Tow Brake International started its life with an invention in 1995 by founder Ken Burgin, an avid RV Motor Home traveler. His invention, driven by his personal need and creative spirit, enabled the brakes in a car pulled behind a motorhome to assist with stopping while in tow. His first product the VIP TowBrake utilized an all electric actuator in the towed vehicle to press the brake pedal upon a command signal from the motorhome cab. This invention provided a significant improvement in the duo’s stopping ability especially during panic stops. Over the years, thousands of folks have become loyal users of the product whose latest evolution is called the Mountain Master Tow Brake. With the advent of tighter state regulations on towing of vehicles and the increasing demand by RV’s to tow bigger and heavier vehicles behind their motorhomes, more and more manufactures are entering the market. Mountain Master with its high reliability and proven safety record still stands out among the best on the road.
Having Been an RV'er for nearly 30 years, Mr Burgin states that it is his experience that very few motor homes have sufficient braking to stop quickly in an emergency when towing any size vehicle. As his wife said "just peace of mind of this break-away feature alone is reason enough for me to own the Tow Brake Mountain Master. I would have a hard time if a free-wheeling vehicle of mine caused someone else personal injury or death".
In 2002, Tow Brake International decided to direct its research efforts at the travel and utility trailer industry. They noticed that while the automotive industry had embraced hydraulic brakes from as far back as the early 1900’s, the trailer industry was still using electro-mechanical braking systems. These electro-mechanical braking systems, commonly referred to as “electric brakes”, employ magnets in the wheel hubs that moved a lever that applied the brakes when energized by a signal from the towing vehicle. A very simple system to produce and install, but inconsistent in reliably stopping the vehicle and a bear to maintain. Anyone who has been pushed through an intersection due to poor electric braking on a heavy trailer can attest to the claim that there had to be something better. Tow Brake took on the challenge to find it.
Initially Tow Brake tried several hydraulic actuators already on the market to achieve their goal of better trailer braking. These units, most of which were based on hydraulic pump technology from the aircraft industry, were found to be too slow, hard to control and unreliable. There had to be a better means; however it would have to be developed.
Tow Brake is continuing to develop and utilize the latest technology so that we can provide trailer users the safety, comfort, control and security that our customers can depend on.