Troubleshooting Toad Supplemental Breaking System when using Tow Haul in Winnebago Vista Motorhome
Question:
I tow a Honda Fit behind my Winnebago Vista Ford V-10 gas engine.and use a Roadmaster Even Brake. I like to use the tow haul mode on the RV which downshifts when the brakes are applied, to save the motorhomes brakes. Recently, I was coming down a steep grade in the Sierras and when the RV downshifted, the Evenbrake applied the brakes in the car and they stayed on until I was able to pull over to the side of the road. By this time, both rear tires developed flat spots and had to be replaced. I believe I understand the problem - since the Even Brake works via inertia, it sensed the deceleration caused by the downshifting and kept applying the brakes until the car and RV stopped. I suppose it would have stopped braking if I had accelerated again. Anyway, is there a better break system that would allow me to continue to use the tow haul? I do a lot of mountain driving. Or, do I need to change my driving techniques?
asked by: Frank B
Expert Reply:
It sounds like the Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Supplemental Braking System # RM-9400 locked up your brakes if you had flat spots on your tires. This is most likely the system sensing the deceleration and braking and because of the steep grade kept applying the brakes sensing it needed to help stop your motorhome.
I reached out to my contact at Roadmaster and they confirmed that the Accelerometer was continuing to apply braking because it was sensing that brakes were needed. It appears that the initial braking applied that started the downshifting motor continued to show the unit braking was necessary. It sounds like the tow mode is the issue in this case. If you were to use regular braking and downshifting outside of that mode, I don't believe you would have the issue you had. It sounds like you may be able to simply adjust the sensitivity on the EvenBrake system to solve this, but it would require testing to see if that solved your issue.
If you have air brakes which seems unlikely with a gas motorhome, the BrakeMaster # RM-9160 is my tech contact's suggestion to avoid further issues as it is designed for that application and will better monitor your braking if you have air brakes. This will require seat adapter # RM-88281 for either option and this will eliminate the false braking you were experiencing.
Products Referenced in This Question
RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter
- Accessories and Parts
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Seat Adapter
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster BrakeMaster for RVs w/ Air or Air-Over-Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Vehicle Battery
- Fixed System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Indicator Lights
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- 12V Outlet
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Roadmaster
more information >
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