Blue Ox BX88175 User Manual

BX88175 Installation Instructions

Serial No.

ToadStop II Vacuum Brake System

Customer supplied tools & supplies

Utility knife, 12VDC tester, drill & bits: (1/8", 1/4", 5/8”), ¼” socket drive bit, punch, wire stripper/crimp tool,
pliers:(standard, long nose, wire cutter), screw drivers:(Phillips, slotted small & regular), wrenches:(10mm,
3/8", 7/8", 15/16", adjustable), 1/4" drive & 7/16"socket. Supplies: electrical tape, butt connectors, shielded
spade connectors, wire ties.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. TOAD VEHICLE INSTALLATION

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS: See Fig. 1

a. Remove rubber pedal cover and drill 1/8” hole in the face of brake pedal frame at its lowest point. If there

is too much pulling pressure at this point, use brake pedal assembly (item 24) above brake pedal pad.

For vehicles with continuous power assist brakes, do NOT drill into brake pedal frame. Use brake

pedal assembly (item 24) above the brake pedal frame. The lower the assembly is placed on the pedal

frame, the more force that is applied.

b. Decide where to locate the blue box. The cable assembly is 15 ft. long so the box can be mounted in

the trunk. The box can also be mounted behind the driver's seat. If this location is preferred, the cable
assembly will need to be cut and modi ed. Set the box where you would like it when towing. Lay the
cable assembly on the  oor, placing the pulley end straight behind the brake pedal as shown in Fig. 1.
Measure the distance the cable housing extends past the box. This is how much will need to be cut off
of cable housing. Take the cable stop off of cable. Pull the cable housing off of the knurled  tting that is
mounted to the pulley. Slide the 1" adapter tube and 1/4" long tube off of cable housing. Pull the cable
out of the cable housing and mark out the previously measured distance on the housing and cut. The
metal winding in the housing may have to be sanded down. Mount the cable housing back onto the
knurled  tting on the pulley. Route the cable through the housing and replace the cable stop. Cut the
cable, making sure the cable is about 12" longer than the housing. Locate a mounting point for the pulley
behind the brake pedal on  rewall. (Align the pulley trailing side straight behind pedal arc for a good
straight pull of the pedal) Fig.1

c. Using two self-tapping screws, mount the pulley to the  rewall. Run the cable housing under the  oor mat

or customize routing under carpet and dock plastic end to box. (Fig.4, Fig.1)
d. Connect cable ball in the center position on the pull arm in the box. Fig. 4
e. Attach the cable at the brake pedal with cable stop, making sure there is no play in the cable, then make

adjustments testing.

TOAD VACUUM HOSE INSTALLATION: See Fig. 3 - For vehicles with continous power assist brakes

do NOT perform the "toad vacuum hose installation" steps . Simply connect ToadStop II to kit

reservoir via hose (see Fig.3) for these vehicles.

a. Remove the original vacuum line from the booster check valve and install the “check valve/T” assembly

to the booster check valve as shown in Fig. 3 (install original vacuum line to “black side” of kit check valve

assembly)
b. Find an existing hole in the  rewall, or if there isn't one, drill a 5/8" hole and mount bulkhead. Tighten the

3/8" hose barbs on each side. Use hose clamps that are provided on all hose connections. Route the

vacuum tube to the  rewall bulkhead connection and into drivers compartment to mate with box at vacuum

quick connect.

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 1 of 10

c. If your vehicle has ½” ID hose, adapt to 3/8” or use clamps to “squeeze” the ½”

down securely to 3/8”  ttings. Use the clear vinyl spacer hose to adapt up to ½” OEM
size if needed.

TOAD VACUUM HOSE INSTALLATION (continued)

d. Cut the vacuum line installed in the previous step, insert “T” and connect reservoir to the system between

our new check valve and the booster check valve.

TOAD WIRING INSTALLATION: See Fig. 2

a. The box is equipped with a four wire  at connector that uses the following connection sources.

1.White connects to GROUND.

2.Brown connects to BATTERY 20amp fused source.

3.Yellow is NOT USED.

4.Green connects to RV COLD SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.
NOTE: There are two diodes supplied in case there is "electrical feedback". Most of electrical feedback

problems are "bad grounds". Be sure to check all grounds, before installing diodes. Check original car
wiring & wiring kit wiring for bad grounds.

b. The orange and blue wires feed between both vehicles at the trailer wiring connector, using two spare pins

in the wiring plug connector (if spare pins are not available, upgrade the customer to a higher capacity
connector).

c. Install the breakaway switch to a central location on the front of the towed vehicle's metal frame structure

(do not install to the baseplate or any additionally installed item) and attach the lanyard to the

receiver hitch on the rear of the RV.
d. Connect one wire from the breakaway switch to the positive terminal of the battery.
e. Connect the other wire from the breakaway switch to the Green wire feed to activate braking during

breakaway.

EMERGENCY/ANTI-THEFT SWITCH OPERATION (See Figure 2 for wire hook-up.)

a. The unlighted dash switch for the operation of the box while driving is an accessory that can provide

emergency braking while driving with the simple  ip of a switch, if something happens to the driver. It will

also provide anti-theft protection while towing or parked during solo driving.
b. To test emergency stopping while driving, apply braking by  ipping the dash switch to activate brakes and

stop the vehicle (on some vehicles, it may be necessary to shift to neutral to stop, if a high idle condition is

present).
c. To test the anti-theft mode, turn off the engine. Flip the toggle to the “ON” position (off center, and will stay

when you remove your  nger). Fig. 2 Start the engine, and the brake system should apply itself.
Automotive Relay Note: If the towed vehicle's brake lights will work with the key off, there is a possibility

that the towed vehicle's battery may be drained after towing as the brake lights will be activated each time

the brake pedal is depressed by the ToadStop. To keep this from happening we have included electrical

parts (relay) with the kit to automatically disconnect the vehicle's brake lights when the key is off. The only

change you will notice to the towed vehicle is that the brake lights on the car will only be activated by the

brake pedal when the ignition is in the "on" position.

FINISHING ELECTRIC CONNECTIONS TO THE TOAD VEHICLE (Fig. 2)

a. (RECOMMENDED) When using the relay, cut the brake wire that is HOT when the brake pedal is applied.

Connect a wire from the end of the wire that is closest to the brake switch to tab 87 on the relay, making

sure to connect with a wire that goes to the wiring connector on the front of the vehicle. Then connect a

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 2 of 10

wire from the other end of the cut wire to tab 30 on the relay. Connect a wire from the car's fuse panel (12V
IGNITION) to tab 86 on the relay. Tab 85 needs to go to a good solid ground connection.

When NOT using the relay, connect a wire from the wiring connector to the "cold" side of the brake switch.

TESTING AND TUNING THE SYSTEM

CAUTION: ALWAYS PERFORM THIS TEST IN A SAFE CLEAR AREA. ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO USE

YOUR FOOT TO STOP THE TOAD VEHICLE DURING TESTING.

a. Start the engine of the toad vehicle, making sure that the Vac Brake™ does not apply. If the Vac Brake™

applies, verify the breakaway pin is inserted in the breakaway switch.

b. Push the box test BUTTON to the momentary position and this should apply the Vac Brake™. Releasing

the BUTTON should release the Vac Brake™. With the vehicle in drive, and moving at idle speed, apply the
Vac Brake™ with the test BUTTON held “ON”. When the vehicle comes to a stop give it a little throttle and
let off. The vehicle should move forward as you give it throttle, and stop when you let up (you will have to
hold the test BUTTON during testing of brake strength) Fig. 4

c. To balance and adjust Vac Brake™ braking strength, repeat the test in step b. moving the cable ball

connection along the box arm bracket “in towards the pivot point for stronger braking” or “out from the pivot
point for less braking” this compensates for to much throttle or to little throttle, respectively, needed to move
the vehicle. THIS “IN AND OUT” LEVERAGING FROM THE PIVOT POINT ON THE BOX ARM IS THE
STRENGTH ADJUSTMENT Fig. 4

d. Vac Brake™ application speed is adjusted with two needle valves built into the Vac Brake™ solenoid. The

“AE” needle valve controls the speed of Vac Brake™ release; “BE” needle valve controls the speed of
Vac Brake™ engagement. We recommend the release be slower than the engagement. THIS VACUUM

FLOW ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS BRAKE APPLICATION SPEED AND RELEASE SPEED. SPEED IS
FACTORY SET WITH MINOR ADJUSTMENTS DONE BY THE INSTALLER AS NEEDED. RELEASE
SHOULD BE SLOWER THAN PULL DOWN SPEED. Fig. 5

2. RV INSTALLATION - RV WIRING: Fig. 2
WARNING: WHEN INSTALLING THE INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE MOTORHOME, DO NOT DRILL A

HOLE DIRECTLY IN THE COACH'S DASH. Drilling a hole directly in the dash of the coach could

cause serious damage to the on-board computer systems. This applies to all makes of motorhomes, but
is especially pertinent for Bluebird motorhomes. Alternate methods for installing the indicator light are as
follows:

Drill the hole lower in the bordering plastic of the dash
Drill the hole to the left of the driver's stall if there is room
Use a toggle switch mounting bracket from a local automotive store

a. Locate an easy to reach place for the remote control RV dash switch to be installed.
b. Looking at the back of the switch, with the row of three terminals oriented towards the top, connect the

monitor signal wire (from the TOAD’S brake light switch) to the lower right terminal. The lower left terminal

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 3 of 10

RV INSTALLATION - RV WIRING: (continued)

is to be connected to a suitable grounding point.
c. Connect a wire from the cold side of the RV’s brake light switch to upper left terminal of the switch.
d. Connect a wire from a 12 VDC power source (generally from the fuse panel) to the upper right terminal of

the switch.
e. Connect the center terminal of the switch to the “GREEN” wire that runs to the activation signal wire of the

solenoid on the Vac Brake™.

TESTING THE VAC BRAKE™ WITH THE RV

a. The lighted toggle switch is to be  ipped ON during this test ( ipped off center, and remains in place when

you remove your  nger). With the RV running, depress the brake pedal, noticing that the switch should light

up as the brake is applied, and go off slightly after releasing the pedal.
b. Repeat the test above with the switch  ipped OFF ( ipped center, and remains in center place when you

remove your  nger). It should not light up, nor should the Vac Brake™ apply.
c. The third test is to press the paddle of the switch to the momentary position. The switch should light up, as

well as the brakes of the toad apply. The light should go out and the Vac Brake™ should disengage after

releasing the switch.

WARNING: The feedback light must operate as described above or warranty is void!
If the Vac Brake™ worked properly during the tests of the TOAD and not with the RV, recheck your
electrical connections making sure the harness terminals used align properly between vehicles.

SIZING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ACROSS TOW BAR

a. With the toad vehicle connected to the tow bar,  nd the minimum length of the breakaway lanyard by

measuring from the anchor point on the RV (as close to center as possible) to the breakaway switch.

Record this measurement as X=
b. Find the maximum length of the breakaway lanyard by disconnecting the tow bar and leaving the tow

cables connected. Slowly back up the toad until the cables capture it. Apply the parking brake, and turn off

the engine. Make the same measurement as in step a. Record this measurement as Y=
c. To  nd the length of the lanyard to be used take the measurements (X) and (Y), add them together, and

divide by 2, (X+Y)/2=Lanyard Length
d. Electrical harnesses across tow bar must be 12” longer than the (Y) measurement. No electrical connection

should be lost during a safety cable capture breakaway.

NOTE: THE BREAKAWAY LANYARD LENGTH MUST BE LONG ENOUGH TO PERMIT TURNING
WITHOUT PULLING THE PIN WHEN TOWING. THE ABOVE SIZING PROCEDURE ALLOWS THE BREAK
AWAY PIN TO PULL AND APPLY Vac Brake™ TO HELP CONTROL THE TOAD VEHICLE WHEN IT FALLS
BACK ON THE SAFETY CABLES OR CHAINS.

THIS SYSTEM PROVIDES FULL DRIVER FEEDBACK AND CONTROL

WARNING: You are responsible for monitoring the “FEEDBACK LIGHT” on the RV dash switch. If the
switch light does not “LIGHT” during normal application of the brake in the RV, there is a problem that
you MUST investigate! If the switch light does not “GO OFF” during release of the RV brake, there is a
problem that you MUST investigate! (a slight delay as the pedal releases is normal for the operation of
this system, this is just the regulated release speed as the pedal returns to full released position)

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 4 of 10

If the light comes “ON” by itself you must “STOP” and investigate the cause, it may be that the
“BREAKAWAY PIN” HAS PULLED DUE TO A TOW COMPONENT FAILURE.

If the Vac Brake™ worked properly during the tests of the TOAD and not with the RV, double-check
your vacuum source and electrical connections making sure the harness terminals align properly
between vehicles. Make sure vacuum check valves are allowing the vacuum to  ow in the correct
direction.

NOTE: MAKE SURE THE SYSTEM OWNER RECEIVES THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS!!

OPERATION OF BRAKE SYSTEM

RV DASH SWITCH
A. Toggle switch is lighted to indicate brake activation in Toad vehicle.

B. Toggle switch light will activate during NORMAL braking in Toad vehicle.

1. Toggle switch light should never be ON unless brake is applied in RV.

2. If toggle switch light is ON the brakes on the Toad are ON.

3. If toggle switch light is ON and you have not applied the brake in the RV, you must take

corrective action and STOP the RV to investigate.
a. You may have a tow component failure that has triggered the breakaway to apply the

Toad brake.
b. You may be expieriencing a malfunction of the system, which would require you to disable it.
C. Normal braking in the RV will result in the RV feedback toggle switch LIGHTING to indicate braking on the Toad.

It

is normal for the release of the brake in the RV to be followed by the release of the brake in the Toad and the

toggle switch light shutting off.

THE RV DASH SWITCH ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO COMPLETELY CONTROL THE BRAKING ON THE TOAD.
THERE ARE THREE MODES TO THE RV DASH SWITCH.

1. CENTER POSITION: THE SYSTEM IS "OFF", THE ONLY THING THAT CAN ACTIVATE THE BRAKE IS THE

BREAKAWAY SWITCH.
A. USE THIS IN A CITY WHERE YOU MOVING SLOWLY AND DO NOT NEED BRAKING.
B. USE THIS GOING DOWN A HILL AND WANT TO APPLY BRAKING WITH MOMENTARY MODE.

2. UP OR LOCKED "ON" POSITION: THE SYSTEM WILL ONLY APPLY BRAKING IN THE TOAD WHEN THE RV

BRAKE IS APPLIED.

3. MOMENTARY POSITION: BRAKING IS APPLIED IN THE TOAD WITHOUT THE NEED TO APPLY THE RV BRAKE.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

System will not activate from RV. Check the “ground” between vehicles, (system uses only ½ amp to

activate) and the lighting ground between the vehicles may not be good enough for the Vac Brake™ system to
get ground. A better ground from the Vac Brake™ solenoid may be needed
System will not release from RV. Check for a “12VDC backfeed” to the activation wire on the solenoid.
Isolate and add diode or change wiring to eliminate the “12vdc backfeed” condition. Pulling apart the wire

(closer to the lighting ground wire between vehicles).

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 5 of 10

harness between the vehicles should release the Vac Brake™. Also check to sure the “breakaway” switch is
not triggering the system.

Feedback light on RV dash does not light. Make sure all connections between vehicles are correctly made
between corresponding terminals at the wiring plugs on both vehicles. Test for power feed along all wiring
between vehicles.

System will not pull pedal and stop satisfactorily. Check vacuum level in system during operation with a
vacuum gage (18”-20”vacuum needed to work). Check for vacuum leaks by shutting down engine with gage on
and see if vacuum holds. Levering down the pedal can compensate for lower vacuum level and make stopping
force “STRONGER”. Check to be sure there are no ”SHARP” turns on the cable housing between the pedal
and device. NOTE: this system can only deliver braking as good as is provided by the vehicle, if  uids in brake
system have not been serviced every two years as recommended, it may effect  nal performance.

Brake system adjustments after brake service. None should be required unless the driver wants to change
performance from the original installation. You can install new brakes on your vehicle immediately after this
system is installed, and the performance will not be effected.

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 6 of 10

FIREWALL

BRAKE PEDAL
(use brake pedal
assembly here if

needed)

REMOVABLE

RUBBER

PEDAL COVER

SELF TAP

SCREWS

RV SIDE

RV FUSE

PANEL

RV

BRAKE

SWITCH

LIGHTED

SWITCH

RV DASH

GROUND

CAR FUSE

PANEL

(IGNITION)

CONNECTION

ACROSS TOWBAR

RELAY

CABLE

FIG. 1

BREAK

AWAY

SWITCH

TOAD

BRAKE

SWITCH

CABLE STOP

TOAD

_

GREEN

YELLOW

BROWN

WHITE

20 AMP
POWER
FUSED

+

BATTERY

GROUND

CUT BRAKE WIRE THAT IS HOT

WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED

CABLE HOUSING

TOAD SIDE

12 VOLT

FUSE PANEL

CONSTANT

TOW

ANTI-

THEFT

"ON"

MOM.

TEST

UNLIGHTED

SWITCH

12 VOLT

FROM

IGNITION

BOX

BRAKE

UNIT

VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS

SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAM

FIG. 2

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 7 of 10

POWER BOOSTER / CHECK VALVE/ BULKHEAD ASSEMBLY

CHECK VALVE FLOW

TO ENGINE

ORIGINAL VACUUM LINE

TO TOAD ENGINE

HOSE BARB

FIREWALL

TO BOX PORT

PASS. SIDE

T

CHECK VALVE

BULKHEAD

FITTING

HOSE BARB

T

Attach bulkhead through  rewall, connect vacuum hose to the

female quick connect. For vehicles with continuous power

assist brakes, leave the original vacuum line AS-IS. Do not

install "T". Directly connect hose from ToadStop II to kit

reservoir.

ENGINE SIDE

FIG. 3

BOOSTER

CHECK VALVE

KIT

RESERVOIR

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 8 of 10

HOSE

VALVE PORT LOCATION & ADJUSTMENT

"AE" PORT

RELEASE

TOP

VIEW

BRAKE PEDAL

FILTER

PORT

SIDE

VIEW

Turn "clockwise" for less pedal
speed. Open "BE" all the way (counter
clockwise). Open "AE" 1/2 turn from
closed to start. Make adjustments
as needed to have pedal move down
"faster" and release "slower".

HOSE

HOSE

SOLENOID

VALVE

"AE"/"BE" port adjustments regulate pedal movement speed only.
NOTE: Do NOT force needle valves counter clockwise or unwarranteed
damage can break the stems.

TOP VIEW

INSERT CABLE

BALL & PLUG

E

R

O

M

S

S

E

L

TEST BUTTON

CABLE

DOCKING

SLOT

CABLE

ASSEMBLY

SIDE VIEW

"BE" PORT

BRAKING

PULL DOWN

FIG. 5

CABLE

KEEPER

KNOCKOUT

PLUG

ELECTRIC

PLUG

FIG. 4

CABLE

"DOCKED"

TO BOX

VACUUM

PORT

-Always insert cable keeper plug after moving to new attachment hole.

BOX ELECTRIC, CABLE & VACUUM ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 9 of 10

Parts List

Ref. Qty. Part Description
No. No.

1 1 62-3461 ..........................................................Assy, Box

*2 1 62-3463 .......................................................Assy, Tube

3 1 62-3466 ................................................Assy, 15' Cable

4 1 293-1370 ..........................................Vacuum Reservoir

5 1 293-1339 ..........................................Breakaway Switch

6 1 153-0094 ........................Tube, 3/8 ID x 5/8 OD x 20 Ft.

7 1 194-0148 .............................4 Wire Conn., Female, 65"

8 1 293-1382 ........................................................Fuse Link

9 1 62-3477 ............................Assy, Female Quick Connect

10 3 293-1417 ................................................Hose Barb, 3/8

11 1 293-1375 .....................................Lighted Toggle Switch

12 1 293-1406 .....................................Plastic Plug, Box Side

13 2 293-1418 .....................................................Plug, Brass

*These parts are not used on vehicles with continuous power assist brakes.

Ref. Qty. Part Description
No. No.

*14 6 293-1388 ....................................................Hose Clamp

15 2 153-0095 .........................Hose, 3/8 ID x 5/8 OD x 2 1/2

16 1 293-1384 ......................................................Plastic Tee

17 1 293-1367 ....................................................Check Valve

18 1 294-0829 .....................................Fuse, Spade, 20 amp

19 1 293-1368 .......................................Bulkhead, 1/8 FNPT

20 2 201-0705 ...............1/4-20 x 1 Carriage Bolt, Grd.5, ZP

21 1 293-1426 ................................................Bracket, Mount

22 1 293-1425 .............................................L-Bracket, Cable

23 2 202-0001 .........................................1/4-20 Hex Nut, ZP

24 1 62-3472 ....................................Assy, Brake Pedal, TSII

25 1 293-1376 .................................Unlighted Toggle Switch

26 1 294-0729 ............................................Automotive Relay

© 2002, 2006 Blue Ox Division, Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. • One Mill Road, Industrial Park

Pender, Nebraska 68047 • Phone [phone] Fax [phone] • www.blueox.us

292-5958 10/07 Page 10 of 10