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Topic: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy? (Read 9 times) previous topic - next topic
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Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Yahoo Message Number: 147113
Hi, all,

I need a new toad auxiliary braking system, and am considering the Roadmaster Invisabrake. I'm in Nashville, and the Camping World here would install it. Any feedback from those of you that use this system? Any glaring cautions I should be aware of?

Big question: my existing electrical umbilical cord hookup has four pins. I'm concerned that the Invisibrake system requires a 7 pin system. If so, how difficult (expensive) is it to change a 1999 LD MB from a four pin to a seven pin?

Thanks for your advice, electrical and brake system gurus on the board.

Kathy Lautz
1999 MB

Currently in Nashville TN
1999 MB
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147114
Kathy, I just had mine installed. 2002 MB / Honda Fit. After 1,000 miles I have had no problems. It has worked as advertised. I had to change from 4 pin to a 7 with the addition of a modulate protector to boost the illumination of the tail lights ( $49.95 ) in addition to 4 diodes for the Fit's tail lights ( $56.00 ).

Total labor cost for tow bar, Invisibrake, baseplate and miscellaneous items was $790.

I was fortunate to have an installer ( Spillar's Hitch, Austin, TX ) who was familiar with earlier LD models and had no problem converting to a 7 pin connector and etc.

The only challenge he had was fitting the Invisibrake under the limited space of the driver's seat.

When work is completed I would suggest you check everything out. Test drive. Hook and unhook. Check the tension on the cable/brake pedal. Check all light and turn signal functions.

Good Luck,

Malcolm
2002 Mid Bath
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147115
Total labor cost for tow bar, Invisibrake, baseplate and miscellaneous items was $790.

Malcom

Where were you able to buy Invisibrake plus a tow bar, baseplate and all the accessories for $790? Unless it was  used, something doesn't add up.
 The cheapest price shown on Google for a Roadmaster Invisabrake is $890 A Roadmaster baseplate for Honda Fit 09-12 is $400 A Blue OX baserplate for Honda Fit 09-12 is $370 The cheapest tow bars are at least $400, better ones can go for twice as much Electrical & accessories are usually around $200 or more.
 Now, unless you are qualified to install it yourself, add in the installation cost, which can equal or exceed your original $790.
I don't want folks to think they can buy the parts to make their vehicle towable for $800.
The normal price is $2500-3000 for a complete installation, with new parts.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147116
Which is why we don't tow.  On the surface, it appears that driving a vehicle separately uses a lot more fuel, but for folks who don't drive a lot of miles during a year, and especially if you don't drive a lot of hours on any given day, the cost of a separate towable vehicle, plus all of the costs attendant to it like insurance, repairs, etc. can be very costly.  If this towable vehicle is your regular, or already-owned, vehicle, then you don't have the initial cost of the tow car.  In our own case, we don't have a towable vehicle, so one would need to be purchased.  We have been totally satisfied with either "going nekkid", or driving separately since we bought our first Lazy Daze in 1991.

During that time, we have found it necessary to hire a taxi only one time, and that was so we could go to an airport to greet arriving relatives.  If I recall correctly, we actually had an extra vehicle with us, but it was small (luggage space would have been tight), and we were unsure of the location of and congestion around the airport.  This was long before GPS units were even on the horizon.  This just seemed like an easier road to take.  It worked out quite nicely.

If you don't want to drive a car separately, or if this isn't feasible for one reason or another, there are rentals, public transportation, and taxicabs for hire.  I totally agree that on the surface, this doesn't sound very appealing, but before purchasing all of the equipment to tow, I would try a more low-impact/cost method first.  Maybe it would be sufficient.  If you find that it is just too onerous, then you can re-evaluate your needs.

Perhaps some of the singles who don't tow will jump in with additional information on the subject.

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: [LD] Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147117
The $790 was for the labor.

Linda Hylton

Quote

Where were you able to buy Invisibrake plus a tow bar, baseplate and all the accessories for $790?
Linda Hylton
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy ?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147118
"The $790 was for the labor".

Linda

Whoops, my mistake.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147119
"I had to change from 4 pin to a 7 with the addition of a modulate protector to boost the illumination of the tail lights..."

I think Malcolm meant to write "Modulite."

Andy Baird

Travels with Andy
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147120
"Which is why we don't tow."

For me the additional cost of a Toad is worth it. It's all about independence. Once I get where I'm going it's possible to explore places the LD would never take me. I don't have to pull up camp every time I need to get supplies. And if LD breaks down I have a way to get help if in a remote area (no cellphone coverage). For someone traveling alone it gives me extra piece of mind. There are some things you can't put a price on.

Bob
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147122
"For me the additional cost of a Toad is worth it. It's all about independence."

I completely agree with Bob's comments. Having traveled without a towed car for the first eight years of my RVing career, and with one for the past five years, I can testify that it makes a huge difference to have the freedom to go places on the spur of the moment.

But to be fair, Judie and her husband do have that advantage. When they go somewhere, he drives the Lazy Daze while she drives a van conversion, which serves as their runabout vehicle. They just don't tow.

Andy Baird

Travels with Andy
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147123
I worked up many a spreadsheet over the years, and when we had the 40-foot live-aboard motorhome, and considering the relatively few miles that a vehicle would have been under tow, the extra fuel that I calculated that we used each year worked out to $313. per year, considering fuel at $4.00 a gallon.  This was from 2001 to 2009, and fuel was under a buck a gallon at one point at the further point in that timeframe.

Clearly probably nearly everyone would prefer to have both halves of a couple juxtaposed, but for the relatively few miles/hours per day/week/month that we were actually on the road, it was not onerous, and frequently a benefit to have a more nimble, detached vehicle.  A set of good walkie talkies is vital to this endeavour, though.

This was a mode that suited us, in our way of traveling.  More miles traveled, especially in a shorter timeframe, or the inability for some reason to have two available drivers, would call for a different strategy.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

 
Re: Roadmaster Invisabrake - got feedback before I buy?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149346
Hi Malcolm,
 I am in the Austin area and am about to set up a toad.  Planning to use Spillar for the installations.  Would you mind contacting me at [ jbo961 at yahoo dot com ] ?  I'd love to pick your brain a bit.

Thanks! Jeanne Bold