General Boards > General Discussion

Types of brakes for towing

(1/9) > >>

Keith Moffett Co-Admin:
We are setting up a Ford Explorer for towing.  We will be using a Roadmaster tow bar and would like to know what people feel is a good brake system.  The Explorer weighs about 5K pounds and so needs brakes unlike the Saturn we had.
So, who has an opinion and why?

Also, the Explorer neutral tow kit requires the key to be in the 'off' position but not locked.  This gives power to some parts of the electronics.  Is there a fuse to be pulled?  The owners manual doesnt cover this modification.

Thanks for your ideas
Keith

Gerald Farris:
Keith,
I use the M&G tow brake, I love the system for several reasons. The system is very reasonably priced and I installed it myself on my Jeep Grand Cherokee in about an hour. The system stays on the toad and it is unnoticeable when driving the toad. It gives totally proportional braking on the toad and it only activates when the coach brakes are applied, so it will not burn-up the toad brakes. Finally the hook-up and disconnect time is about 2 seconds.

The M&G system does not fit all vehicles and installation time varies between vehicles so it may not be the best solution for you, however if you have one you will love it also.

Your question about pulling fuses will probably need to be answered by Ford because pulling the wrong fuse may negate the advantage of the key being left on in the toad.

Gerald  

Jeff Watt:
Keith,

I don't know what year your Explorer however I have a 2006 model with the neutral tow switch. I am using a US Gear system.

I do not pull any fuses, simply go through the procedure to activate the neutral switch (which places the transfer case in neutral) and go. There is a 12v feed from the coach to the Explorer to keep the battery charged. I do start it especially after a long day to ensure it starts  :) and then to run the engine/ transmission fluid for a few minutes. The unit has worked without issue, and yes the ignition has to be in the first position to allow the steering wheel to move. I have a dummy key that I use; it doesn't have the chip in it, so while it can turn the ignition switch it can't start the explorer - just something in case some decided they would like to borrow it.

The 2011 and newer Explorers do not need the neutral tow switch as they can be flat towed as shipped.

Jeff

Keith Moffett Co-Admin:
All good information so far, Thanks to Gerald (as always :) )

Jeff, ours is also a 2006 Explorer.  I would be interested to know how you ran the 12 V feed and how it ties into the battery with what connectors and or diodes.  This is our first experience in setting up the tow car from scratch.  Add to that we bought an Explorer that has a few problems (surprises) so I am having some sticker shock.
Are you using a Roadmaster tow bar and what kind?
Keith

Keith Moffett Co-Admin:
A part I have forgotten to mention in starting this thread is the difference in braking systems.  Ours is air / hydraulic and may not work with all air braking systems.
Keith

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page