The M&G Braking System is an auxiliary braking solution for towed vehicles, designed for use with recreational vehicles (RVs) equipped with air brake systems. The system proportionally actuates the brakes of the towed vehicle (“toad”) in sync with the coach’s brakes, utilizing the coach’s existing air brake infrastructure. Installation involves connecting to the coach’s brake service lines and installing an adapter within the towed vehicle’s master cylinder assembly. The system prioritizes safety through proportional braking and fail-safe design elements.
System Overview and Principles of Operation
The M&G Braking System is designed to provide proportional braking for a towed vehicle. This means the braking force applied to the towed vehicle corresponds directly to the braking force applied by the coach. This synchronization is achieved by utilizing the air brake system present in many RVs. For RVs not equipped with air brakes, an air compressor setup is available, though this increases the overall system cost. A key benefit of this system is the absence of electrical connections and decelerometers, which are found in some competing systems. The system is designed to avoid premature engagement of the towed vehicle’s brakes when the coach’s jake brake is activated.
The system operates solely when the coach’s brakes are applied; the toad’s brakes are not engaged independently. The proportional nature of the braking ensures that the toad and coach remain synchronized during braking maneuvers.
Coach Installation Procedure
Installation on the coach itself is described as relatively simple. The process involves tapping into one of the brake service lines at the rear axle using a tee fitting. A nylon line is then run from this tee fitting to the rear of the coach, where a quick disconnect coupling is installed. This connection point allows for easy connection and disconnection of the towed vehicle. The documentation notes that tapping into the brake service line is comparable to connecting a tag axle.
The documentation also addresses safety considerations in the event of a line failure. It states that the system’s isolating valves would still provide braking on three wheels, and the air pressure loss from a severed service line would be minimal, as it is a service line rather than a high-pressure emergency line.
Towed Vehicle Installation: The M&G Adaptor
A critical component of the M&G Braking System is the M&G adaptor, which is installed between the towed vehicle’s master cylinder and vacuum booster. This adaptor features a housing with an internal split shaft. The piston on the front half of the split shaft is actuated by air pressure input from the coach.
When the vehicle is not being towed, the system functions as a large pushrod, allowing the brakes to operate normally. This design incorporates a fail-safe mechanism; even if the M&G module were to fail, manual braking would remain functional. When towing, air pressure from the coach is applied to the M&G module, which then actuates the front half of the split shaft to apply the brakes proportionally to the coach’s braking input.
Breakaway System and Safety Features
The M&G Braking System can be augmented with an optional breakaway kit. This kit includes a small air reservoir tank that will supply air to the M&G module in the event of a disconnection between the coach and the towed vehicle.
Installation of the breakaway switch is recommended at the front of the towed vehicle. The documentation suggests mounting both the breakaway switch and the air inlet fitting on the front bumper. A consideration for mounting the air inlet is preventing dirt ingress. One suggested solution is to use a right-angle spark plug boot with a short length of nylon brake tubing inserted, creating a vented dust cap. The documentation explicitly cautions against capping off the hose, as this could lead to a buildup of pressure and potential brake drag.
Connection and Disconnection Procedures
The connection between the RV and the towed vehicle is achieved using a short nylon hose with male and female quick disconnect fittings. The documentation suggests routing this hose within the coiled trailer light umbilical for a streamlined setup. Once installed, the system is largely invisible within the towed vehicle. The process involves simply plugging in the hose and commencing travel.
System Comparison and User Feedback
The provided documentation references prior experience with other auxiliary braking systems, specifically Brake Buddy and US Gear’s Unified Tow Brake. The author expresses a preference for the M&G system, describing it as “foolproof” and reacting predictably. The system is noted for its seamless integration and proportional braking response.
Conclusion
The M&G Braking System offers a proportional braking solution for towed vehicles, leveraging the air brake systems commonly found in RVs. Installation involves modifications to both the coach and the towed vehicle, with a focus on safety and proportional braking performance. The system’s design incorporates fail-safe mechanisms and offers an optional breakaway kit for enhanced security. User feedback suggests a high degree of satisfaction with the system’s performance and ease of use.