zaitzcj
Rogue River, Oregon
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Joined: 06/14/2004
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Okay, after I hook up my toad, and before I go out on the highway, how can I test that the toad's brakes are working?
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newxmar
East Otis, MA
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Joined: 02/04/2004
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Have someone behind you see if the toad's brake lights come on
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DrScud
On the Road
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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Why do you think they might not be working?
Jim & Sim - Fulltiming. - - Follow our adventures at: JimandSim.com
98 Foretravel U320 40', Cummins 450 HP/1450 lb-ft, HD4060 Allison, w/rtrder
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo / M & G Braking / Demco Excali-Bar
Current location
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ShapeShifter
Buffalo, NY
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Joined: 04/03/2007
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DrScud wrote:Why do you think they might not be working?
Why would you blindly assume they are working? Testing thier operation seems perfectly reasonable to me. When I first start out each day, I test mine by pressing the manual application lever on the control box in the cab, and making sure I feel the drag.
To the OP: it would be helpful to know what braking system you have. The answer to your question will vary widely depending on the system.
2007 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40PDQ
400 ISL Cummins/Allison
2002 Chevy Avalanche toad
Inside: Him, Her, and a pack of little furballs...
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DrScud
On the Road
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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ShapeShifter wrote:DrScud wrote:Why do you think they might not be working?
Why would you blindly assume they are working?
Because I installed the system, and I know it works. And because I do the maintenance so I know it is done right.
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fcooper
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Joined: 09/23/2003
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As posted above, it depends upon your system. I have SMI Silent Partner system. During initial hookup I connect everything, then pull the plug from the breakaway switch and verify that the brake pedal is actually being pulled down in the toad. I have found a defective breakaway switch during this test.
After replacing the breakaway plug, I also get a visual indication on the display in the motorhome anytime the toad brakes are applied, so I know that it is working on every stop. This signal is triggered by application of the toad brake lights (caused by toad brake appliction and not from motorhome brake lights being displayed on back of toad).
I can also feel the difference the few times I've pulled the toad without the brake system being working.
I hope this helps. Tell us how your system works and maybe we all can be of more help....Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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DrScud wrote:Because I installed the system, and I know it works. And because I do the maintenance so I know it is done right.
Are there any electronics in your system? If so, you don't know unless you test them every day.
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
ReadyBrute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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F.L.U.F.
Cedar Rapids Iowa
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Joined: 09/09/2006
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I had my son sit in the passenger seat while I drove the MH around the parking lot. That confirmed the settings were correct on my Break Buddy system.
By the way son is 40.
Keep Smilin' It Makes Everyone Wonder What You Are Up Too!
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eastfizz
Monument, Colorado
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Joined: 10/31/2006
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Since I have a ReadyBrake system with an in-dash indicator that only comes on when the brake pedal on the toad is pulled by the cable activating the toad brakes, and the brake lights, I can easily validate that they are working. All toad brake systems should have some kind of positive indicator visible in the motorhome that verifies they are functioning correctly.
I would suggest investigating if this option is available for the specific toad brake system you have installed.
Regards,
eastfizz
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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The answer depends entierly on which brake system you have.
On my system (US-Gear) it's easy
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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