Best Towed Vehicle Braking Systems: Don’t Compromise on Safety

Towing is one of those things that, even if you only do it on rare occasions, you need to know a lot about it. The risks of getting things wrong simply aren't worth taking a gamble on. That means a good bit of research is essential for anyone involved with it. We understand that and made sure to do our share of homework when putting this guide together. We were sure to consider the most common towing situations and what applications people typically work with, as well as made sure that any product on our list is proven to be both safe and effective.

Again, the Roadmaster 8700 Invisibrake Hidden Power Braking System steels our top pick as it's a quality unit that works well for the typical towing situation. However, the Roadmaster 9160 Brakemaster Towed Car Braking System just might save you some money if it'll work for your application. In any case, be sure to base your decision on the best choice, putting pricing second, as there truly is the right tool for the job in this scenario. 

Never grab the first thing recommended to you. Especially not when your safety and everyone else's is counting on your decision. These next few tips are essential to you making the right pick for your towed vehicle's braking system. 

A proportional braking system includes a device that monitors your primary brakes. This is usually either an accelerometer to measure acceleration/deceleration, or a sensor to watch how much pressure is being applied. The braking system then applies a proportional amount of pressure to the towed vehicle, so they’re both braking with the exact same intensity.

Unlike a proportional brake, a progressive brake doesn’t adjust pressure up and down. Instead, once the towed vehicle registers that the towing vehicle’s brakes have been applied, it starts applying the toad’s brakes with increasing pressure. Pressure will keep increasing as long as the main vehicle’s brake pedal is depressed, though it cuts out at a certain point to protect the towed vehicle’s brakes.

Direct braking systems are wired directly to your main vehicle’s brakes. It won’t be matching the proportion of your vehicle’s brakes—it will be your vehicle’s brakes. Any pressure applied to your primary brake pedal will be applied 1:1 to the towed vehicle. While direct braking systems are extremely accurate, they’re also the hardest to install, usually requiring mechanical expertise.

A braking system for a towed vehicle can’t do its job without some kind of hookup to the towing vehicle. Normally, this will involve connecting a few wires to ports in each vehicle before driving. The toad’s braking system uses this connection to monitor what’s happening in the driving vehicle’s brakes, and react accordingly.

There should also be some sort of mechanism governing that reaction. Toad brakes should always be prepared to provide a large amount of stopping power if needed, so they’re able to increase braking pressure on their own without driver input—and decrease it as well, to avoid straining the toad’s brakes.

An important feature of towed vehicle braking systems is the ability to monitor how they’re working while driving the primary vehicle using a dashboard alert or other sign. RVers should know at all times whether your toad’s brakes are active, and how much pressure they’re applying. They should also connect to your tow vehicle’s brake lights.

Towed vehicle braking systems can sell for anywhere between $800-$1500 for the average situation. The price you pay is heavily dependent on the specifics of your situation and what features are necessary to make things work. Unfortunately, you can't base your decision on which is cheapest as the most affordable option unless you know for sure that it will work for your setup.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.