Invisibrake 8700 install

[ABWhite]

I recently purchased a 2021 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. I am transferring an Invisibrake 8700 from an older Honda CRV to the Ranger. Looking for insight from those that have installed it before on the 5G Ranger. Where you mounted the control/actuator box and piston? Under the seat appears to be a bit tight. Did you also install the brake relay and the charge line kit? Any other install suggestions?

Many Thanks
AB White

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[Jason B]

I've never heard of that before and wonder why someone would pay $1200 for that whereas the Ford OEM TBC can be had for less than $300.
But I see you already have one.

OOPS, I see this is for a hydraulic brake system, not electric.

 

[Davidjc]

I've never heard of that before and wonder why someone would pay $1200 for that whereas the Ford OEM TBC can be had for less than $300.
But I see you already have one.

OOPS, I see this is for a hydraulic brake system, not electric.

Nope. Invisibrake is electric and is used when the truck is towed by a motorhome. TBC is for when the truck is towing a trailer with electric brakes. It can be confusing.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I recently purchased a 2021 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. I am transferring an Invisibrake 8700 from an older Honda CRV to the Ranger. Looking for insight from those that have installed it before on the 5G Ranger. Where you mounted the control/actuator box and piston? Under the seat appears to be a bit tight. Did you also install the brake relay and the charge line kit? Any other install suggestions?

Many Thanks
AB White

If this is a brake and charging line setup for towing your Ranger four down, there are a ton of precautions you need to be aware of. One of them involves stuff “waking up” the Ranger and dropping the transfer case out of neutral. I’m not sure but I think it grenades the transmission, which Ford no longer covers under warranty when towing your Ranger.

There are a few threads. Get a large coffee, settle in, search the forum, and read away. Best of luck.

 

[Jason B]

Nope. Invisibrake is electric and is used when the truck is towed by a motorhome. TBC is for when the truck is towing a trailer with electric brakes. It can be confusing.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Dereku]

Why dont people just buy a trialer? Im honestly lost on the 4 down towing. All the spinning components add wear and tear. Trailer bearings and tires are so cheap by comparison.

 

[brroberts]

Car hauler trailers aren’t as cheap, and when you get to your RV site you have to find space for the trailer and truck which many times doesn’t work.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Car hauler trailers aren’t as cheap, and when you get to your RV site you have to find space for the trailer and truck which many times doesn’t work.

I would just drive back on up on the trailer to park the truck.

 

[Dereku]

Car hauler trailers aren’t as cheap, and when you get to your RV site you have to find space for the trailer and truck which many times doesn’t work.

you can get a used car hauler for less than a set of wheel bearings and tires installed on your car. There are plenty of good sub $2k trailers. I do get the parking tho. Backing up a dinky trailer with a 40ft truck sucks. I hated backing up pups. 53' were so much easier. So I guess that I kind of get. Id still get a trailer. But I dont think I am an RV guy. Must be like a jeep thing.

 

[Davidjc]

Why dont people just buy a trialer? Im honestly lost on the 4 down towing. All the spinning components add wear and tear. Trailer bearings and tires are so cheap by comparison.

Kind of like saying why do people spend $100,000+ for an RV when they could stay in a motel and not have the terrible gas mileage, added insurances, tires, upkeep, etc. Flat towing is just so much more convenient and the quickest connecting procedure. I've done bumper pull, 5th wheel and motorhome and this flat towing is by far the quickest way to get on the road.

 

[Grumpaw]

Kind of like saying why do people spend $100,000+ for an RV when they could stay in a motel and not have the terrible gas mileage, added insurances, tires, upkeep, etc. Flat towing is just so much more convenient and the quickest connecting procedure. I've done bumper pull, 5th wheel and motorhome and this flat towing is by far the quickest way to get on the road.

Same here....done it all. On our last motor home, a class c, we towed a Subaru Crosstrek over 60,000 miles without any problems at all...but it was a stick.
The trick to a "toad" is to stick with an older vehicle that was previously OK'ed by some of the RV motorhome magazine experts and the vehicle manufacture's as safe to tow.
In the past that was almost limited to stick shift vehicles and some auto trans, but not many.
But in the last few years the number of vehicles that can be towed 4 down has dropped considerably.
Subi's were well known for their standard shift cars and suv's to be great toads.....now, not one Subi is available with a standard shift. Now, only a handful of vehicles are rated to tow 4 down....10 years ago there were dozens and dozens.
Pretty much all the manufacturers will void a warranty if you tow the vehicle resulting in damage.

 

[Msfitoy]

Leave the truck at home and tow a small car...your Ranger will thank you...

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