The best towed vehicle brake system depends on whether you want a portable unit, a permanent installation, or a mechanical system. The Blue Ox Patriot is best for buyers who want an electric portable brake with brake-pressure monitoring. CURT’s RVibrake 4 offers automatic positioning, while the ReadyBrake uses proportional mechanical braking. For a setup that stays installed, compare the Roadmaster InvisiBrake and CURT RVibrake Shadow 2. Check vehicle compatibility and applicable braking laws before choosing.
| System | Type | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Ox Patriot | Portable, electric | Pressure monitoring and compact storage |
| CURT RVibrake 4 | Portable | Guided, automatic setup |
| NSA ReadyBrake | Mechanical, hitch-mounted | Proportional braking without electronic components |
| Roadmaster InvisiBrake | Installed | A concealed system that energizes power brakes |
| CURT RVibrake Shadow 2 | Installed | Automatic tow-mode detection and battery charging |
Blue Ox Patriot: Best Portable Pressure Monitoring
The Blue Ox BRK2022 Patriot is an all-electric portable system designed for flat towing. Its listed features include automatic brake-pressure checks during setup and ongoing pressure monitoring while towing. Blue Ox also describes a faster extension of braking action for responsive stops.
Best for: RV owners who want a portable unit with automatic pressure checks. The newer design measures 8 by 7.5 by 11.5 inches and weighs 6.2 pounds, according to the product information, making it smaller and lighter than the previous Patriot model.
Consideration: This is a portable brake unit, so it requires setup in the towed vehicle rather than a permanent installation.
CURT RVibrake 4: Best Guided Setup
The CURT 52202 RVibrake 4 is a portable flat-tow brake system with one-button operation and automatic positioning in the towed vehicle. Its audio assistant guides installation, which the product description says can take about 30 seconds. CURT lists a 0.5-second reaction time and a lightweight design with a built-in carrying handle.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a guided setup and a portable system that is easier to carry and store. CURT says the product meets legal requirements in 49 states and Canada; owners should still verify local requirements for their route and vehicle.
Consideration: Unlike installed systems, the portable unit must be positioned and set up for towing.
NSA ReadyBrake: Best Mechanical Option
The NSA RV ReadyBrake is a hitch-mounted, mechanical supplemental brake system. It uses surge action to provide proportional braking to the towed vehicle and does not rely on electronic components. The product information describes universal fit with virtually any tow vehicle and hitch-mounted tow bar, along with a 2026 cable-routing design intended to simplify installation without drilling the firewall.
Best for: Buyers seeking a mechanical system and proportional braking rather than a portable electronic “brake in a box.” Its selection makes sense for shoppers who want to avoid dependence on electronic components.
Consideration: Confirm the specific vehicle, tow-bar arrangement, and installation requirements before purchase; “universal fit” does not replace a compatibility check.
Roadmaster InvisiBrake: Best Concealed Installation
The Roadmaster 8700 InvisiBrake is an installed supplemental system with an emergency breakaway feature. Unlike systems that act on a “dead” brake pedal, the product description says it energizes the towed vehicle’s power brakes. Its compact 8-by-8-by-2-inch unit can often be mounted beneath a seat, behind interior panels, or in the trunk.
Best for: Owners who prefer a concealed installation that does not occupy the footwell during towing. The listed compatibility includes towed vehicles with vacuum-powered brakes.
Consideration: This is not a portable unit, and compatibility should be confirmed for the specific vehicle’s braking system before installation.
CURT RVibrake Shadow 2: Best Permanent Setup
The CURT 52201 RVibrake Shadow 2 is a permanently installed flat-tow brake system. Its features include tow-mode detection, which automatically recognizes when the vehicle is being towed, and a listed 0.5-second reaction time. A built-in 10-amp battery charger is designed to help keep the towed vehicle’s battery charged during travel.
Best for: Frequent flat towers who want to avoid setting up a portable braking unit before each trip. Automatic detection and the integrated charger are useful differentiators when comparing installed systems.
Consideration: Permanent installation is less convenient to transfer between vehicles than a portable system.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Towed Vehicle Brake System
Do you want portable or permanently installed equipment?
Portable systems such as the Blue Ox Patriot and CURT RVibrake 4 are positioned in the vehicle for towing and removed when not needed. They can suit owners who value portability or use the vehicle in different ways. Installed options such as the InvisiBrake and Shadow 2 reduce repeated setup, but require a vehicle-specific installation.
Should you choose electric or mechanical braking?
Electric systems offer features such as pressure monitoring, guided setup, tow-mode detection, or battery charging, depending on the model. The ReadyBrake is a mechanical alternative that uses hitch-mounted surge action for proportional braking. Compare the features you need with the installation and maintenance approach you prefer.
What compatibility and legal checks matter?
Confirm that the system works with the towed vehicle’s braking setup, tow bar, and intended installation location. Check the vehicle manual and the brake-system manufacturer’s guidance. Braking requirements can differ by state, province, vehicle weight, and travel route, so verify the rules that apply to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a supplemental towed vehicle brake system do?
It applies braking to the vehicle being towed behind an RV, adding braking action beyond the motorhome’s own brakes.
Are portable brake systems easier to move between vehicles?
Portable systems are designed to be moved and set up in a vehicle, but compatibility and setup requirements still need to be checked for each vehicle.
What is proportional braking?
Proportional braking varies the towed vehicle’s braking action in relation to the towing situation. The ReadyBrake listing describes its hitch-mounted surge action as proportional.
Does every flat-towed vehicle need a supplemental brake?
Requirements depend on applicable laws and vehicle details. Check the rules for every state or province on your route and consult the vehicle and brake-system instructions.
What should I verify before buying?
Check vehicle compatibility, installation needs, tow-bar arrangement, operating method, and legal requirements. For installed systems, confirm that the intended mounting location and vehicle braking system are supported.