RV Hitch Capacity: Best Dumb Question

[Dan-sr@perra-us.net]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I have no experience using the Invisibrake or any other braking system other than my Patriot III system, but in my experience, a full day of towing uses under 6 AH of energy from the brake's power source.
.

The invisbrake system keeps the toad Battery charged from the running light power source. That is why Roadmaster recommends running parking lights during the day.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

At one point in time (2019) the InvisiBrake could not be installed on the F150, Expedition or Navigator.

Has this changed? Might want to call RoadMaster direct and not talk to installers that will sell anything.

I don't know if anything has changed, but I have now talked with two different Roadmaster reps who know I have a Navigator and both say the Invisibrake is fine. But both also say a Charge Line Kit that they sell that is confirmed fit for Navigator.

With that said, I am leaning away from Invisibrake. Any vehicle, but my primary use navigator and it may be okay. I don't really care for the wire that is permanently attached to the pedal among other things. Roadmaster says $720 to install it ( 6 hrs), dealers around hear charge $200/hr so $1,200 just for the labor on brakes I can buy a brand new Patriot 3 for that kind of green back and call it a day. One dealer says he will install the new 2022 Blue Ox Brake system for $1,500 which includes the new unit.

I have more work to do, but that is my thinking on brakes today.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

I don't know if anything has changed, but I have now talked with two different Roadmaster reps who know I have a Navigator and both say the Invisibrake is fine. But both also say a Charge Line Kit that they sell that is confirmed fit for Navigator.

With that said, I am leaning away from Invisibrake. Any vehicle, but my primary use navigator and it may be okay. I don't really care for the wire that is permanently attached to the pedal among other things. Roadmaster says $720 to install it ( 6 hrs), dealers around hear charge $200/hr so $1,200 just for the labor on brakes I can buy a brand new Patriot 3 for that kind of green back and call it a day. One dealer says he will install the new 2022 Blue Ox Brake system for $1,500 which includes the new unit.

I have more work to do, but that is my thinking on brakes today.

I was going to say $1500 "installed" was a good price as the last time I looked at the selling price it had risen to close to $1500. But today it can be purchased on Amazon for $1100.

What does "installation" involve? Basically installing the break-away attachment on the front of the Toad and running the wire to a convenient area under the dash in the footwell area.

Also, if you don't have a "power receptacle" up front that stays hot when the vehicle is off, you will need to install one. These two things would be required for any portable braking system, not just the Patriot III.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I was going to say $1500 "installed" was a good price as the last time I looked at the selling price it had risen to close to $1500. But today it can be purchased on Amazon for $1100.

There seems to be to models widely available today, brand new out the box for Patriot 3 aka BRK2019 is low as $1,100. The newest model aka BRK2022 is selling for $1,600 to $1,800.

What does "installation" involve? Basically installing the break-away attachment on the front of the Toad and running the wire to a convenient area under the dash in the footwell area.

Also, if you don't have a "power receptacle" up front that stays hot when the vehicle is off, you will need to install one. These two things would be required for any portable braking system, not just the Patriot III.

Yes that is all involved with the install. I think I would put a new dedicated receptacle anyway, but I have not got that far yet.

The quote I got was from a Blue Ox dealer who is listed as Roadmaster dealer but he is trying to sway me to Blue Ox turnkey. His quote for the BRK2022 was $1,500 installed. I don't know what his installed cost for Patriot 3 or BRK2019. He did say, if I buy the parts he will charge me $200/hr for whatever I wanted.

As far as I know the differences between BRK2019 & BRK2022 is 9 lbs vs 6lbs. Redesign of how it fits against the driver seat and maybe software.

I also like the inside RV monitor and ability to control brake functions. For the low usage I will have, I would love to find refurbished or an almost like new one.

That same dealer will install the Roadmaster wiring for $300 inclusive of parts. He said he could not get the Roadmaster baseplate for Navigator but $200/hr to install it.

FWIW, I called a Coach Specialist RV Dealer and they wanted $7k to install every thing. Sensing I was not interested he said he may be able to do for $5,500 but he could not commit. I don't want a toad that bad. I think $4k inclusive of taxes is going to be my ceiling?

[dkoldman]

Yesterday, my quote from Camping World had a braking system I had personally never heard of. It was NOT what I asked which was InvisiBrake. They stated the RVIBrake3 install was a lot easier and they were trying to save me money. But I had also asked they quote the Patriot Braking systems.

Nonetheless I have had some time to review the RVIBrake3 and must say I am impressed with only 1 day of research. I am sure someone may be able to shoot holes but feature wise it may be the best all around for Lincoln Navigator?

What I think I know.
1. Portable
2. Does not have to press up against my Navigator seat every time I press brake
3. Hidden floor mount that serves as backstop
4. There is no wiring connecting to my brake pedal
5. Comes with tablet with WiFi in RV Cabin that connects with RVIBrake in Towed
6. Only 4" tall ( 10 lbs) but easier to store
7. No wiring required inside Navigator (I have nearby 12vdc socket that is powered with engine off, is true for Patriot too)
8. Activates - Reaction Time: 0.5 seconds
9. Breakaway plus to unit; not the pedal
10. 1 hour initial install, 30 sec to set up; 3 Year warranty
11. Wireless breakaway adapter $150 ( no drilling required through firewall)

Still awfully expensive but my goal is find the best product for my situation with this Navigator. I will have to work the internet to then find what I need at the best pricing to make it all affordable.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Yesterday, my quote from Camping World had a braking system I had personally never heard of. It was NOT what I asked which was InvisiBrake. They stated the RVIBrake3 install was a lot easier and they were trying to save me money. But I had also asked they quote the Patriot Braking systems.

Nonetheless I have had some time to review the RVIBrake3 and must say I am impressed with only 1 day of research. I am sure someone may be able to shoot holes but feature wise it may be the best all around for Lincoln Navigator?

What I think I know.
1. Portable
2. Does not have to press up against my Navigator seat every time I press brake
3. Hidden floor mount that serves as backstop
4. There is no wiring connecting to my brake pedal
5. Comes with tablet with WiFi in RV Cabin that connects with RVIBrake in Towed
6. Only 4" tall ( 10 lbs) but easier to store
7. No wiring required inside Navigator (I have nearby 12vdc socket that is powered with engine off, is true for Patriot too)
8. Activates - Reaction Time: 0.5 seconds
9. Breakaway plus to unit; not the pedal
10. 1 hour initial install, 30 sec to set up; 3 Year warranty

Still awfully expensive but my goal is find the best product for my situation with this Navigator. I will have to work the internet to then find what I need at the best pricing to make it all affordable.

Ummm, you know that InvisiBrake and RVIBrake3 are not the same thing?

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Ummm, you know that InvisiBrake and RVIBrake3 are not the same thing?

Yes and that was my point. I asked Camping World to quote the InvisiBrake system because they are Roadmaster Dealer, but they came back with quote for RVIBrake 3 because they state it was less effort to install. Believe it or not, I had never heard of RVIbrake 3, but the above was I see as advantages after only one day of research. It still may be too expensive and I have to work out the economics orI will be forced to take my setup to Ohio and let the Chateau Nomad have at it. I can make up something about Lithium batteries to make him happy

If money was none issue this is what I would do today.

Curt upgraded receiver
Roadmaster Base Plate
Roadmaster NightHawk Tow bar
Roadmaster wiring and charge kit
RVIBrake 3
RVIBrake 3 Wireless adapter

[dkoldman]

So today, I took my 1st real step toward Flat Towing.

I have ordered the Roadmaster Baseplate for Navigator and the Curt Hitch for RV. I will try to do the hitch myself and check with my mobile tech to help with the base plate or just have a hitch company I talked to do it all. The Hitch company is talking $550 - $600 to install He says they charge $200/hr.

I also intend to use the hitch company for all the wiring and electrical. They don't need any kits they state they have everything I will need except for the variable 9v light diodes.

On another thread I got convinced it was safe to go with RVI3 Brake, but I am shopping price. My current estimated after tax cost is $4,200 and that include a hitch that is not normally required.

[dkoldman]

It took 3 1/2 years, but I just got back from my 1st Scale Weigh (CAT)

Loaded I am 16,600; so I am I would be well within the 23,000 GCWR with a 5,800 pound Navigator. In fact, I have about 500lbs of stuff that if I were to tow the Navigator; I could do with out.

My drive axle is 2 to 1 the weight of Steer axle, so I am going down from 82 psi to 81 3/4 psi

Bad news is I am out $13 bucks , but I qualify to have that coveted one weigh.