Just bought a new 2012 Fusion Hybrid. Looking for info about a brake system for the toad. I have been towing a Hyundai Sonata and used a US Gear Unified Tow Brake. Will be towed behind a diesel motorhome with air brakes.
Not sure how the regenerative braking on the hybrid deals with a braking system that is putting pressure on the brake pedal. With the ignition key ON to allow the front wheels swivel, will the hybrid computer be draw much current as should I hook up a charging line from the MH battery?
Is there a braking system you would recommend?
Any other suggestions?
Bob
2 vocal & energetic mini Schnauzers
2008 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40PDQ
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid Toad
The regenerative braking has no effect because the car will be turned off, but hybrid cars have an "active" braking system which is electrically boosted. In other words, the power brakes are always being boosted. Some users have reported success using a brake-in-a-box system on a very low setting. I think that the brake system manufacturers recommend a pressure reducing valve to lower the amount of pressure applied to the pedal. I would contact the manufacturer of the brake system you want to use and see if it would work with your car.
We have recently purchased a 2011 FFH and sent an e-mail to NSA RV products home site of ReadyBrake. I asked if the active braking system would work with their system and the answer I got was "I am not sure". I find the Roadmaster InvisiBrake interesting as well. I will keep watching for good info on this.
I've held off replying since I do not have a Fusion, but since there has been so few replies, I decided to respond. We have a 2012 Escape Hybrid so there is most likely many similarities. Also our RV has air brakes like you stated. We use a Blue Ox Patriot braking system. This system states specifically that it is usable with hybrid vehicles and has some setup instructions for such. We followed the instructions changing the mode from "force" to "position" and set our gain level to "2" (recommendation in manual is a range between 1-3 for hybrids). I also added the brake rod extension to allow easier hook-up in our Escape and additionally use the optional seat stiffener plate. The system has worked very well for us. The only complaint I have is that the unit often rocks forward during setup thus requiring repositioning the unit. When I see the Blue Ox representatives at one of the upcoming rallies, I will discuss whether I'm doing something wrong. If not, I will probably build a custom plate to replace the tripod leveling legs. You probably won't deal with similar issues since the Fusion floor pan is most likely different than our Escape.
We do run a charge line and a "Toad Charge" system while towing. Key in "accessory" position not "on" but check your owner's manual for the Fusion. The Escape does not incorporate a steering wheel lock in the key lock. We do have the factory navigation system and I just press the "display" button twice to turn off the nav display while towing in this "accessory" position.
I'm sure there are other equally appropriate supplemental systems out there, just can't comment due to my lack of experience with them and their particular nuances when used with a hybrid vehicle.
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