joraz
Tucson
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My rig has a transmission retarder auxiliary braking system. When it is engaged the brake lights illuminate. Most of the time,I am able to descend without using the service brakes. Right now I don't have a,toad braking system but I'm thinking about getting one. That got me to wondering how the toad brake system would work with the retarder. Would you have to apply the service brakes in order for the toad brakes to engage? Thanks.
jor
95 Foretravel
Cummins M11 400
Allison 4060
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
Yes there was a post a month or so ago, where the brakes where worn out on a car, that had mentioned the braking system might be working all the time the exhaust brake system was on.
There should be a location between the brake pedal and the turn signal that only has 12 volts when you apply the service brakes. I would want the toad braking system hooked up to that service brake switch, not the brake lights that might be on whenever the retarder is on.
Yes you need to use the retarder going down the mountains, yet the toad brakes would have to be set to really low power if they are left on 3-8 minutes at a time to avoid overheating the toad brakes, and this will require the setting to be so soft they will be fairly in-effective in a panic stop situation in helping slow the toad vehicle.
My option would be wire it to only the service brake light switch, and then set the braking level high enough to slow the toad with it's own brakes whenever the service brakes are in use.
Driving a Country Coach is FUN! I got to drive one about 3,500 miles a couple of years ago.
Fred.
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joraz
Tucson
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Quote:My option would be wire it to only the service brake light switch, and then set the braking level high enough to slow the toad with it's own brakes whenever the service brakes are in use.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking that inasmuch as I hardly ever use the service brakes now it really doesn't make much sense to get a toad system.
jor
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Nomadac
Columbus, IN
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Joined: 11/22/2004
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I have been towing TT's, Enclosed Car Trailer, Dolly w/electric brakes and current dinghy with Air Force One braking system and would never tow anything over 2K lbs. without a breakaway system, in the event what I am towing would come loose and continue down the road. And yes this could happen.
My advice would be to contact the Mfg. of the Braking system you are considering on purchase and ask them how their system is wired when using your Jake Brake on a hill and what is operating on the dinghy. JMO
Arnie
2003 Travel Supreme MH
38KSO1 Cummins ISC 350HP
2004 Honda Pilot w/SMI Air Force One Brake Sys.
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 20' Enclosed Car Trailer
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joraz
Tucson
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Yea, Nomadac, of course I will do that. Just kind of wondering about it and decided to post. Might even have made a couple on inter web queries butmwhat's the fun in that! Everybody have a great Wednesday!
jor
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Take a look at ReadyBrake. Not affected by the brake lights at all. Many happy users around here.
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joraz
Tucson
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I had a ReadyBrake a few years ago and it worked fine. Same issue though as the retarder is similar to brake application and it's always on. I'll look into this or maybe post over at foreforums. Thanks.
jor
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