TO BRAKE OR NOT TO BRAKE?

[Woody]

We are considering a Tahoe class tow car. Over the years we have towed vehicles up to 4500# and have never had brake buddy type stuff.

Now we are talking about a good bit more weight and want your obviously unbiased opinions (not about past stupidity) .

Recommendations?

[jack14r]

I think that it is an issue of how concerned are you about being sued if an accident happens,the bus will stop fine but in a court of law you are not legal without brakes on the toad.I have the M&G brake system on my truck and Saturn because of the chance of being sued if something goes wrong.

[Sid Tuls]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Tahoe. I just purchased a new one because it's so easy to tow. I'am going to put the M&G brake system on this one for all the reasons that the above post stated. I towed my last Tahoe for about 150,000 miles with no problems/with a roadmaster tow bar. I was able to put the one that was on my 07 to my 2011 with no problem. I made a call to Roadmaster and they were great to get information from!! I would recomend them in a heartbeat.

[Pete]

Tad, You can't beat the M&G. I mounts between your master cylinder and the vacuum chamber, and is simple to install. You must tie into the air brake line on the coach and once installed it is a simple quick disconnect air line to your tow car. M&G has reconditioned units guaranteed for 1 year, and will give you a credit toward another unit should you trade tow cars. What other company does that. I have it on 2 tow cars, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am considering a new 2011 Grand Cherokee, but have held off because I don't think M&G has a unit to fit the 2011. (that's how much I like the M&G)

[Mark3101]

I have a 2010 Tahoe that I bought for the express reason that it is easy to tow. My previous vehicle, 2009 Land Cruiser could not be towed. I have towed the Tahoe several times without brakes and I could feel it back there when I had to stop quickly. It was not too noticeable when just doing a normal planned stop. I did not worry about it too much, but figured it would make sense to have a brake setup from a legal and safety standpoint.

I just had the SMI Air Force One installed by SMI and it works as advertised. Very easy to hook up before each trip, and it has a built in brake-away which is an option for some other brands. I think that you would like a Tahoe. It is a very nice vehicle, and tows like a dream. Just make sure you get the two speed transfer case that has the neutral position in it.

I selected the SMI after I had talked to some owners who have them and got feedback on them. I know that others here have had equally good luck with the M&G and I think some have a Roadmaster as well.

[dmatz]

http://www.readybrake.com/state_laws.html

Above is a link to the laws state by state. They all do not require it. I do agree if you are in an accident and in court you would be wishing you did have the correct set up for that state. Many states also require break away.

[Gary Carmichael]

Tad, I tow a 2007 Tahoe with Air force one system, just hook up and go! no apparatus to put behind the brake its all stationary under the hood, love it! Gary

[Jon Wehrenberg]

If you had proposed to tow a Honda Element or a similar light weight car I would suggest you only consider the use of a braking system for protection against law suits. But a Tahoe sized toad is going to be around 5500 pounds and the reality is it will affect your stopping distances. The older coaches with drum brakes all around aren't that good at stopping as it is, and adding an additional 12% weight that those brakes have to stop means the difference between a 250 foot stopping distance and a 260 foot stopping distance (or more). With today's drivers willing to pass and then pull in too close for comfort you need all the help you can get. With a braking system at least you will not have the attorney for the guy you hit using the lack of one against you.

[Will Garner]

Woody,

I had the SMI AF1 installed at Sevierville TN April 2007. We tow a full size Ram 2500 4x4. It weighs in at 5800 pounds. I have not encountered any problems with my install. It is easily hooked up and later unhooked too. There is no taking the naster cylinder apart in your towed vehicle to put the M&G system between it and the vacuum tank. I found that M&G did not make a unit for my towed vehicle so I was forced to look elsewhere. SMI is located in Evansville, Indiana. I spent three years living in Evansville 1979-1981. The Saturday before last I had a tow hitch failure. The towed did not breakaway but if it had the AF1 would have brought the truck to a controlled stop since it come standard with a breakaway feature. The unit is very compact so finding a space for it under the towed vehicle's hood is no problem.

That's my 2 cents worth. Oh, regarding lawyers, the best defense is always a good offense. Carole and I try to keep a camera within arms reach at all times while on the road. It sure saved our bacon when that NE Princess sideswiped or entry door rub rail. The claims adjuster looked at our photos and the case was closed in our favor.

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Tadd, I too have the SMI Air Force One on my Hummer H3.

Actually if I remember correctly, the Air Force 1 is the ONLY auxillary braking system that will work on the Hummer. I have been very happy with the set up for 2 years now. And the piece of mind of the break away is great too. Another good tow bar system is the " Blue Ox Aventa ". Something to check out !

Gary S.