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A
Consumer Guide to Tow Vehicle (Dinghy) Equipment
Reviewing
the VARIETY of hardware and accessories
available to dinghy-towing enthusiasts
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by Scott Dalgliesh
Tow bars in general are becoming more sophisticated
each new model year. Using aerospace materials, the bars are getting lighter,
while providing more features than ever. Most popular designs incorporate
a coach mount that folds out of the way when not in use. Self-centering,
automatic locking, and shock absorbing properties are among the features
most RV enthusiasts enjoy.
BLUE
OX
Blue Ox offers a range
of tow bars from the affordable Ambassador, rated at 5,000 pounds
towing capacity, up to the 7,500 pound-rated Aventa II. The steel Aventa
II and its lighter-weight aluminum-constructed counterpart, the
5,000-pound-rated Aladdin, are designed to fold up and store
on the coach’s hitch. The Acclaim, also rated at 5,000 pounds,
uses a traditional hitch ball. The Ambassador is self-aligning to simplify
the hitching and unhitching process.
DEMCO
The line-up from Demco includes Aluminator and Excali-bar.
Constructed from aircraft grade aluminum alloy, the Aluminator
has a tow rating of 5,000 lbs. and weighs only 25 lbs. Excali-bar
weighs 58 lbs. and is rated for 8,000 lbs. towing capacity. Both bars
feature a new “splitshank” that allows the user to bolt or
pin into the coach receiver. Demco’s Gold Seal Lock Collar slides
easily to center and locks the tow bar into position making the hitching
process a simple one-person operation. When not in use, both Aluminator
and Excali-bar fold to stow behind the coach. All Demco tow bars now
feature storage rods for coiled electrical cable, and safety cables
are included with the bars.
ROADMASTER
Sterling and Blackhawk are two more popular
offerings. The Sterling features aluminum construction and weighs only
28 lbs., while maintaining a tow rating of 6,000 lbs. The Blackhawk
is heavier and constructed of steel and stainless steel with an 8,000
lb. rating. Using steel and stainless steel in all of the critical wear
points assures superior strength, while offering smooth and trouble-free
operation, according to the manufacturer. Both feature safety cables
and electrical wiring that are routed through the tow bar, providing
greater convenience. The bars feature a self-centering, telescopic and
locking design. Sterling and Blackhawk fold and stow neatly behind the
coach.
Many states have
not made decisions regarding the necessity of a separate braking system
for dinghies. Certainly shorter stopping distances, breakaway features,
and increased coach brake life are arguably good reasons to consider
a braking system for your dinghy. Consult your coach’s manufacturer
for additional braking requirements when towing.
BREAK
BUDDY
The BrakeBuddy braking
system is comprised of three main components: the BrakeBuddy System,
the Brakeaway System and the Alert System. BrakeBuddy is a self-contained
unit weighing 16 lbs. and installs in less than a minute according to
the manufacturer. The unit sits on the floor in front of the driver’s
seat, attaches to the brake pedal and plugs into a power outlet in the
towed vehicle. Using a pendulum inertia system, the system reacts to
forward movement when the brakes on the coach are applied. The Brakeaway
activates the BrakeBuddy in the event the dinghy and coach become separated
and the Alert is a wireless transmitter and receiver that illuminates
a light on the dash of the coach when BrakeBuddy is activated.
DEMCO
Demco’s system, the
Senturian, is permanently installed in both the coach and dinghy,
requiring no additional setup or adjustment each time the coach and
dinghy are hitched. Using vacuum, the brake uses a two-stage system.
One for proportional normal stops and the second for panic stops. The
system does not compromise the dinghy’s braking system and the
Senturian includes a breakaway system as part of the kit, which will
bring the dinghy to a controlled stop in the event the coach and dinghy
become separated, according to Demco.
REMCO
The Remco Braking System
(RBS) is one of the easiest to install, use and safest, according to
the manufacturer. The RBS ball mount automatically applies the brakes
of the dinghy when it pushes against the RBS master cylinder. The master
cylinder then pushes fluid to the remote actuator installed in the brake
lines of the dinghy which directs brake fluid to the front brakes. When
the coach moves forward, the brakes are released. The system is available
in both welded and non-welded applications and is compatible with ABS
systems.
ROADMASTER
Brakemaster 9000, 9060, 9100 and 9160 bring the coach and
towed vehicle to a controlled stop in about the same distance as the
coach alone, according to Roadmaster. Offering proportionate braking,
the system applies the brakes to the towed vehicle at the same rate
as the coach. Simply put, the harder you apply the brake in the coach,
the harder the brake is applied in the dinghy. Using compressed air,
the Brakemaster systems apply pressure to the dinghy’s brake pedal.
For coaches with air brakes, a separate air compressor is not supplied.
Roadmaster Breakaway provides a safe controlled stop should your dinghy
become separated from the coach.
SMI
The SMI Vacuum-Assisted
Brake uses the towed vehicle’s own power brakes to stop. A
fully self-contained system, the SMI Vacuum-Assisted Brake can be easily
transferred from one dinghy to another. Capturing a signal from the
towing wiring harness, the system analyzes the braking force required
and applies proportional pressure to the dinghy’s brake pedal.
The system includes a breakaway feature and when used with G-Force Controller
II, eliminates the possibility of false activation, according to the
manufacturer.
TOW
BRAKE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
The VIP-Tow><Brake
uses an electrical inertia sensor much like a RV trailer towing brake
system. The module in the coaches’ driver’s compartment senses
inertia and sends a signal to the electronic unit that attaches to the
dinghy’s brake pedal. The unit weighs only 15 lbs. and quickly
removes from the brackets that are permanently mounted in the dinghy.
Once unplugged and removed, the VIP-Tow><Brake stows in the trunk
or back seat until it is needed again. The system has a breakaway feature
that stops the dinghy in the event it becomes separated from the coach,
and because it’s electronically controlled, you can apply the dinghy’s
brakes from the driver’s compartment independently of the coaches’
brakes. Since the system does not tie into either the coach or dinghy’s
braking systems, little maintenance is required according to the manufacturer.
TOW-V-AIRE
The Tow-V-Aire supplemental
brake system can be used with gas or diesel coaches. Using industrial
grade compressed air components, a 14 lb. supply unit located within
the dinghy provides air to a cylinder clamped to the dinghy’s brake
pedal. The system uses the coach’s break lamp circuit to activate
the pressure regulator, which in turn causes compressed air to move
the cylinder attached to the brake pedal. The system requires less that
five minutes to set up once installed. The average installation takes
two to four hours and no special tools are required. A breakaway feature
is standard.
Protecting your investment from unnecessary chips
and dings is among the concerns of most dinghy owners. The systems available
vary in type and approach. Most will assist in reducing the possibilities
of road debris related damage. However, if you are looking for maximum
protection, consider an enclosed car trailer.
BLUE OX
The RV UndeR-Skirt provides a shield protecting the back of the
coach, towing hardware and the entire front of the dinghy from dirt
and chips caused by rocks, mud, exhaust and other road debris. Installation
and removal takes less than five minutes according to the manufacturer,
and it stows in a convenient storage bag.
DEMCO
The Sentry tow bar deflector is constructed of resilient, high-density
polyethylene and is attached to the connecting ears of the tow bar.
Lightweight but strong, the Sentry maintains its shape yet is flexible
enough to forgive curbs and extreme dips according to Demco. The unique
position and angle of the Sentry deflects debris down and away from
the dinghy. Easy to install and remove, Sentry comes with its own vinyl
carrying case to stow neatly in your coach’s bay when not in use.
REMCO
The Remco Tow Car Shield covers up to 80% of the dinghy and weighs only
11 lbs. Constructed of flame and mildew resistant vinyl; the Tow Car
Shield can be installed and removed in minutes. Like a oversized “car
bra,” it not only protects the front and hood area of the dinghy,
but adds protection to the windshield from road debris as well.
ROADMASTER
The Skirt Guard is an innovative, powder coated steel product
developed to stabilize splashguards and mud flaps mounted on the rear
of RVs, trucks and vans. Skirt Guard is suspended by a chain and holds
an existing splash or mud flap firmly in place according to Roadmaster.
It is available in expanding widths from 52" to 102".
The Guardian is crafted from hollow rotational molding, utilizing a
solid black high-impact polyethylene. Attaching to the tow bar Guardian
provides protection to the front of your dinghy from rocks and road
debris. Guardian fits all Roadmaster tow bars and has adapters available
to accommodate most other brands.
REMCO
In addition to wiring kits and safety tow cables, Remco makes a full
line of accessories for towing, including Axle-Lock for front wheel
drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, and Remco’s Drive
Shaft Coupling for rear axle drive vehicles that require the rear axle
to be disconnected to prevent automatic transmission damage. Remco also
make a Lube Pump that, according to Remco circulates transmission fluid
in your dinghy’s automatic transmission to prevent transmission
failure.
ROADMASTER
Making a full complement of towing accessories, the Roadmaster list
includes: EZ Hook Safety Cables, vinyl tow bar covers, universal
wiring kits, brake relay kits, Brite-Lite wiring converters (to
adapt amber turn indicator systems to 3 wire systems) and tow vehicle
signage.
| SOURCE
LIST |
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Automatic
Equip. manufacturing
company (Blue ox)
Dept. MH
1 Mill Road Industrial Park
Pender, NE 68047
(402) 385-3051
www.aemfg.com
BrakeBuddy
Dept. MH
4371 Platte Avenue
Sedalia, CO 80135
(800) 470-2287
www.brakebuddy.com
Demco
Dept. MH
Dethmers Manufacturing Co.
4010 320th Street
Boyden, IA 51234
(800) 543-3626
www.demco-products.com
Remco
Dept. MH
PO Box 27998
Omaha, NE 68127
(800) 228-2481
www.remcotowing.com
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Roadmaster
Dept. MH
5602 NE Skyport Way
Portland, OR 97218
(800) 669-9690
www.roadmasterinc.com
SMI
Dept. MH
101 N. Governor St.
Evansville, IN 47711
(800) 893-3763
www.smibrake.com
Tow Brake International, Ltd.
Dept. MH
2103 West Dixon Lake Drive
Gaylord, MI 49735
(800) 927-6778
www.towbrake.com
Tow-V-Aire Braking Inc.
Dept. MH
PO 1604
Lake Placid, FL 33862
(888) 464-1105
www.tow-v-aire.com
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Scott Dalgleish is a freelance journalist who has enjoyed the Western
outdoors and RV lifestyle for over 40 years. He is a contributor to
MotorHome magazine and for the past six years, Scott has been working
closely with Dodge and Cummins in areas of new product development and
customer relations. Scott and his wife Debra are the owners of a new
Monaco Windsor.