While a car is in tow behind RV, can the car’s brakes be used in parallel when the RV brakes?
by admin on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 | 4 Comments
I would like to tow my 1998 GMC suburban behind my RV and would like to know what options are available in using a brake controller (or other device) to supplement the over all braking power by leveraging the towed vehicle braking system. There is a product called ‘Brake Buddy’ but they start at >$800 up to $1,500 but brake controllers if usable, max at $200 making it more cost effective. The RV has a 7 prong quick connect which includes an electric brake controller. Is there a controller of some sort that might permit me to interface directly back to the 1998 Suburban in any way which will respond to the 12volt electric braking 7Pin connector?
While it can be done, most often it isn’t. The added weight of a rolling GMC Suburban can easily be handled by the over sized brakes on your RV. Remember, you can’t tow with drive wheels on the ground so you need to be sure you have the vehicle in free wheeling mode if you plan to flat tow it, discuss that with someone knowledgeable before you tow it.
But back to your question, yes, it can be done, but only with the “Brake Buddy” system that you have already rejected as being too pricey. The electric connection is for those trailers that have electric brakes, and can’t be integrated with the hydraulic system on your Suburban easily.
Travel safe.
The easiest way to do it is to buy a trailer or tow dolly with electric brakes
in the UK it is ok if in the towed car there is someone operating the brakes, works ok if that person knows what they are doing
You cannot use an electric brake controller to operate the vehicles hydraulic brakes. You would need to use a product like the Brake Buddy to engage the Suburban’s brakes.
The electric brake controller are designed to operate electro-magnetic drum brakes that are used on trailers. It’s a very different system than the brakes on your 1998 Suburban.