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Stay on budget with this proportional braking system. More reliable than a portable system, cheaper than a permanent one. Lightweight actuator attaches to brake pedal and front seat and removes for storage. Car brakes perfectly in sync with RV.
Features:
Specs:
Double-check that your vehicle is correctly entered in the Fitguide at the top of the page. If there's a custom seat adapter available for your vehicle, it will be listed as an accessory part on the search page.
A braking system is a must when towing a vehicle behind your motorhome. Without it, the weight of the towed car can create a safety hazard, strain your RV's brakes, and affect the warranty of both your car and motorhome. Most states legally require a supplemental braking system, so if you don't use one and you end up in an accident (which is more likely since your RV takes longer to come to a full stop), your insurance and liability headache just doubled. You also won't have any breakaway system; if there's an accidental disconnect, there's nothing to bring your car to a stop.
Roadmaster's BrakeMaster offers you truly proportional braking, meaning that when you apply the brakes in your motorhome, the braking system will engage the brakes of the toad (towed vehicle) at the same time, with the same intensity. Whether it's a gradual slow down to a red light or a sudden stop in an emergency, your toad and RV will brake together.
This is a huge advantage over inertia-based systems, where the braking is triggered by sensing the forward momentum of your toad. While often effective, this method creates the potential for false braking, where something as simple as rough terrain can activate the system when it's not needed. Not only does this make for a rough ride, but it can prematurely wear down your toad's brakes over time. The BrakeMaster will only turn on when you need it, so you can avoid any false braking.
To achieve proportional braking, the system connects directly to the air brakes on your motorhome, typically by using an open port on the air brake relay valve. An air line routes back to a quick coupler on the rear of the motorhome, mirrored by a quick coupler on the front of the toad. The RV's coupler connects to the car's coupler with the included air jumper.
Another line then runs from the quick coupler at the front of your toad to the reservoir of the breakaway system, which mounts under your hood. If your car ever accidentally becomes disconnected while you're towing, this breakaway system will trigger and send a reserve of pressurized air to the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop.
From there, another air line runs down to the quick coupler attached to a bracket under the dash. When you're ready to flat tow, attach the actuating cylinder to the driver's seat and the brake pedal, plug the cylinder into the coupler, and connect the RV and toad with the air jumper. Voila, the whole system is connected.
When you put on the brakes in your motorhome, the same pressurized air that passes through the air brake relay valve to the RV's brakes travels almost instantaneously to the cylinder clamped to the toad's brake pedal. The cylinder actuates and presses the pedal down, braking the car at the same rate and with the same intensity as the RV.
The BrakeMaster is a hybrid between a portable system and a permanent system. Most of the components are permanently installed on the RV and in the toad, while the actuating cylinder is removable. Because it attaches to the driver's seat and the brake pedal, the actuator is more secure than a typical portable system and offers more accurate, reliable braking.
For most installations, you'll be able to connect directly to an open port in your RV's air brake relay valve with the included fittings. This port should be identified as the "service brake" port. If it isn't, use the steps in the instructions to identify the correct port. On the odd chance there is no open port, you'll have to pick up an extra T-connector.
The breakaway system installs under the hood of your towed car. It's best if the reservoir is mounted vertically so it's easy to drain any moisture that builds up over time, but it can be tricky to find a spot in the engine bay where you can access the drain valve on the bottom, so make sure you plan ahead. You also need to find a spot where it won't be exposed to any direct heat or moving parts.
To mount the actuating cylinder, you're going to need to install a custom seat adapter (sold separately). If there isn't one available for your year/make/model, you can use a universal floor plate (450650-01 - sold separately) instead.
Installing the BrakeMaster is a big undertaking, but once it's done, setup only takes a few minutes. To connect the actuator, just clamp it around your brake pedal and pin the other side to the bracket under your driver's seat, and plug in to the quick connect under the dash. Plug the patch cord into the quick couplers on your RV and toad, and you'll be ready to flat tow.
While this system is a more budget-friendly option, there are more connection points than comparable braking systems and they are more likely to develop leaks. It can also be difficult to find space in your toad's engine bay for all the components, especially on newer models. The complicated installation requires careful precision, so you'll really need to know what you're doing. This is not for the casual DIYer!
Included with this system is Roadmaster's BrakeAway. A breakaway system is an absolute must for safe flat towing. In an emergency situation where the toad becomes detached from the RV, the breakaway switch will immediately activate the brakes and bring your vehicle to a stop.
The BrakeMaster also comes with an indicator light for safety and peace of mind. This light, which mounts on the dash of your RV, is easy to see while you're driving and will light up when the brake pedal of your toad is depressed. This lets you know that the system is working and your toad is in fact braking.
Most supplemental braking systems have a method of letting you know you when they activate, but not all of them are checking if the toad is actually braking. There could be an error that causes the system to activate without actually applying the toad's brakes. Or your brake pedal might actually be continuously depressed when it shouldn't be. But unless you have a system that's monitoring your vehicle, you won't know it until the damage is already done.
The indicator light that comes with the BrakeMaster connects directly to your toad's brake light switch. That way the indicator only lights up when your brake pedal is depressed and a signal is sent to the brake lights.
Flat towing can be a much more convenient way to take your car RVing with you than using a trailer or a tow dolly. It'll save you storage space both at home and at the campsite, and it takes less time and hassle to hook up.
To flat tow your vehicle, there are 5 basic components you're going to need: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a flat tow braking system.
| For the RV | Between the RV and Towed Car | For the Towed Car |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch | Tow bar | Base plate |
| Wiring plug | Safety cables | Braking system |
| Wiring adapter cord | Wiring kit/diodes |
The custom-fit base plate installs on the frame of your toad so you can connect the car to your RV with a tow bar. Hook up safety cables between the vehicles to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your vehicle's signal lights with your motorhome's tail lights, as required by law in most states. Finally, the flat tow braking system - also required in most states - activates the brakes in the toad when you hit the brakes in the RV, making for smoother, safer braking, and preventing wear on your motorhome.
Alternate Instructions
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (128 Customer Reviews)
Stay on budget with this proportional braking system. More reliable than a portable system, cheaper than a permanent one. Lightweight actuator attaches to brake pedal and front seat and removes for storage. Car brakes perfectly in sync with RV.
This braking system does what it's suppose to do, smooth proportional braking between motorhome air brakes and the tow vehicle. The only reason I did not rate at 5 stars is that there is a slight misalignment of air cylinder mounting bracket and 2022 Jeep Gladiator brake pedal.
The product shipped on time and has been worry free. etrailer gets 5 stars for customer service every time I order from them.
The install on my Ford Maverick is clean and functional, so this is more of a customer service review... excellent customer service!
During the 4-day towing set-up install, the forecast was for freezing temps and my rig was not winterized. I called in mid panic and the motorhome was moved indoors.
A few months after using the tow set-up, a minor problem developed. I called and the CSR apologized and said, I can see how that might be frustrating, and a replacement cable (slightly longer) was sent free of charge.
Well built brake system. Installation is better done by a mechanic. It took about 3 hours. In my opinion, an air system is the only way to go. Set up when you get ready to tow takes about 1 minute. Just pin the brake pedal clamp, pin the base of the cylinder and plug in the air line and you are ready.
Second set on second Jeep, Brake system works great, a bit of an install with the air lines and placement of the small tank in the crowded engine compartment BUT once it is in the setting of the brake peddle arm is easy!
Love the system better brake control than with other electric ones
works very good, did not come with indicater light or wire that tells you in the cab that the breaks have been activated
Make sure you order the plate needed for your vehicle. Had to wait a week until that came in to complete the installation. Plus if you are placing in a Ford Edge, there is a firewall access behind the battery. Knowing this makes it easier to do. Also on the Edge you have to make a small extension to get the connectors easier to disconnect.
For me it is the perfect towed braking system! Simple operating principle, easy installation, quick set-up and detach. Never needed for breakaway, but pre-trip test is always perfect functioning. Definitely saves on coach braking force needed.
(Installed on 2015 Itasca 34T DP w/2007 Toyota Tacoma)
Allan
10/30/2022
Many thousands of miles, across deserts and over mountains, without a single issue or problem! Definitely recommend this system to any RV’er with coach air brakes.
Works as it should and easy to install and remove
Larry
1/24/2024
Still working well. Just connected Jeep todau and headed out for a 3300 mile trip. I need sunshine!!
Mike L.
1/25/2024
it works great
Well made, good instructions.
I used this on a 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser, so I could flat tow it behind an Motorhome. Easy to install! This works awesome.
Great supplemental braking system. We are the second owners of our class-A motorhome. The original owners had installed a Brakemaster system; so we figured to use the same type of equipment as well - and we're glad we did. Having a proportional air over hydraulic braking system seems to provide a more accurate braking experience for our 2018 Ford Fiesta. Each time I apply brakes on the motorhome, a red LED light on the dash illuminates to tell me that the brakes are being applied on the tow vehicle as well.
Roadmaster was real slow with the delivery of the seat adapter. But Michael kept me informed all the way through to the delivery. etrailer is 5 stars all the way from start to finish. I look forward to using them in my orders to follow.
Now for ROADMASTER products
RM-643 safety cables quality is good work fine Delivery was fast
RM-9160 brake master system Love this system instructions were easy to follow
RM-15267 toad tail light/brake wiring good instructions for install
RM-1550-1 base plate good instructions for install except you need to drill two 1/2'' holes you must measure and mark as there is no pilot hole.
The whole system works great with the 2008 Honda Pilot
RM-88189 seat adapter I have yet to install as I had to make up my own for the trip.
I will say the seat adapter bracket is made just for the Honda and Acura, they had to make custom make. Thanks to all the car towed great for my first trip of 1,100 miles
This kit was installed on a 2007 Jeep Patriot. It did require fabrication of a seat mount bracket. Fairly easy with some angle iron and some spacers. Install was fairly straightforward. It required mounting the surge tank inside the engine bay and running wiring to and from the battery and breakaway switch. It also required mounting the quick release air fittings at the bumper, inside the vehicle, and also at the rear of the RV. I also mounted the LED indicator inside the RV and utilized the existing towing harness to run power from the vehicle to the front of the RV.
Got everything installed except the foot that mounts to the floor. It wasn't in the box. I called etrailer who contacted Roadmaster and they said they would ship and I should have in a couple of days. Installed everything else along with the tow bar and light kit. Followed all the instructions and all went smoothly with no issues. Just have to wait for the missing part to complete and test.
Installation does take some time as you will have to find a good place to install the break away cylinder. I could not find any reference material for my application. 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL with the 2.0 liter engine. The only place I could find to install it was between the battery and the fender. If you are not mechanically inclined I would recommend having this installed by a professional.
Parts that I ordered through etrailer came ahead of the date the promised and complete. All of the ordering process was very easy and I had full confidence I would receive the correct parts.
I love this whole kit accept for a couple things that I'm working through now. I have a 2018 F150 and a 2020 Nexus Ghost super C. On the F150, I purchased the seat bracket. When I put he hydraulic cylinder on, the hose was too short. It had a permanent pre-made hose. I have enough line to make a new hose, but had to go the the hardware store and buy new compression fittings to make the new line. No big deal, but annoying. Also on the NeXUS brand diesel pusher, I called Roadmaster to get clarification on where exactly to bust into the brake line and clear up the warranty question. They were very polite and helpful. They told me exactly how to determine the "metered" line. I've yet to finish that part of the install. But they indicated it would not affect my warranty with International nor would it cause any unsafe situation should my vehicle come loose from the MH and have to use the emergency stop feature built into the Brakemaster system. Both my MH and my tow vehicle is protected. I think that they could do a much better job explaining the MH side of things. All in all-it seems it will be a great system.
I ordered this part mainly due to the quoted delivery date which was 9/12/2023. After my order was placed I get a notice that they received my order and that I could expect delivery on 9/14/2023. This completely screwed up our plans and all I received back was a "so sorry" email. I won't buy anything from this company again and I would warn those who may order something needed by a certain date to look elsewhere as these people do not stand behind what they say.
Love the small unit in my mini cooper. The air brakes are true proportional when braking. It is easy to set up and break down.
I have really enjoyed the proportional braking provided by this setup (the brakes on the Jeep are applied greater as I apply the brakes greater in the RV). It took a little time to install but it was worth the effort!
Works great EZ install, dont forget the seat adapter bracket
Looks to be very complete and should work as intended. As of yet, have not installed and cannot comment as to whether it actually will work. Have confidence in the Roadmaster name and their products. Am not expecting any issues. (Just received yesterday, 01/28/21).
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Dave
5/23/2024
The product has worked perfectly.