Towed vehicle Brake systems

[OU812]

I have looked around at a few brake systems for flat towing. The cheapest I have seen is about $600. Does anyone know of a more inexpensive system?

[Lumpy Grits]

Why go "cheap" when it has to do with YOUR BRAKES ?
Always go with the BEST when it has to do with YOUR BRAKES !
Respectfully,
LG

[OU812]

Because its cheep or nothing. My 4runners brakes are sufficient for routine driving but I would like something to assist in a panic stop.

[Lumpy Grits]

What are you towing then?
Respectfully,
LG

[OU812]

I am flat towing my YJ with my 4Runner. I have a tow bar that attaches to my clevis mounts on my front bumper.

[1 Bad F N Z]

I didn't know that they had a device to make the towed vehicle brakes work. Learn something new everyday. But I was thinking that for that kind of money, how about a used car hauler that has brake on it. Some nice side board and you have a utility trailer to haul the wife junk to the dump.Wive's always fill the garage up with junk. Just an idea, Kevin.

[OU812]

Aint that the truth. I just got done hauling some wife junk to the dump(ie.appartment dumpster down the street).

The options are like this:

http://www.brakebuddy.com/
http://www.blueox.us/Brakes/autostop.htm

And if I had lots of money I would love to try one of these electric master cylinders with a home brew actuator. These are $950 for a YJ BTW.
http://www.abspowerbrake.com/ehpm.html

But it looks like I will be towing my Jeep with no additional brakes for now. It will work ok but it I would like to find a better permanent solution.

[GP4Play]

Scott,I have a tow dolly with surg brakes.Your welcome to use it any time.
Dennis

[OU812]

This is a cool link too. It shows each states towing laws regarding towing with out brakes. Looks like the only states I can legaly tow my Jeep without brakes is Alaska and Massachusetts.

http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws

[OU812]

Scott,I have a tow dolly with surg brakes.Your welcome to use it any time.
Dennis

Dennis you are probably the most giving person I know. I would love to use your tow dolly. I am driving to Pheonix for a week after new years. Ill call you about the details. Thank you.

[Black & Tan TJ]

Here's the system I'm using, works great and doesn't push a dead pedal. Not cheap but I don't thing any of them are.
http://www.smibrake.com/index.html

For me the risk is too high not being able to stop, cost justified. Besides that I got tired of being pushed around.

B&T TJ

[Lumpy Grits]

Folks, those weight specs are for TRIALERS not for a motor veh. that your are towing. TOTALY different class/laws. Do more research........
FWIW: OU812 your truck and Jeep weight is about the same and brakes would be a GOOD idea IMHO. BTW, what is your truck's rated towing cap?
Respectfully,
LG

[OU812]

My 4Runner is rate to tow 5000lbs. I has the factory tow package so it has an ATF cooler and 4.10 gears.

[Lumpy Grits]

Hi, OU812 I do feel, in your case, that "toad" brakes would be a good way to go.
Best of luck.
Respectfully,
LG

[aw12345]

Your best bet would be to find a used tow dolly and modify it for electric trailer brakes. Every so often you see them cheap. Or rent a car hauler trailer for the times you tow it long distance or up in the mountains.
For short runs on fairly flat roads flat towing without added brakes is not a big deal if you drive defensively.
The fancy brake systems work well but are definitely out of my price range. I am leaning towards building a tow dolly with electric brakes