Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications (Read 714 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Yahoo Message Number: 68999
I require some input regarding this unit. I have a 2005 Inspire 51406 that I know is pre-wired from the factory. My tow vehicle is a Honda Element 2005.
When I gooogle New Unified Tow Brake Application I am presented with four choices

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69003
Hi Stan. I have had the product for 6-7 years and am happy. I think I bought it direct. Let me try to answer your questions.
Someone knowledgable about the Honda Element 2005 (a Honda Dealer?) can answer the vacuum assist vs electric question. My first toad used vacuum assist. When I went to the second toad it has electric braking so the vacuum assist parts were not needed . . . thus the lower price.
If you are electric then the question of keeping your toad battery charged needs answering.
Someone on top or the pre-wiring for your coach could answer the second question. You might try Eric Olstrom.

--

Lee Zaborowski

07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69025
I don't know much about the Unified system but the same price, the Air Force One system here is a better system (IMO). It works off the coach's air brake system, utilizes the towed's power brakes without adding another pump, is "progressive" and comes standard with a break away system. Plus it's easy to hook up and is practically invisible to the casual obserer. JMO Larry,03 Allure, 30856

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69036
Stan,

I agree with Larry regarding the SMI system. It fits on "all" tow vehicles. Very easy to use. I have had mine since 2008 and I am very happy with it performance.

Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69041
I am puzzled that the SMI can be claimed to be better, especially when the commentator says "I don't know much about the Unified system but the same price, the Air Force One system here is a better system (IMO)."
I've had my Unified for 75,000+ miles over 6-7 years. It works great and does all that SMI does ( is "progressive" and comes standard with a break away system. Plus it's easy to hook up and is practically invisible to the casual observer, etc.), AND doesn't tap into the coach's air brake system. Actually its usually the base plate that can look bad. You'd have a hard time finding the Unified components in my tow vehicle.

--

Lee Zaborowski

07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69059
Not only does Air Force One have all of those features, an additional benefit is that the unit for the towed can be transferred to a new or different towed.

S Brandt, '06 Intrigue, #11964

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69061
Same for the Unified Tow Brake. I just switched mine from one toad to another this month, 6 years on one toad, now on another. This is pretty standard for these kind of units.

Lee

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69062
Good point Lee! I failed to mention that I based my opinion on my review of the unified installation manual. It looks all electric with a vacuum pump and many components which, IMO adds risk to failure. The SMI air system is much simpler and it uses an innovative venturi vacuum system to activate the towed's power brakes. I've had mine since 2008 too and appreciate the simplicity and reliability. Again JMO.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Unifiede Tow Brake Applications

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69063
Regartding the Unifiede Braking system/ SMI

It seems that those who have used either one of these systems have been very satisfied. Therefore I will allow my mechanic to determine the system he feels most comfortable with.

Stan Inspire 2005