The Top 5 RV Flat Tow Vehicle Braking Systems - Which One Is Right For You?

[@kathym6603]

I admire the clarity of your presentation. Spot on!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thank you kindly Kathy. Your positive comment is much appreciated!

[@janehargis9301]

I’ve learned so much from you over the past year and a half. Thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm so glad to hear that Jane. It's always encouraging to hear that my content has had a positive effect on someone. Have safe and happy RV travels!

[@LayloNewt]

Very informative. Great job!!!! NSA made in USA and your hitch can go from one coach to another very easily

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Right on! NSA has a lot of loyal and vocal fans for their product. Thanks for adding your thoughts on this subject!

[@dougchalmers5010]

Thanks Duane, we really appreciate the simplicity of our NSA system. All in one package (with a blue ox mounting plate on the toad) and installation is wiring lights and a couple of cables to the brake pedal. Also less than half the cost of the complicated, pro installation required systems. (I’m obviously very biased! 😀)

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You have good reason to be biased Doug. The NSA system is a great product. I tend to like things that are simple and effective and the NSA brake fits that bill nicely. Thanks for your testimonial for it!

[@OCHitters]

@Doug do you happen to know what model you bought? I want to tow with my class c

[@MD-hf8rp]

It’s “towed” not toad, right ? 😂

[@rickgoss8175]

Have it too. Very pleased.

[@dougchalmers5010]

@@OCHitters Ready Brute Elite 2 with braking system. Mounts right in the hitch reciever.

[@QLFProductions]

I always feel I'm on the right track when you mention things that I actually own. I just purchased the Brake Buddy 3 Classic. I know it's not the best of the best but hopefully it won't disappoint me. I've heard reports of it not being helpful enough in the mountains.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hope the BB3 works well for you. And I'm glad that the video was helpful!

[@DEANLATEMODEL18]

Thank you sir....so glad I trippped across your video...very much appreciated

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad to hear that the video was helpful. Thanks for watching and leaving a positive comment!

[@mikezimmer4616]

Take a look at M&G Brake systems in Athens, TX. Great product!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@rjw8316]

There is another system that is very interesting made by M&G Engineering. This system adapts to the towed vehicle's brake cylinder and works invisibly with the tow and towed vehicle. A very elegant system but you do need some room around the master cylinder. The advantage is that there are no cables or interior mechanisms of any kind. Everything is located under the hood. Again a very elegant system.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, that is a good braking system too. I have heard a lot of positive things about it. As you say, it just requires some extra room in the master cylinder area, so some vehicle may not be able to use it. But a very good system that has a lot of loyal fans. Thanks for mentioning it!

[@sharkdog26]

How does the NSA braking system work if the towed vehicle has power brakes. Is it able to apply the brakes properly without the vehicle being on?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Here's a link to some videos they produce that explains almost anything you want to know about the NSA braking system - nsarvproducts.com/pages/rv-tow-bars-ready-brake-videos

[@thecasualrver]

I have owned a few of the systems you have mentioned over the years, in my experience, the RVi3 system has been very reliable. Here's a bit of Info to consider when choosing a portable braking system. There are 2 systems used, motor actuation and air actuation, with current motor actuation technology for the packaging and price, you get either speed/response or force/pressure it can't provide both, with air actuation you get both speed/response and force/pressure. Over the years the RVi3 brake unit has come along way with their technology and reliability. Safe Travels.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad to hear your review of the RViBrake 3 system and I'm happy that it's working for you. I have been using the RViBrake 2 system for a few years and I have had very poor results with it. As I said in the video, there are several stand alone portable systems that are on the market. But I have not found any of those to have the consistently positive reviews that the Blue Ox Patriot 3 has. That doesn't mean that no one should buy another brand other than Blue Ox though. It's just that I can't honestly include any of those brands in my top 5 flat towing braking system list. Of course, these kind of lists are very subjective and someone else may have a different opinion than I do and that's ok. But I always appreciate hearing an honest and detailed review of any RV gear. So thanks for sharing your experience here. It's much appreciated!

[@whoistheroach136]

@@RVInspectionAndCare we are using the RVi2 system for many years now and it works great. Get a quirk now and then but my other braking systems did too.

[@mtcdnp]

My RVI3 system disconnects (lost connection) my Wrangler all the time while driving the motorhome. I have tried everything (got a new direct 12VAC from battery although one from the back it is also continuous, moved the middle connection as much to the middle as possible, etc). Now that I replace my gas motorhome with a diesel pusher I'll replace the RVI3 with an airforce one system (hope to no longer have the lost connection issue). Also I plan to replace the tire patrol system which also is capricious.

[@bobjohnson6371]

I've had nothing but problems with my rvi3 brake system. I've had to send the system back for repairs because it would randomly start pumping the jeep brakes while driving. Would have to pull over and unplug and reset it. It's done it a couple times since then. Also have gone through 2 command tablets in 4 years. Running without the tablet now, getting expensive replacing them.

[@bobspamail]

I really like my Air Force One.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

A lot of people love their Air Force One. Thanks for contributing your positive review!

[@bobjohnson6371]

I noticed you didn't review the RVI 3 brake system,,,, good call!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Bob. I just feel that the Blue Ox Patriot system is better. I have an RVI 2 brake now and I have had my issues with it. Thanks for watching!

[@bobjohnson6371]

I totally agree, I have an rvi3 now, and have nothing but issues with it. It was a good call not recommending it.

[@delander100]

Good morning - do you have a recommendation for a tow dolly? I am thinking of an EZ Tow?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sorry but I don't at this point as it depends on what your particular needs are. I will have a video coming out in the near future about tow dollies that will help explain that. Thanks for watching!

[@marksilberman1344]

Must I use an inertia type system if I’m using my diesel exhaust brake to slow down (since I’m not using the brake pedal)?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Mark. Exhaust brakes are great for slow steady braking. But they don't do much when you have a sudden hard braking event. And that's when the inertia brake in your toad really comes in handy as it will immediately respond and assist you with braking on the towed vehicle which lessens the load on the RV's brakes up front.

[@MichaelRath]

I tow my Chrysler T&C on a older tow dolly behind my 30’ 2003 Thor Hurricane. I have rigged lights for the tow dolly and mounted mag lights for the top of the car. Do I need brakes on the tow dolly as well as the car? The dolly has no brakes. I like your option #5 but I think my car brakes require the engine to be running for the brakes to work properly. Suggestions?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Michael. Some vehicles can apparently be towed on a dolly without brakes on the dolly but it has to do with how much the vehicle weighs. Here is a site that has a great explanation of the state laws that apply - cartowdolly.com/tow-dolly-brakes-are-they-required/

[@johnroberts7372]

So your thinking if your car engine stops you wont have breaks? Time for a different car....

[@larryhutchens7593]

Great advice but where does one find information about how the different systems physically apply the brakes of the towed vehicle. I'm technically capable of understanding both the mechanical and electrical aspects. Do these systems require vehicles that are in a specific range of years, meaning fairly new? It also requires a vehicle with a manual transmission, a really rare bird in the US.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You can just click on the links for each brake system mentioned in the video to get more information about how they work. The links are in the description section of tis video. I hope that helps Larry.

[@larryhutchens7593]

@@RVInspectionAndCare OK, i'll give that a try. Thanks for the reply.

[@horsefly5728]

A manual transmission is not required for flat tow. I tow a 2022 Jeep Wrangler JL with an automatic transmission. My previous toad was a 2007 Jeep JK with auto .

[@larryhutchens7593]

@@horsefly5728 That's a Jeep and you can disengage the transfer case so that the transmission isn't rotating. If you want to tow a small front wheel drive car Considerably lighter than a 4WD Jeep you will have to locate something like a Mini Cooper or Fiat 500 or the somewhat rare Toyota Corolla w/ 5 speed manual.

[@annettekelley1035]

Can you please tell us what RV name, year and model you have? My husband and I are now retired. We have been watching your videos and other trying to decide which one we should get. It is not an easy decision. Thank you for all your helpful videos. Annette

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I am a fan of older Class A motorhomes built between 2000 - 2008 Annette. So we have a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star diesel pusher and we absolutely love it. There's lots of great used coaches that have been maintained well out there. It just takes some effort and patience to find them. I hope you find a coach that is as perfect for you as ours has been for us!

[@jayglosser2014]

How difficult is the NSA system to install?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jay. As far as I know, it is a very simple installation. In fact, that is the main attraction of this kind of braking system. There are reviews on Amazon that give you more information about it.

[@johnweits4280]

RVI 3 system any good?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I had an RVI Brake 2 system and it was good, but I also had some problems with it and wasn't really satisfied with their customer support. That's why I didn't include them in this video's list of recommended products.

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Great video as always! SAFE TRAVELS Duane

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks Ron. You too!

[@mikedsobe]

It is required by law to have it ,,,, or it just a plus and more safety to have it

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It depends on what state you're in as to the laws that apply for braking on a towed vehicle. But common sense says that having a braking system for your towed vehicle lessens the stress on your motorhome's brakes especially in hard braking situations when you need all the stopping power that you can get.

[@mikedsobe]

Thanks for your time I want it for sure in long term for the next month if I could do without will be good,,,, I am living in Florida I will have to try to find what the law here,,,

[@bromistaeljefe4641]

No mention of the BRAKEMASTER 9000 ?? One negative thing about this unit: Cylinder must be installed to brake pedal each and every time when used. Not for the Older crowd, who may have problems getting on their knees.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for mentioning that braking system. There are others that can be considered as well. But I have a limit of top 5 to choose from. So I had to make a cutoff somewhere. Thanks for watching!

[@dearlaserworks]

Why no mention of RViBrake?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

As I mentioned in the video. Blue Ox has several competitors in the inertia brake field, such as RViBrake But in my experience, most of them are not quite as reliable as the Blue Ox Patriot 3. In fact, I have an RViBrake system that I used for some time in my flat towed vehicle. Unfortunately, I had some major issues with it that caused me to cease using it altogether. That doesn't mean that I think that RViBrake is a poor product. But this video is about the "Top 5" braking systems for flat towing and I just didn't feel that I could include RViBrake in that ranking based on my personal experience. Others seem to have had great success with their RViBrake system. So I feel that it is worth consideration even if it is not in my "Top 5" list.

[@dearlaserworks]

@@RVInspectionAndCare , thanks. We have the RVi Brake 3 which has been great so far, but towing is new for us. Hopefully we won’t encounter the issues you had to deal with.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@dearlaserworks A lot of people have had good results with the RViBrake 3. So most likely you'll be just fine! :-)

[@charlestait5303]

I will always opt for a toad so light it needs no brakes! (Think dune buggy)

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter Charles.