Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

First Toad Impression

4K views 35 replies 18 participants last post by  Dwain65 
#1 ·
Couldn't tell the Jeep was back there if it wasn't for the camera looking right at it. I can't believe how easy it is to hook and unhook. The hardest part is rolling a bit so that the TC can be put into neutral. No problems going into tightly spaced gas stations. You just have to look way ahead to make sure you always have an escape route since you can back up. The only problem was with the brake buddy. Even I can everything to perfectly work in the cabin, I cannot see or feel it work. The remote piece that was in the motorhome lights up to let me know it has power, but I have not been able to see it flash to let me know it works when the MH brakes. The MH brakes, but I can't tell if the Jeep is braking also.
 
#2 ·
Good to hear. Bought my JK a week ago to set up for towing behind the motorhome, but haven't towed it yet. Soon enough! Waiting on my RockHard 4x4 bumper to arrive so I can set it up. Curious to see how the breaking feels when we take our first trip with the toad...
 
#3 ·
Having the tow bar attachments on the bumper is the way to go. The bar underneath the bumper doesn't look too good. To be honest, I haven't verified that the brake buddy is working since the remote unit never flashes red while braking the coach. Everything checks out in the Jeep, but unless I get someone to rides shotgun I can't verify. It feels pretty good so it must be working and I could have a problem with reception or interference. Very happy with the way it tows. It's eerie at first because you are much longer, and unless you have the camera on, you won't know it's back there. The weird part is driving the Jeep after a long haul in the motorhome. It feels like you are in a capsule.
 
#6 ·
"First Toad Impression"

I was expecting to read about a giant frog. Too bad.
 
#7 ·
I'm shopping around for Toad set up. Don't care for the looks of the Brake Buddy set up though. Haven't found anything to compare with it.

Cost locally is around $1500-2000 for towbar, brake buddy, installed.

Seems pretty high.
 
#10 ·
I'm shopping around for Toad set up. Don't care for the looks of the Brake Buddy set up though. Haven't found anything to compare with it.

Cost locally is around $1500-2000 for towbar, brake buddy, installed.

Seems pretty high.
What don't you like about the brake buddy. The only hard part is routing/connecting the break away harness. No battery drain in almost 1k miles.

I was lucky to have found a guy that had everything including the base plate for my Jeep. It was all like new for about half the price. Look around in CL.
 
#11 ·
For under $2k I can get a suitable flat trailer with its own braking system, and it would have multiple uses around the estate.

I believe the entire GVWR would remain below my RV limits.
Yes, having to unload the Jeep and still having to deal with the trailer as a space occupying lesion at camp sites could be an issue.

Something about strapping a little droid into the seat and hooking it up to the brake pedal makes my teeth itch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1057153
#12 ·
My supplemental brake system is a different design from a BrakeBuddy, but still relies on electronics, and mechanical attachments to the brake pedal for operation (as do all supplemental brake systems). For most RVers trying to find a place for a trailer while traveling, is more trouble than it's worth. Additionally, you don't need extra insurance/taxes/license for a towed vehicle vs a trailer. Maintenance is virtually guaranteed with a towed vehicle vs not so with a trailer.

That said, if you never stay at RV parks, your tow rig can handle the additional weight, and you and your destination have room to park the trailer, I think it's the best solution. (Don't forget greasing those bearings!)
 
#13 ·
Just make VERY sure that your xfer case is in fact in neutral. After shifting the xfer case to N, step on the brake and shift the transmission from R to D or any gear on a manual to be sure the xfer case is not still partially engaged.

Could be very messy and expensive ...

It's always better when you get to your destination with a working drive train in your Toad.

Safe travels.
 
#14 ·
Just make VERY sure that your xfer case is in fact in neutral. After shifting the xfer case to N, step on the brake and shift the transmission from R to D or any gear on a manual to be sure the xfer case is not still partially engaged.

Could be very messy and expensive ...

It's always better when you get to your destination with a working drive train in your Toad.

Safe travels.
On mine TC in neutral and tranny in gear since it's a manual. DW and I each do a 10 point inspection whenever we connect the Jeep to the MH.
 
#16 ·
I've got a trailer I can use...trailering is a PITA. I hook up in less than 5min and when I get there no trailer to worry about. Only good thing with a trailer is you can back up and haul extra crap with you (but I have plenty of storage in the RV).

Seriously, check out the readybrake - pure mechanical and it works great (basically a dampened surge brake).
 
#18 ·
We use the Ready Brute Elite tow bar system as well. It has the mechanical surge brake mentioned above and I also installed the Ready Stop breakaway system. My Jeep has a Poison Spyder front bumper so I use Warrior Products D ring adapters to connect the TB. For wiring I installed the Mopar RV harness. I love this setup, literally a 3 min hook/unhook.
 
#19 ·
X2 on a surge brake system. Blue Ox makes a surge brake system similar to the Ready Brute Elite and I use that. It works well, I have a light mounted on the dash that shows when the brakes are activated on the Wrangler. It is a very simple system, keep it simple is what I like.
 
#26 ·
" readybrake - pure mechanical and it works great (basically a dampened surge brake). "
I'll be googling away for a link on this set up.
 
#30 ·
I've got a 40' Diesel Pusher on a Spartan bus chassis and a 2015 JK Rubicon. The JK fairly light and my tow rig is a beast. I currently tow a two bike trailer with no brakes and that rides and stops just fine. How important are supplemental brakes on the JK in my setup? Who's flat towing without supplemental brakes? How is that working out for you?

In my opinion all of the supplemental brake systems are kludges at best with the possible exception of the MG unit but then you have to hack the ABS mount to make that fit.
 
#36 · (Edited)
I completed my first pull with my JK last weekend during the hundred year flood:(. My configuration is:

2015 Thor ACE 30.1 Gas Motorhome
Blue OX Alpha Tow Bar w/ Blue Ox Off road adapter
Pulling 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/
Smittybilt MOD Front Bumper
No supplemental braking system installed yet
Magnetic attached Tow lights with 4 pin connector

My first impression with this setup is very good. The 362 HP Ford V10 is well suited for pulling the Wrangler. The Blue OX was easy to attach to the D Ring Mounting brackets on the SB bumper and did not have any rattles or vibration during the pull. Since the weather turned upside down on the way back I was subject to intense crosswinds but the toad (Wrangler) handled well behind the RV...looking forward to many upcoming trips. Recommend strongly using a rock blocker of some type as the RV apparently kicked up a rock which cracked my windshield !#@%^
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top