Auxiliary Braking
The brakes on your motorhome were designed to stop the coach and its contents, but not the added weight of a towed vehicle. Many states have been put in place laws for when you are towing a vehicle to require an auxiliary braking system.
The added weight of the towed vehicle will significantly lengthen your stopping distance, which increases the chance of an accident. This extra weight can also cause your motorhome’s brakes to overheat, sometimes causing brake failure. This is where the auxiliary braking system comes into play!
There are several systems that can be used. Class A, Class C, or Class B Motorhomes all have the ability to tow, and in return a need for an axillary braking system. Systems range from Air Force 1 to Brake Buddy. Here are some additional details on most popular systems we install here at Lichtsinn Motors:
Brake Buddy
BrakeBuddy’s technology provides the right braking force when you need it, along with advanced terrain sensing capabilities. When the motorhome brakes are applied, the BrakeBuddy senses vehicle deceleration and applies the brakes of the dinghy, taking the entire weight of the dinghy vehicle off of the motorhome.
In the event your towed vehicle separates from the motorhome, the breakaway system will apply the brakes of the towed vehicle, bringing it to a controlled stop. This prevents potential harm to others on the roadway as well as damage to your investment. BrakeBuddy reduces your overall stopping distance and enhances your safety with smooth, controlled stops.
Roadmaster – Brake Master
BrakeMaster is ROADMASTER’s ‘direct’ proportional braking system. This is a great option with diesel pushers such as the Winnebago Tour, Itasca Ellipse or the Winnebago Journey, Itasca Meridian. It connects directly to the motorhome’s air or hydraulic brake system for solid, reliable braking — brake line pressure in the motorhome controls the brakes in the towed vehicle. Because it connects directly to what powers your motorhome’s brakes, BrakeMaster is a truly proportional, truly synchronized braking system — with whatever level of force you brake your motorhome, BrakeMaster automatically applies the same pressure.
M&G
With each model of auxiliary braking system, M&G installs an air cylinder in your tow vehicle plus a “quick-connect” air pressure line between your RV and dinghy tow vehicle. When you press the brakes in your RV, the brakes in your tow vehicle will be simultaneously and automatically applied through the pneumatic line, giving you the necessary additional braking control and braking force for safe stopping action. Again, this is another great system for the large Class A’s that can tow larger tow vehicles such as a Winnebago Tour or Itasca Ellipse.
For each model of braking control system, M&G’s patented air cylinder will be mounted in the towed vehicle between the master brake cylinder and vacuum booster. An air pressure line will be connected to the RV’s air brake system and extended to this special air cylinder in the towed vehicle, with a quick disconnect arrangement between the two vehicles.
Ready Brute Elite
This is a great auxiliary braking system for a full setup braking system, or someone who has to purchase the entire package: braking system, tow bar, and wiring. It uses a cable system that works with the tow bar – the brakes on the RV applies the brake to the vehicle – so it will break with the same amount of pressure you are applying on the RV. This system is very simple to install and use.
Overall, auxiliary braking systems are not only becoming required in many states, but also protect your RV and others on the roadway. We offer various types of braking systems here at Lichtsinn Motors that can be applies to your Winnebago or Itasca Motorhome!