5 Best Braking System for Towed Vehicles

Towing a vehicle behind your RV requires a reliable braking system to ensure safety and legal compliance. Without proper brakes, your towed car can push or sway, creating dangerous situations on the road.

This guide reviews five top braking systems for towed vehicles, covering vacuum-powered, proportional, surge, and all-electric options. You’ll find the right fit for your setup, whether you prioritize easy installation, full power assist, or mechanical simplicity.

Roadmaster 8700 Invisibrake – Compact Power Assist

The Roadmaster 8700 Invisibrake is designed for towed vehicles with vacuum-powered brakes. Unlike systems that work on a ‘dead’ brake pedal, InvisiBrake energizes your power brakes, giving you the same power braking feel while towing as you have during normal driving. This means you won’t experience a stiff pedal or reduced stopping force, which is crucial for maintaining control on long descents.

Its compact size (8″ x 8″ x 2″) allows for discreet mounting under a seat or in the trunk without sacrificing passenger space. The system connects directly to the towed vehicle’s battery and trickle-charges it during towing, ensuring consistent performance. With a 5-100 PSI brake pressure range and an emergency breakaway system, this unit offers reliable, full-power braking for your towed car.

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• Product Compatibility: The Roadmaster Invisibrake Support Braking System with Emergency Breakaway System fits Towed Vehicles with Vacuum-Powered Brakes
• Power Brakes: Most braking systems work on a 'dead' brake pedal. InvisiBrake energizes your power brakes so that you have the same power braking system while towing as you do while driving.
• Out of Sight: InvisiBrake is so small (8" x 8" x 2") it can usually be mounted under the driver's seat, under the rear seat, behind interior panels or in the trunk, without sacrificing any of the vehicle's usable space
• Full Power: InvisiBrake connects directly to the towed vehicle's battery and trickle-charges the battery during towing; InvisiBrake will never drain the battery
• Made in the USA: Premium products, handcrafted by American workers, Roadmaster is a true American manufacturer that builds its products to last

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Roadmaster 9400 Even Brake – Proportional LED Monitor

The Roadmaster 9400 Even Brake provides proportional braking that mirrors your motorhome’s braking intensity, ensuring your towed vehicle stops at the same time and with the same force. This even braking reduces wear on your RV’s brakes and enhances stability during sudden stops. The included LED monitor wirelessly reports braking activity and system status inside your motorhome, so you always know what’s happening behind you.

An automatic brake protection feature alerts you to extended continuous braking and releases pressure to prevent overheating and excessive wear on the towed vehicle’s brakes. This system fits any towed vehicle and is completely portable, making it easy to move between cars. The emergency breakaway system adds an extra layer of safety, automatically applying the brakes if the towed vehicle becomes disconnected.

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• Product Compatibility: The Roadmaster Even Brake Support Braking System with LED Monitor and Breakaway Emergency Braking System fits Any Towed Vehicle
• Even Braking: Proportional braking is even braking — your towed vehicle’s brakes respond to your motorhome’s brakes, at the same time and at the same intensity
• Automatic Brake Protection: The monitor alerts you of an extended period of continuous braking, then Even Brake releases braking pressure to avoid excessive wear on the towed vehicle's brakes
• LED Monitor: The Even Brake System reports any braking activity, or a change in system status, to a wireless monitor in the motorhome
• Made in the USA: Premium products, handcrafted by American workers, Roadmaster is a true American manufacturer that builds its products to last

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NSA RV ReadyBrake – Mechanical Surge Brake

The NSA RV ReadyBrake is a hitch-mounted surge brake system that provides instant, fully proportional braking through a purely mechanical design. It uses no electronics, air compressors, or hydraulic lines, which means fewer components that can fail. This tried-and-true solution is simple to install and works with virtually any tow vehicle and hitch-mounted tow bar.

The 2025 cable routing system makes installation even easier, with no drilling through the floor required. It meets state and provincial laws requiring proportional braking for towed vehicles, giving you peace of mind on the road. The mechanical reliability of the ReadyBrake means you can depend on it for years without worrying about battery drain or electronic glitches. It’s a straightforward, cost-effective choice for flat towing.

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• SIMPLE, PROPORTIONAL BRAKING: The most simple and effective auxiliary braking system on the market. Hitch-mounted surge brake provides instant, fully proportional braking to your towed vehicle (toad).
• PURELY MECHANICAL RELIABILITY: A tried-and-true, purely mechanical solution that does not rely on electronic components that can fail. Avoids the high cost and complications of "brake in a box" systems.
• EASY 2025 INSTALL & UNIVERSAL FIT: Compatible with virtually any tow vehicle and any hitch-mounted tow bar. New 2025 cable routing system makes installation simpler—no drilling the firewall required.
• MEETS LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: Provides proportional braking to meet state and provincial laws requiring supplemental brakes. Includes DL-300 Tow Brake Dash Monitor for clear brake status.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY & USA BUILT: Proudly Made in the U.S.A. for guaranteed quality and long-term reliability. Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the ReadyBrake unit.

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WEST ORGIN RS-5000 – Emergency Breakaway Device

The WEST ORGIN RS-5000 is a mechanically triggered emergency braking system designed for RV trailers and flat-towed vehicles. Its core function is to immediately start braking the trailer if the vehicle becomes disconnected from the tow bar, preventing a runaway scenario. The brake cable is made of high-strength braided steel wire, which is both wear-resistant and anti-aging, ensuring long-term durability.

The package includes three cables and all necessary hardware for installation. After installation, you should test the system to ensure the braking function starts normally. Regularly checking the switch status is recommended to maintain reliability. This device is compatible with most RV towed vehicle braking control systems and works between flat-towing cars and RV tow bars. It provides an essential safety layer for any towing setup.

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• 1. Core emergency braking function: The mechanically triggered emergency braking system designed for RV trailers can immediately start the braking of the trailer when the vehicle is accidentally removed from the towing vehicle, providing braking assistance for the flat towing scene.
• 2. High-materials and hardware: The brake cable is made of high-strength braided steel wire, which is both wear-resistant and anti-aging. Equipped with galvanized spring hooks, it can resist rust and corrosion, ensuring structural stability during long-term use and avoiding scratches on the valuable drag rod system.
• 3. Usage Tips : After installation, be sure to test the braking system to ensure that the braking function starts normally. It is necessary to regularly check the status of switches and each component on a daily basis to ensure that all parts are in normal working condition. This ensures driving safety from the usage process and avoids risks caused by component failures.
• 4. Package include： RV Towed Vehicle Braking Control System comes with 3 cables and hardware fittings.1Pcs cable with a red fixed mount, 1Pcs woven steel wire cable, 1Pcs cable with PVC coating.
• 5. Note: Do not pull the cable out of the red break-away body as it is very difficult to get it ran back through.Carefully read the entire installation manual.

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BRK2022 Patriot Flat Tow – All-Electric Proportional

The BRK2022 Patriot Flat Tow Brake System is a 100% all-electric design that delivers faster braking response during flat towing. It provides proportional braking force that mirrors your motorhome’s braking, ensuring smooth and controlled stops. The fully electric operation means no air compressor, no hydraulic lines, and no complicated setup, resulting in cleaner installation and fewer maintenance points.

An automatic brake pressure check feature takes the guesswork out of setup by verifying brake pressure during every sequence. This ensures your system is ready to perform correctly each time you tow. Designed specifically for flat towed vehicles, the Patriot offers quick extension of braking action for enhanced safety. Its all-electric nature makes it a modern, efficient choice for RVers who want a straightforward, reliable braking system.

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• Key Feature FASTER BRAKING RESPONSE — Engineered for quicker extension of braking action during flat towing, the BRK2022 Patriot delivers proportional braking force that mirrors your motorhome's stopping power — keeping you, your vehicle, and everyone on the road safer at every stop.
• All Electric System 100% ALL-ELECTRIC OPERATION — No air compressor, no hydraulic lines, no complicated setup. The fully electric design means cleaner installation, fewer maintenance headaches, and consistent performance mile after mile — perfect for RV enthusiasts who demand reliability without the hassle.
• Auto Brake Pressure Check AUTOMATIC BRAKE PRESSURE VERIFICATION — Takes the guesswork out of setup. The BRK2022 automatically checks brake pressure during every setup sequence, alerting you instantly if there's an issue before you hit the road — so you never tow blind or unsafe.
• Easy Setup & Compatibility SIMPLE SETUP FOR FLAT TOWING — Designed specifically for flat towed (dinghy) vehicles, this brake system integrates smoothly with your existing tow setup. Easy-to-follow connection process gets you road-ready faster with no special tools required.
• Peace of Mind DRIVE WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE — Whether you're navigating mountain passes or highway cruising, the BRK2022 Patriot gives you proportional braking control that responds in real time — reducing wear on your motorhome brakes and meeting legal flat tow braking requirements in most U.S. states.

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

When selecting a braking system for your towed vehicle, consider these key factors to ensure safety, compatibility, and ease of use.

• Brake Type: Choose between vacuum-powered, proportional, surge, or all-electric systems based on your towed vehicle's brake type and your preference for complexity.
• Installation Ease: Consider whether you want a permanent install or a portable system. Some units require drilling, while others are hitch-mounted or cable-routed.
• Monitoring Features: Wireless monitors provide real-time feedback on braking activity and system status, helping you stay informed without leaving the driver's seat.
• Emergency Breakaway: Look for systems with an integrated emergency breakaway function that automatically applies brakes if the towed vehicle becomes disconnected.
• Compatibility: Ensure the system fits your towed vehicle's brake type (vacuum, hydraulic, electric) and works with your tow bar and motorhome setup.

Conclusion

Choosing the right braking system for your towed vehicle depends on your specific needs, such as brake type, installation preference, and desired features. The Roadmaster Invisibrake excels for vacuum-powered cars, while the Even Brake offers wireless monitoring. The ReadyBrake provides mechanical simplicity, and the Patriot delivers all-electric convenience.

For most RVers, the Roadmaster 9400 Even Brake offers a great balance of proportional braking and portability. If you prefer a no-electronics solution, the NSA RV ReadyBrake is a reliable choice. Always prioritize safety and compatibility for peace of mind on the road.