2inAlabama
Huntsville, AL
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Joined: 01/08/2008
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Looking at these two braking systems, it seems that both are triggered by an electrical signal from the MH brake light circuit. If this is true, I can't use either of these systems as I don't want my toad's brakes activated when my exhaust brake kicks in. My MH's brake lights are activated when my exhaust brake activates.
Anyone know how either of these systems work? The documentation that I have read is not clear on this point.
Another issue is that the Invisibrake doesn't supply vacuum to the power brakes boost pump to fully use the power brakes in the toad. Is this a problem? Do you get enough braking power without the toad's power brakes?
Just DH & DW
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univmd
Maryland
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Joined: 03/02/2009
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We have the US Gear Towbrake. We have an exhaust brake that turns on the brake lights. But I think I have to actually step on the brakes first before the US Gear will even be ready to activate, I'm not 100% sure. Either way, I have the sensitivity of the US Gear set light enough, so that the exhaust brake does not activate the US Gear.
* This post was
edited 02/25/12 07:30pm by univmd *
2008 Gulfstream Tourmaster
2011 Honda CRV
Blue Ox Baseplate & Socket Wiring
Blue Ox Alladin Tow Bar
US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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Popsie
Livingston, TX, USA
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Joined: 04/04/2003
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With the proper use of diodes, you can separate the current sent to the stop lights as a result of brake pedal activation from current sent to the stop lights from exhaust brake activation. It would be helpful to have a wiring diagram to select the right place to tap into the circuits.
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MRUSA
Wellington, FL
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Joined: 01/27/2002
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I have the US Gear brake, and it comes with a diode whose sole purpose is to assure that the exhaust brake does not activate the tow brake. This has nothing to do with the sensitivity setting in the cockpit, which just determines how hard the tow car brakes when you step on the RV brake pedal.
Marc, Wellington FL
2013 Entegra Anthem 44SL
2010 Lincoln MKT toad
Unified Tow Brake
Pressure Pro Tire Monitor
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view2a.thrill
Georgia
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Joined: 08/15/2006
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"Another issue is that the Invisibrake doesn't supply vacuum to the power brakes boost pump..."
Just finished installing an Invisibrake this past weekend. The towed vehicle's power brake booster vacuum line is tapped into with a tee and a check value. The vacuum line off the tee goes to the Invisibrake controller. For more details, take a look at the Invisibrake installation instructions, available on RoadMaster's website.
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perduejo
San Marcos, CA
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Joined: 02/12/2010
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One installer told me that he did not like the Invisibrake because it over brakes the towed vehicle. The brake comes on for 15 seconds whether you are just tapping the brake or not. Is this true? How does it differ from the Unified Brake System?
I am considering installing on a Mercedes Sprinter (3 L diesel) to a Honda Fit. One system better than the other?
Thanks.
John & Linda Perdue
Leisure Travel Van Unity 24MB
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view2a.thrill
Georgia
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Joined: 08/15/2006
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Perdue: I believe your installer is misinformed.
Invisibrake activates the toad brakes when the MH brake pedal is depressed and releases when the MH brake pedal is released with a caveat: Invisibrake releases after 15 seconds even if you continue to depress the MH brake pedal for more than 15 seconds. If you want Invisibrake engaged again, simply release the MH brake pedal and depress again. There is a brake monitor light and audio signal that installs on the MH dash so you can see when the toad brakes are engaged. This monitor is tapped into the cold side wire of the toad’s brake light switch. The audio signal activates should the toad brakes stay engaged for more than 20 seconds.
Invisibrake brake pressure is adjustable with a knob and gauge on the controller.
With the exception of the monitor light installed on the MH dash, all the Invisibrake components are in the toad. You will need to first wire the lights on the toad for towing as the Invisibrake taps into the brake light wiring from the MH.
Our MH is a Winnebago View on a Sprinter chassis.
Happy RVin’
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