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Toad Braking System

Yahoo Message Number: 88450
Wow...Sticker Shock! One of the better coach shops in my area just quoted me $5300 for a Patriot Braking System for my 2007 CC Tribute. On Amazon, I see a Blue Ox Patriot System for $995. Help please....What am I missing? Is the one advertized by Amazon too small for my coach or something? I am pulling a 2008 Jeep Liberty. Should a reputable shop charge me $4300 to instal a Patriot system? Are there equally progressive toad braking systems that I should consider? David Jean
CC#81072

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88451
Consider M&G, we've had one for over 10 years, two vehicles, works great. Cost is about $650 + an hour to install. When to the factory in Athens TX and they charged me $100 to install in my new Envoy. I think the Jeep is a compatible vehicle, check their website, they also have a break away kit.
I checked the operation using a 50' air hose and had my wife drive the car while I applied the MH brakes, liked the operation, seemed very progressive.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue, 2006 Envoy

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88452
David,

I'd think you would want to get as much distance between you and this shop as possible. That is really out of line! I am a little curious who this shop is? Just in case they are near me.
We have the Air force One and I am very happy with it. It takes more to install it but after that there is nothing to using it.
http://www.smibrake.com/air-force-one.html
Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88454
It does sound a tad on the expensive side... Other quotes are probably wise.
If going to consider different braking systems, I'll toss in my good experience with the US Gear. I liked the proportional braking system, and the power feed to the CRV toad.

Moved the control from our 1st RV to this coach.
Previous owner of our first coach, had a Silent Partner, that he was pleased with too.
Good luck on your choice, and good luck on a shop with out a 'We'll retire off of this job!' pricing:)! Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88458
Get the M & G. I had one installed on my CC Inspire two years ago at a convention and the simplicity is worth the money. But you will also have the mental comfort that comes with it as well. Its great.



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From: dljean50

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2013 1:05 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Toad Braking System

Wow...Sticker Shock! One of the better coach shops in my area just quoted me $5300 for a Patriot Braking System for my 2007 CC Tribute. On Amazon, I see a Blue Ox Patriot System for $995. Help please....What am I missing? Is the one advertized by Amazon too small for my coach or something? I am pulling a 2008 Jeep Liberty. Should a reputable shop charge me $4300 to instal a Patriot system? Are there equally progressive toad braking systems that I should consider? David Jean
CC#81072

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Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88466
I have a M&G and I know Air Force 1 is just as good. Check out their prices on line. I installed the M&G myself in about an hour.

Tom

2005 Inspire 51177

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88477
I have also used the M&G braking system for 14 years on several different toads and highly recommend it. Once installed, it is much better without anything on the floor of the toad. M&G will tell you if their unit will fix your toad.

Gene Merryman
2006 Intrigue
CC #12005

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88479
I also have used the M&G system for the last 8 years and I am very pleased Bob 06 intrigue 12047

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88482
There is a lot of positive feedback on both M&G and SMI's Air Force 1. I went with SMI and couldn't be happier. I had the top tow/hitch install shop in Eugene (near Junction City) install it with the Roadmaster All Terrain II, a 10,000 lb rated tow bar, to tow my 09 Chevy Suburban 4x4 LTZ. As I recall the total cost was around $3700 and it all works flawlessly and is effortless to connect and disconnect my toad in about 2 minutes. I did some research online and couldn't find any negatives about SMI - M&G on the other hand apparently doesn't fit all vehicles and may not be transferrable to a new toad when you buy one. It apparently works as well as SMI, though.
The Chevy 4x4's make a great toad, by the way. With the 2 speed transfer case, there is a quick process outlined in the owner's manual, and when flat towing, there is no need to leave the key switch in accessory position as in many toads to run down your toad batteries, and no mileage is registered on the odometer, a BIG plus. And there is no need as on many toads, to periodically start the engine and shift the transmission to circulate the fluid. I was just reading up on the Ford Edge which does have that requirement and the ignition accessory position as well. The Chevy is far superior in that regard. It is a little heavy compared to some other toads, but with our big CAT diesel, most of the time I barely notice the toad is back there.
OTOH, I wanted the large vehicle, first because I am a very large person, and we carry our Kayak and a Thule Roof Box on top, bikes on the back and it can also fit a lot of gear in the back so it kinda functions like a utility trailer when we tow it. Other times, my wife drives it separately and tows our 4000 lb sailboat and tandem axle boat trailer so I absolutely wanted the big V8 and towing capacity. The All Terrain II tow bar by Roadmaster is rated for 10,000 lbs so it handles the load no problem. The AF1 does a great job proportionately braking the toad.
My only complaint is that when using the coach's 3 stage exhaust braking, the heavy toad makes it less effective than when I am not towing anything. No way around that I guess, unless there were some kind of electrical switch which could detect the brake light switch when the exhaust brake trips it. It would be really neat if the aux toad braking system could be activated by the coach's exhaust brake as well as by the air brakes.

Joseph Burkle

2008 Country Coach Inspire 360 Founders Edition 43' quad slide tag axle 425 HP C9 pusher http://www. Wind-seeker.com/
 

Re: Toad Braking System

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 88484
That's one of the advantages of an engine brake, more braking horsepower. If you had an ISM or Cat 13 you would be much happier.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731