I recently decided that I may need to install a "toad-brake" of some kind, mostly for the breakaway facility, so that we would be in compliance with laws in most states. The diesel pusher that we recently purchased has more that adequate braking to stop the coach and toad. But, I am one of the "if the motorhome goes, the toad goes", it is just to handy to have there if needed. So I want to do it safely and legally.

So, I began looking into which system to purchase. Do I want something that is "easy to move from toad-to-toad". Do I want and all-electric model? Do I want an air-activated proportional model? After investigating the available products, and an encounter with a steep downhill mountain road, I decided on a proportional, air activated system from RoadMaster. The deciding factor was a trip down from a high mountain campground. The weekend was beautiful aside from the wind, the view was spectacular and the weekend was great. While going home on Sunday, we had to go downhill through a small town, at about a 6% grade, and lots of curves. I ended up in 1st gear using the exhaust brake, yes 1st gear. This was definitely a new and interesting experience. That downhill was the deciding factor to get the proportional system.

So, I purchased a RoadMaster BrakeMaster proportional system. I got the system home and it looked "easy" enough, I just had a few questions. The toad install required a special bracket for inside the vehicle, as it was installed into a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This adapter was initially identified, as a need for 1999 to 2002 units, but it turned out to be needed for 1994 to current. A minor setback, as we didn't get the bracket initially. After reading the instructions a couple of times, the hardest part for me, was to find the attachment point for the air line on the motorhome. The indications I had from getting under the coach and looking, was that the relay valve had two "service" ports. I slowly removed the plug that I thought would be where I would add in the new line. It did not have constant pressure, so, that part was good. I then had the wife press the brake pedal to make sure that I got pressure when the pedal was pressed. I then found a spot for the breakaway tank in the engine compartment. I was thankful that I had opted for the 4.0L six cylinder engine as the V-8 would have been much more difficult. The rest of the install was mostly to just follow the instructions.

The one caveat being, I have not yet installed the light that indicates that the brake has been applied in the toad. I had planned on using a wire that was already running from mid-coach to the back, but I am unable to find the wire at the back of the coach. I still need to attach this wire. I need to determine how to tap into the "cold-side" of the brake light switch. I think that I may end up using a relay to drive the light, as I don't know if the circuit will sink enough current with a direct connect.

The first run with the brake installed, well all I can say, is that I could tell that the brake was working immediately. While the coach did not feel that it would not stop before, the difference was a noticeable improvement, without a doubt. The next run was a 2500 mile jaunt, and the brake worked flawlessly. Of course, using the exhaust brake, doesn't activate the toad brakes, but when the service brakes are needed, the coach does "STOP". As to the ease of installation, I think that it was easy enough to install. My opinion, the proportional system gives the motorhome user added braking all of the time. I like it, even though I thought I didn't need it. I feel more confident that I can stop if an emergency stop is necessary.

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