Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Ready Brute Tow Bar (Read 10 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Ready Brute Tow Bar
Yahoo Message Number: 149310
Does anyone have experience or knowledge of the Ready Brute tow bar/brake system? Our new to us 2006 RB came with a Ready Brute tow bar which has a surge brake built into it. I checked with a local hitch company, a Ready Brute dealer, that has experience installing this tow bar and was asked whether I wanted the brake system hooked up or jut use it as a tow bar. Please state pros and cons to this question and the Ready Brute tow bar.

Thank you,

Mike and Genny
Re: Ready Brute Tow Bar
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149318
  • 0 Attachment


    "Our new to us 2006 RB came with a Ready Brute tow bar which has a surge brake built into it. I checked with a local hitch company, a Ready Brute dealer, that has experience installing this tow bar and was asked whether I wanted the brake system hooked up or jut use it as a tow bar."

    Mike and Genny

    Why wouldn't you want to use the Ready Brute, if it fits? This type of tow brake has been around for along time. If the dealer can successfully connect the surge brake to your tow car, go ahead and try it. It shouldn't cost that much to hook it up. If it works satisfactory, you have saved a lot of money, it not, you will not be out that much.

    To correctly install the Ready Brute install requires a clear pathway for the cable from the towbar to the car's brake pedal. Many of todays tightly packed engine bays do not have a the required access and will require a different type of tow brake.

    A downside to surge-type brakes is the stress applied to the brake pedal assembly. Since the power brake booster is not activated with this type of tow brake, very high pedal pressure is needed to slow the toad down. Over the long term with non-boosted tow brakes, some vehicles have developed stress cracks in the body around the pedal assembly. The lighter the toad, the less the stress will be.
    It may not be the best system for a heavy toad, instead a boosted system such as the SMI or Readybrake might be a better choice..

    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: Ready Brute Tow Bar
    Reply #2 –
    Yahoo Message Number: 149343
    Larry, thanks for your input. I plan on using this tow bar but might not have the brake mechanism installed. My car is a 2013 Chevy Equinox. The dealer stated that installing everything in the car for the brakes to work and making the necessary adjustments is time consuming and therefore expensive. I'll spend the money if this type of braking system actually improves braking significantly rather than being just a gimmick. Mike