When towing a vehicle, reliable brake assist can prevent dangerous runaway scenarios and improve overall control. This guide reviews top brake assist and breakaway systems designed for RVs and flat towing, highlighting how they function, durability, and installation considerations. Use this overview to compare options and choose a system that fits your towing setup, vehicle type, and safety priorities.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopkins Towing Solutions BrakeBuddy 39494 | Hopkins Towing Solutions | Instant braking alerts | Brake Buddy system for quick activation |
| RV Breakaway Device Kit | Camoo | Non-electronic, mechanical backup | Includes breakaway cable and safety cables |
| Camoo Break Away Device & Ready Stop | Camoo | Mechanically activated emergency brake | Replicable for flat towing setups |
| Trailer Breakaway Switch Kit | ecocstm | Coiled 4 ft cable | ABS shell, high-strength materials |
| RS-5000 Breakaway Device | WEST ORGIN | Immediate trailer braking on separation | Heavy-duty hardware |
Hopkins Towing Solutions BrakeBuddy Brake System
The BrakeBuddy Classic system from Hopkins Towing Solutions provides immediate braking alerts from the towing unit to help manage stopping when towing. Its compact design aims to minimize installation complexity while delivering responsive brake activation. Package dimensions and weight are noted, indicating a fairly standard install footprint for many tow setups. This option emphasizes immediate signal alerts to assist the driver during deceleration and stopping events while flat-towing a vehicle behind an RV.
Camoo RV Breakaway System Kit
This kit offers a non-invasive, mechanical breakaway solution for RV flat towing. It includes a brake pedal-connected cable system and safety cables to ensure a reliable backup in the event of a tow separation. The hardware is UV-resistant and zinc-plated to resist wear and rust, helping to protect the tow system over time. It functions without electronics, providing a straightforward backup brake activation for added security during towing.
Camoo Break Away Device & Ready Stop
This Camoo model provides a mechanically activated emergency brake for flat towing, acting as a backup system when the tow vehicle detaches from the trailer. It emphasizes reliable hardware fittings with UV-protected, high-strength steel components. The design aims to secure the towed vehicle’s brake activation during a breakaway event, offering a dependable safety net for RV setups and flat-tows.
RS-5000 Break Away Device
The RS-5000 is designed to instantly engage the trailer’s braking system if separation occurs during flat towing. It emphasizes core emergency braking functionality with a high-strength braided steel cable and galvanized components to resist rust over time. The product notes include usage tips, such as testing after installation and periodic checks to ensure reliable operation, which is essential for continued safety during towing.
YGDMD 4Ft Breakaway Cable
The YGDMD breakaway cable uses a high-rebound design to prevent dragging or snagging on rough surfaces. With a 4-foot body length and reinforced steel cable, this option aims to maintain a secure connection between the towing vehicle and trailer while reducing tangling and ground interference. It is compatible with common coupler sizes and offers a quick-purge mechanism for easier storage and deployment.
OPENROAD Boat Winch 1500lbs
This heavy-duty hand winch is designed for boat trailers and towing scenarios, delivering a 1500 lb pull with a robust steel construction. It includes a 26-foot strap and a brake ratchet, offering a reliable manual braking and towing option. While not a dedicated brake-away device, it contributes to overall towing safety by providing controlled winching and secure strap engagement, which can complement other brake systems in a multi-component setup.
Buying Guide
- System type: Decide between electronic brake controllers and mechanical breakaway devices. Electronic systems offer rapid, adjustable responses, while mechanical options provide simplicity and fewer electrical dependencies.
- Installation footprint: Consider cable lengths, mounting points, and compatibility with your tow vehicle and RV. A compact setup can reduce interference with other towing components.
- Durability and materials: Look for UV-resistant coatings, galvanized hardware, and corrosion-resistant cables to withstand outdoor exposure and long-term use.
- Reliability and maintenance: Seek products with clear testing guidance, periodic inspection recommendations, and indicators of wear resistance for critical components.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure the chosen system aligns with federal and state guidance for braking in flat-tow scenarios and tethered towing operations.
- Mechanical vs. electronic redundancy: Some setups benefit from having both a breakaway device and a separate brake controller for added safety in case one system fails.
- Weight, dimensions, and storage: Consider how the system will be stowed when not in use and whether it adds significant weight to the towed setup.
- Compatibility with trailers and tow bars: Verify that components fit standard trailer breakaway configurations and common tow-bar models to minimize adaptation needs.
- Maintenance routine: Establish a schedule for inspecting cables, hooks, and connectors, including corrosion checks and test activations before long trips.
Bottom line: A properly selected brake assist or breakaway system helps maintain trailer control during towing, reducing risk in separation scenarios and contributing to safer highway operations. Compare mechanical backups, electronic responders, and hybrid options to fit your vehicle, trailer, and driving habits.