M&G Brake System Installation

Ready to tow

The 2015 winter in the Washington, D.C. area has been brutally cold. I am concerned about The Bus sitting in the driveway even though it is plugged in and I have winterized it.  We continue to pack and prepare for our life on the road and one final step was required to prepare The Bus to tow our 2010 Jeep Wrangler.  We needed a brake system that would activate the Jeep's brakes with The Bus' brakes.  After researching various options, we decided on the M&G Engineering brake system.  It is not the cheapest solution nor is it available for all model TOADS; but it is well respected and easy to use.  Our closest distributor/installer is B&G Auto & Marine Repair in Stevensville, MD so we ordered the system through them and arranged for installation.

It is about an hour drive to Stevensville and I figured I could tow the Jeep there with Pattie following in her car since both The Bus and the Jeep need to me modified.  This was our first time towing so I was a bit nervous.  It didn’t help that when I started The bus several electrical systems did not function and the parking brake warning light and chime were on continuously.  I figured it was a bad solenoid since The Bus moved freely and drove ok.  We hooked up and had an uneventful drive to Stevensville where we dropped the rig off with Gary at M&G.  Gary is a nice guy that will talk you through the process and I like that since I am a mechanical kind of guy myself.  His prices are a bit high, but he is very detail oriented and makes sure everything is professionally done. 

The M&G system taps the motorhome’s air brake system and applies air pressure directly to the Jeep’s brake system via an actuator installed between the master cylinder and power booster. A pressurized tank is provided to provide pressure in the event of a break away.  I chose this system because of its operational simplicity, easy connect/disconnect and direct positive proportional braking with The Bus. 

Pneumatic actuator

Break away air tank driver side fender/firewall

Air connection covered with spark plug boot and hose

Lights, air, break away connections

Once the installation was complete, Gary helped me properly diagnose The Bus' electrical problem.  It turned out that the solenoid was not bad.  It was not getting what I would call a trigger signal from the ignition switch to activate.  We found a fuse bank hidden under the drawer in the center dash console and located a blown 10 amp fuse.  Once replaced all the electrical systems began operating normally.  I had actually read that this might be the problem on the TiffinNetwork forum, but had not been able to locate the fuse bank.  Once we had that sorted, we hooked up the Jeep and made the trip home safely. 

Next up, tires.  The Bus’ tires look fine, but they were manufactured in March 2006 and must be replaced.  

Checklists

Our packing and preparing the house for sale continues.  Of course, we continue to research the full-time lifestyle and operations involving our Allegro Bus on RVDreams, Tiffinrvnetwork, and other web sites.  While researching, we came across the warnerrvnews blogspot authored by Randy an Pam Warner and were surprised to find a couple with similar backgrounds full-timing in a 2007 Allegro Bus.  They have been at it for over five years.  It is interesting to follow their blog and see a glimpse of ourselves in the future.  I reached out to Randy and he was in the Virginia area, so we met for lunch.  Pattie an I peppered him with questions and he graciously shared his experiences an opinions.  We look forward to camping near them one day in the future and sharing stories of our own.  After our meeting, I was anxious to get in the coach and prepare to get underway, but it is just too cold here in Maryland.

I began working on things I could accomplish indoors.  My father once owned a motor home and I remember he always had a checklist for departure and arrival.  I searched the web and found a few to draw from then added my own items.  I have included it below for anyone that may want to use it or comment on it.

Thanks for reading.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Interior Checks:

•       Lower the TV antenna

•       Turn Off Satellite Dish and TVs

•       Are all interior cabinet doors properly closed?

•       Are any sliding doors secured for travel?

•       Is all loose countertop gear stowed - both kitchen and bath areas?

•       Is the shower door locked?

•       Are all roof vents closed?

•       Is the washer-dryer ready for travel?

•       Is the toilet seat and lid down?

•       Are all free-hanging window and kitchen blinds secured?

•       Is the thermostat set where you want it?

•       Is AquaHot set where you want it?

•       Is the refrigerator set on either the Auto or LP operation mode?

•       Is your laptop in position and the GPS system running (if used).

•       Retract Awnings

•       Move Driver/Passenger seats forward and attach seatbelts

•       Are noodles on slides?  If so, remove them.

•       Retract the slideouts

•       Retract the leveling jacks

Exterior checks:

•       Check engine oil and other fluid levels.

•       Check tire pressures and condition.

•       Clean backup camera lens if it needs it.

•       Refill your fresh water tank if needed.

•       If holding tanks need dumping, dump them and clean and store the sewer hose.

•       Disconnect water supply hose and remove the water pressure regulator from the faucet if used.

•       Is the ladder extension properly stored?

•       Are the window awnings and main awning properly stored and locked for travel?

•       Disconnect shore power and any cable or satellite TV lines if used.

•       Store surge protector

•       Pack camping gear in basement

•       Do a physical walk-around, looking underneath the RV and around the campsite for anything left laying.

•       Is all trash properly disposed of?

•       Hook up the toad if possible. If you weren't able to connect the toad, then connect it after you pull into a safe location. Check all lights, including the toad.

•       Load bikes and secure rack

Final Walkaround:

•   Check to see that the campsite is clean (one last time).

•   Are all the leveling jacks fully retracted?

•   Lock all basement storage compartments.

Pre-Engine Start:

•       Start the RV.

•       Reset the daily trip computer (if used).

•       Check Cameras

•       Enable air horn, radio, exhaust brake

TOAD Check:

•       Hook up the toad if possible. If you weren't able to connect the toad, then connect it after you pull into a safe location. Check all lights, including the toad.

•       Make sure tow bar locks

•       Check brake controller

•       Place transfer case in neutral

•       Place transmission in park

•       Put keys in pocket

•       Lock Toad

Arrival Checklist

Pre-Pull in Site Check

•       Location and condition of power, cable, sewer and water

•       Check height clearance (TV Antenna height and leveling jacks may raise coach!)

•       Check slide out clearance

•       Check satellite line-of-sight (Activate prior to entering campground to establish link)

•       Remove pet hazards (waste, bones, etc.)

•       Disconnect TOAD if it is a back-in site

Post Pull in Actions Engine Running

•       Keep engine running and lower leveling jacks-check level

•       Extend driver’s side slides

•       Turn-off engine, engine brake, air horn, radio master

Exterior Actions:

•       Disconnect TOAD if it is blocking roadway

•       Hook up surge protector

•       Hook up AC power

•       Place noodles on slides

•       Remove camping gear from basement

•       Turn on WeatherPro Awning System

•       Extend passenger side slides

•       Disable outside step

•       Hook-up sewer hose, dump tanks if needed

•       Connect water supply hose and water pressure regulator

•       Hook up cable if available

Interior Actions:

•       Raise TV antenna and turn booster on if needed

•       Turn on Satellite Dish and receiver

•       Adjust blinds/curtains

•       Is the thermostat set where you want it?

•       Is AquaHot set where you want it?

•       Is the refrigerator set on either the Auto or LP operation mode?

•       Set up computer

      Disconnect seatbelts and Adjust Driver/Passenger seats