Most Popular Brake Systems for 2016 Ford Focus

What sold me before buying the EZ5 base plate and SMI supplemental braking system were the on line, step by step, video instructions. With little background experience I was confident that I could install these parts on my own on our 2016 Ford Focus. Also purchased the Falcon 2 tow bar and a wiring kit. Everything exceeded my expectations !!

My order from etrailer arrived already today, Saturday! I only placed the order on Wednesday. The website was so user friendly and easy to navigate in helping me find the correct products to purchase to make my vehicle flat towable. When I forgot a very important, albeit small item, I called the 800 number. Preston helped me cancel my original order and then duplicate it, adding the new item to my order so that I would not have to pay for separate shipping. I'm looking forward to having the whole system installed and using it to tow my car with my Class C RV. I would definitely order from etrailer again with all confidence.

The InvisiBrake system vacuum pump was too weak and slow to respond . I installed an external vacuum pump from Summit Racing which maintains 22"of vacuum on the brake chamber at all times ,the same as when the Ram engine is running . I installed an isolation valve on the Ram manifold vacuum line and a momentary test switch in the Ram to simulate the coach brake lights being on . That way I can take the Ram for a drive and set up the brakes as they should be.

Read the instructions and only use the trailer video/s as a guid!! Install was tough but doable. Take your time if you want a clean install. Lastly, the kit comes with updated check valves. The video will tell you that the "red side" faces the engine. That's not true if you are using the "black side" check valve. The black side faces the engine while the red is opposite. I wasted several hours troubleshooting a stiff break pedal when in reality, I had the check valve installed just as the trailer video explains it. My bust for trusting the video and not reading the install instructions fully.

IMO this system is the best you can buy. Once installed its out of the way no muss or fuss. Installation is best left to professionals unless you have a knowledge of air braking systems. It has worked flawlessly and I would not hesitate to purchase this unit again

The kit came complete and instructions are clear and very helpful. I did need to call before buying to ask a couple of questions and received extremely knowledgeable and courteous advice that helped make my decision easy. Thanks so much for your product and support.

This braking system does what it's suppose to do, smooth proportional braking between motorhome air brakes and the tow vehicle. The only reason I did not rate at 5 stars is that there is a slight misalignment of air cylinder mounting bracket and 2022 Jeep Gladiator brake pedal.

The install on my Ford Maverick is clean and functional, so this is more of a customer service review... excellent customer service! During the 4-day towing set-up install, the forecast was for freezing temps and my rig was not winterized. I called in mid panic and the motorhome was moved indoors. A few months after using the tow set-up, a minor problem developed. I called and the CSR apologized and said, I can see how that might be frustrating, and a replacement cable (slightly longer) was sent free of charge.

Very touchy on where it is sitting on the floor in front of the seat. Must be lined up almost perfectly. Heavy and clumsy to get in and out and connected to brake pedal. Need to add an on/off switch to the power line on the controller otherwise it is transmitting a signal on Jeep brands all the time that interferes with the remote key lock. Quite disappointed with hit and miss braking operation while in use and sending braking signal to driver when it is not braking.

I bought a complete flat tow parts fir a jeep wrangler. I decided I could install myself. Your installation videos made it nearly a piece of cake. From a quote I got from a RV service business, I saved several thousand dollars installing myself. etrailer is the place to for your RV needs!

very satisfied with product

Much Better than Air Braking. This system can be setup in one minute. I also have another vehicle that I use it with after purchasing an additional wiring kit. It’s easy and it works well. The wireless monitoring is flawless from the driver seat in my 38 foot Monaco Diplomat.

I purchased this BB Classic 3 in October 2020 after my old BB Classic that I purchased in 2008 failed to hold pressure for the piston. I bought this for my 2017 Jeep Wrangler but due to (1) the depth and unevenness of the driver's floor board, (2) the seat adjustment bar prevents BB Classic 3 from pushing against the seat and (3) the adjustable legs are not long enough to reach the seat and brake pedal properly, the BB Classic 3 fails the auto start test every time due to not being able to level. I talked to Hopkins MFG techs several times trying to resolve the issue (wiring checks, power cord checks, etc.) but to no avail. This situation makes the BB Classic 3 dangerous to have in service because not being level it will think something is wrong and keeps the brake applied (piston will not retract after applying the brake). So after talking to other Jeep Wrangler owners I determined that a platform was needed for the floor board on which the BB Classic 3 could rest. I constructed a platform that was approximately 3" off the floor board and rested on the floor board under the seat and on risers toward the brake pedal. This platform is level on the floor board both length-wise and width-wise. After placing the BB Classic 3 on the platform with clevis and power cord installed and legs in the lowest position, I tested the auto start and had 8 successful tests in a row!!! Also the brake away test was successful too. I still need to make a short drive test while in tow behind the motorhome. Hopkins really needs to advise customers that the Classic 3 will not work properly as is on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler due to the configuration of the driver's side floor board.

We have used Brake Buddy for 3 trips. It is a bit cumbersome to install but within reach for a handy DIY. Once the wiring is in place it is straight-forward to use. Getting the clip on the brake pedal each time is awkward, but after that it is fast and easy to use. I like the adjustment on the amount of braking assist, and you can see when it is triggered with the RV remote. I would probably buy it again.

Upgraded from RVi3 system which was a portable unit and operated solely on inertia which in my experience only worked on moderate to hard braking. This system being a dual system works even with mild braking. I'm very happy with it. Installation took me several partial days (60+ yr old, moderate mechanical skills). The videos are very helpful and had one for my exact 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Installation is easy but access under the dash to install the air cylinder and a roadmaster brake switch is awkward and difficult. My biggest fear was the access there and cutting the vacuum line. The vacuum line turned out to be very easy. I had to adjust my brake light switch after installation when I tested the system. Everything is adjusted properly now and works as I hoped.

System requires constant monitoring The plug in system has pins that mate with the rv cord. The pins on the plug are breaking, causing the brakes to apply often while driving the towed vehicle. The fuse has to be pulled to avoid uncontrolled breaking. I am going to create another plug to replace the original.

I choose the Brake Buddy Stealth for my 2021 Jeep Wrangler because I wanted a “stay in place” brake system and felt it would be a clean looking installation. I finished the toad side of the installation today and thought I’d leave some notes on what turned out to be a bigger project than I’d anticipated. Again, this is my experience on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 2-door. Your experience on other vehicles may vary. I started this install after installing a Demco Tabless Base Plate. Right out of the blocks, there’s really no convenient location to mount the cable connector to the Demco baseplate. I chose to mount it to under side of the bumper on the driver’s side. To provide clearance and a route for the wires, I had to cut a notch into the plastic air dam. I used one of the already screw screw holes and used self tapping screws in the other three locations. For added strength I epoxied the connector to the bumper as well. Since the bumper would be unremovable if the connector were hardwired, I added a waterproof connector. The kit is stingy with wire lengths, so I substituted my own wire. The Stealth unit itself i mounted beneath the driver’s seat. Don’t be fooled into believing there is clearance when testing with the driver’s seat positioned for rear seat access. Once the seat is returned to normal operation it lowers a bit and the box keeps the seat from being move forehand aft. I solved the problem by installing 5/8” thick nylon washers under the rear end of the seat slides. I also cut away a bit of the carpet under the front, inboard corner of the box. You will need to remove the driver’s seat in order to attach the front screws of the box. Be sure to disconnect and isolate the neutral battery terminals to prevent inadvertent air bag discharge. After removing the interior trim from the A-pillar, the door sill, and the driver side foot well, The wiring and cable tucked nicely away along with the OEM wiring and wiring for my taillights. I mounted the pulley horizontally behind the brake pedal. Installing the vacuum pump was my biggest worry and challenge. Instructions are to zip tie it “somewhere”. That seemed pretty casual for a safety system. I chose, instead, to fabricate an aluminum bracket that attaches to the lip of the engine compartment and to the wheel well (this latter attachment point is necessary to keep the pump from vibrating). Finally, the kit comes with 3/8” fittings to tap into the brake booster vacuum lines. The Jeep, however, uses 8mm nylon tubing. Brake Buddy, via etrailer.com, stated that the tubing would stretch and all would be good. Again, this felt casual for a safety system. Instead, I purchased an 8mm check valve and a 8-6-8mm barbed tee through Another online retailer to do the job right. I had to heat the Jeep tubing to fit even the 8mm tee, so the is no way the larger 3/8” fittings would have worked. See photo of my finished vacuum line installation. Bottom line, it was a POA install, but looks great. Hopefully it will stop the Jeep when towing. I’ll find out soon. :D

Overall a great system, there are some intricacies to the install as it pertains to old instructions with LED light in the TOAD vs. CoachLink Wireless and also the 3 wire reed switch vs. the newer 2 wire one. But using the provided written instructions along with YouTube videos you can figure it out. My other challenge was my Jeep is a 392 model and thus the battery and fuse box are in swapped locations, as well as a different VAC line layout, but again you can figure it out…just takes some time to study and trace the routing. My only real complaint was ordering, I was quoted the wrong system for my RV (Stay and Play) vs. AF1 since I DO have air brakes. etrailer was helpful in getting the return process but wants to charge me the shipping and possibly restock fee, I am working with them on this and hope to get a good resolution.

We have put over 10k miles on this system. Everything has worked perfectly. A job very well done by Etrailer. Thank you!!

Kit fits great! Hooked up a 2004 Workhorse to a 2002 Jeep Liberty. It might be preferable to be handy with some advanced mechanical skills and tools to install this efficiently. Directions are great but you do need to figure out your own locations for certain items like the break-away reservoir, compressor, routing lines and wires out of harms way, but not bad at all. Parts are great, everything there but added a couple different wiring splices of my own.

Your customer service leaves nothing lacking, and this follow-up from you is so out of character for the many web sites I have purchased from over the years. I am impressed by you and your company. I bought the tow bar and the brake system for my Equinox, and installed them my self (I am 70 years old) - and with your provided instructions and video, I had no problems (even though I was surprised by the number of parts and detail that went into the assemblies). Both systems have worked very well, with no problems. I am completely satisfied with them, and have told my friends and traveling acquaintances about your company. Thanks for your follow-up!

Everything went extremely well after talking to DEMCO an ordering a Demco Vacuum Tee Fitting for Factory Brake Booster Sensor Port Item # DM6257.

Love the Air Force One. After professional installation, it's simple to and quick hook up the toad. The bluetooth display in the rig cockpit clearly indicates when toad's brakes are engaged. In the year since it was installed, we've used it over 10,000 miles with no problems.

This works very well and the only issue is that sometimes the remote display will lose connectivity with the brake controller. Per the manual, it isn't required to use and I have about 50' of distance.

Arrived on time. Installed it myself after watching some UTube videos. Fits abs functions great on 2014 Tiffin Red with 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee