NO-NO with Toyota.
As for which braking system, that's like the argument of Ford vs CHevy or whichi is the best NASCAR driver. We all have our preferences.
Mine is Roadmaster air-brake with emergency cut-away system.

bill n barb, poconos of pa 1998 country coach prevost 40' xl
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Larry F on June 08, 2008, 12:31:36 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39116 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39116)
Not sure about the Tundra, but I had to install the Remco driveshaft disconnect on my Tacoma.

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Quote from: bikerbill44
> > I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota Tundra.

I

Quote
do
> My first question is, since when does the Toyota Tundra offer 4 down > towing? Or are you installing a transmission pump? I checked last > year and it was a NO-NO with Toyota.

As for which braking system, that's like the argument of Ford vs

CHevy
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Jock Vargo on June 08, 2008, 12:52:56 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39117 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39117)
Dick,

You are correct that there is a pedal mount cylinder. Mine is completely out of the way and I can,t see how it would interfere no matter how large your feet. Mine is tucked up completely out of the way.

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire 330
Saturn Vue
51428
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Tom on June 08, 2008, 01:14:23 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39119 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39119)
If you live in Texas it's a requirement to tow a vehicle. The aux braking system isn't but the brake-away is. THOSE OLD BOYS in Austin are sly! TWI 2004 Intrigue
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 08, 2008, 01:24:46 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39120 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39120)
bikerbill,

I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra and installed the Remco driveline disconnect kit. It works great and is actually easier to use than the last 5 Chrysler/Dodge products that I have towed. Our legal research indicated that Toyota cannot void or deny any warranty claims due to the installation of this system and towing 4 down. Hopefully, we will never need to know. We compared everything in it's class, and nothing even came close to the Tundra in terms of quality, performance, handling, ergos, fun factor, and a wicked 10,200 towing capacity. We are happy.

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

Quote from: bikerbill44
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Ralph & Carol Mathes on June 08, 2008, 02:32:25 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39122 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39122)
Quote from: countrycoachbrad
> > I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota Tundra. I do > not want Brake Buddy or any of the other box-on-the-floor systems. The > 2 most interesting products that I have found are the Air Force One by > SMI Manufacturing and the M&G Car braking systems for coaches with air > brakes. The beauty of both of these systems is ease of connect and no > visable parts in my new Tundra.
> Has anyone installed either of these tow systems or do you know of any > other sites where they have been discussed.

Muchas gracias,

Dick B

04 Intrigue #11830
We have the Air Force One on 2007 HHR. Works great, love it. Only way to go. The Air Force one can be easly removed and installed on another auto when you trade cars.

Ralph Allure 2003
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Lyle Wetherholt on June 08, 2008, 08:44:48 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39125 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39125)
Quote from: countrycoachbrad"
r />]
Dick,

I think you answered your own question. In addition, think of the liability if you do have a break away, do some damage and a slick lawyer can convince a jury that you had knowledge of such a system but chose not to use it.

Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740

Quote
Lyle,

thanks for the reply. I am very impressed with the simplicity of the > M&G, i.e. nothing in the cab of the toad. Why is the break away so > important (unless you break away as I did with my aluminum tow bar)? >

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

[quote author=Lyle Wetherholt"

>
>

[quote author=countrycoachbrad"
>]
> Dick,

> This is one of those subjects where you can't win. Everyone will > > think theirs is the best. I am no exception. I have the M&G system > > and it is on my third toad and third coach. I can safely call it > > faultless, simple to hook up and trouble free. I would recommend that > > if you go that way be sure to get the emergency break-away portion of > > the system as well as the main unit. Good luck in your search.
> Lyle Wetherholt
> 04 Intrigue 11740
> >

> > I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota

Tundra. I do

Quote
> not want Brake Buddy or any of the other box-on-the-floor

systems. The

Quote
> 2 most interesting products that I have found are the Air Force

One by

Quote
> SMI Manufacturing and the M&G Car braking systems for coaches

with air

Quote
> brakes. The beauty of both of these systems is ease of connect

and no

Quote
> visable parts in my new Tundra.
> >

> > Has anyone installed either of these tow systems or do you know

of any
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Bikerbill44 on June 09, 2008, 07:32:54 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39133 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39133)
Up here in the northeast I only use 4 wd so that's out of the question. I was only thinking 4wd so didn't even give the Remco drive-shaft a thought.

bill n barb, poconos of pa 1998 country coach prevost 40' xl

Quote
>

I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra and installed the Remco driveline > disconnect kit. It works great and is actually easier to use than

the

Quote
last 5 Chrysler/Dodge products that I have towed. Our legal

research

Quote
indicated that Toyota cannot void or deny any warranty claims due

to

Quote
the installation of this system and towing 4 down. Hopefully, we

will

Quote
never need to know. We compared everything in it's class, and

nothing

Quote
even came close to the Tundra in terms of quality, performance, > handling, ergos, fun factor, and a wicked 10,200 towing capacity.

We

Quote
are happy.

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

[quote author=bikerbill44"

>
>

> > I am researching various braking systems for a new Toyota

Tundra. I

Quote
do
>

> My first question is, since when does the Toyota Tundra offer 4

down

Quote
towing? Or are you installing a transmission pump? I checked

last

Quote
year and it was a NO-NO with Toyota.
>

> As for which braking system, that's like the argument of Ford vs

CHevy

Quote
or whichi is the best NASCAR driver. We all have our

preferences.
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 09, 2008, 11:59:01 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39135 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39135)
Bill n barb,

My 2008 Tundra is 5.6L with 4WD. Works great with the Remco.

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830

Quote from: bikerbill44
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Jim Hill on June 09, 2008, 12:31:15 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39137 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39137)
Dick, the cable isn't even in view, and the cylinder is so far out of sight that your size 12's couldn't begin to come in contact.

Jim
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 09, 2008, 04:48:34 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39142 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39142)
Jim,

Thanks for the info. You verified what we had thought about the AF1.
We have received numerous good comments about both the AF1 and the M&G. Our first choice (today) is the M&G due to its incredible simplicity with nothing in the toad except an air cylinder.

Dick

Quote from: Jim Hill
Dick, the cable isn't even in view, and the cylinder is so far out

of sight

Quote
that your size 12's couldn't begin to come in contact.

Jim

> From: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com) > [mailto:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com)] On Behalf Of
countrycoachbrad

Quote
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 09:03 > To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com) > Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Toad Braking Systems >

Jim,
> I understand that the AF1 has a cable mounted to the floor under the > brake pedal. Is this correct? Also, is the brake pedal mounted > cylinder completely out of the way? I have size 12's.

Dick B

04 Intrigue 11830
> -
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Jurhee on June 10, 2008, 09:14:48 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39149 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39149)
We used the M&G on 3 vehicles and were happy with it.. However, when we bought a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the M&G would not fit. We switched to the AF1 and have been very happy with it. Nice thing about it, is that it can be easily switched to other vehicles where the M&G cannot.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Jurhee
SOB!!

http://www.jerry-jurhee.blogspot.com/ (http://www.jerry-jurhee.blogspot.com/)
Updated June 9
Title: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Al Tallman on June 11, 2008, 06:34:37 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 39165 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39165)
I have the M&G system on my vehicle which is on an 07 Saturn Outlook and love it. It is in my opinion the simplest system on the market to operate, just hook up the air hose between the car & the coach. The pressure you put on the coach brake you is the same that goes to the care.

The Outlook is a heavy vehicle to tow & I wanted the best system and down at Hitch pro & tow they like this one the best of all the systems out there.
Al

03 Magna
Title: Re: Toad Braking Systems
Post by: Countrycoachbrad on June 12, 2008, 12:48:53 am
Yahoo Message Number: 39170 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/39170)
Al,

thanks for your input. The Saturn Outlook is a pretty light weight toad (4722 curb weight) compared to the tundra that I want to tow. You make a good point on the simplicity of the M&G system. It would appear to be the cleanest/easiest system to install.

thanks,

Dick B

04 Intigue 11830
Text only | Text with Images