Is this right For you? Product Expert Mike S says:
Yes, if you:
Need to be able to switch between towed vehicles
Are towing a newer or nicer vehicle that you don't want to permanently modify
Have other Blue Ox products and love their quality and reliability
No, if you:
Would rather avoid the hassle of having to set up your system before each trip
Don't have room in your RV to stash a bulky brake in a box
Flat tow your vehicle safely with this precise, responsive braking system that can be easily switched between towed cars. LED display lets you easily adjust braking power, apply manual override, and monitor the system from your motorhome. Lowest Prices for the best tow bar braking systems from Blue Ox. Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System - Proportional part number BRK2019 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-636-306-4830 for expert service.
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Blue Ox Tow Bar Braking Systems
- BRK2019
Brake Systems
Hydraulic Brakes
Air Brakes
Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
Proportional System
Portable System
Blue Ox
Recurring Set-Up
Power Assist Brake Compatible
Flat tow your vehicle safely with this precise, responsive braking system that can be easily switched between towed cars. LED display lets you easily adjust braking power, apply manual override, and monitor the system from your motorhome.
Features:
Proportional system provides precise, responsive braking for your towed vehicle
Responds to deceleration of RV to activate towed car's brake pedal with matching intensity
Adjustable power settings let you cater the brake sensitivity to your particular setup
Easily increase and decrease the force at which your towed vehicle's brakes are applied
Conveniently adjust the braking force from the cab of your motorhome
Remote controller with LED display lets you monitor the braking system from your motorhome
Mounts in cab and plugs into 12V accessory outlet
Lets you activate towed car's brakes in emergency situation or to correct sway
Alerts you if the towed vehicle becomes detached from your motorhome
Built-in supercapacitor will activate your brakes if a breakaway occurs, even if your car's battery is dead
Allows the system to activate if a breakaway occurs for up to 30 minutes without a power connection
System is easy to set up in towed car
Actuator box sits on floor in front of the driver's seat
Adjustable feet can be raised or lowered to level the unit on uneven floorboards
Bracket clamps around brake pedal and offers excellent leverage
Unit plugs into 12V accessory outlet
Brake pressure is continuously monitored during towing to ensure proper setup
Unit will send a warning if there is too much pressure to activate the brakes properly
Compatible with hybrid vehicles
Simply select H mode for hybrids or other cars with continuous power-assist brakes
Convenient carrying handle and hook for plug and wiring simplify removal and storage
Breakaway device included
Made in the USA
Specs:
Weight: 16 lbs
2-Year warranty
Proportional Braking
A vast improvement over "on/off," time-delayed braking systems, which brake at a single, pre-set level, the Patriot 3 has a proportional design for precise, responsive braking. The Patriot 3 applies your towed car's brakes with an intensity that matches your RV's braking action. The built-in inertia sensor detects when and how your rig slows down, and it then engages the actuator arm to press your car's brake pedal with an intensity that matches that slowing action. If you slam on the RV's brakes in an emergency situation, your towed car's brakes will respond with the same intensity. If you press the RV's brakes just enough to slow down a bit, your towed car will decelerate in the same way. The result is improved control, better stopping, and less wear on both your vehicle's and RV's brakes.
Easily Switch Between Towed Cars
The beauty of a portable braking system, compared to a unit that installs permanently, is that you can easily switch it between towed vehicles. It's also a great alternative if you own a newer vehicle that you don't feel comfortable modifying. As long as you have a second vehicle breakaway kit (BRK2505 - sold separately), the Patriot 3 can be easily transferred and quickly set up in another car, giving you the freedom to switch up which vehicle comes with you on your next camping trip.
In-Cab Controller with Easy-to-Read Display
The included controller has an easy-to-read LED display that plugs right into your motorhome's 12V outlet. The monitor slides into the included rubber stand, which can rest anywhere on your dashboard, or it can be mounted with the included hook-and-loop strip.
This unit lets you monitor your braking system while you're driving your motorhome, so you'll always be aware that the Patriot 3 is working and functioning properly. Not only does the controller let you know when the unit is activated, but it will also alert you if the unit inadvertently shifts while you're on the road. This could result in too much pressure being applied to your car's brake pedal, which is why a warning will be sent to the controller so you can pull over and make the necessary adjustments.
As another safety feature, if your towed vehicle ever becomes detached from your motorhome, the screen on the controller will alert you by turning red.
Braking Power Settings
By adjusting the brake sensitivity using the in-cab controller, you can control the force at which your towed vehicle's brakes are applied when the system senses deceleration. The settings range from 1 to 10. The higher the setting, the more force will be applied to your towed vehicle's brakes. For smaller vehicles, you can get by just fine on a lower setting. Larger vehicles, or vehicles with less responsive brakes, will require a higher setting. You can also adjust the force purely to match your personal preference.
The controller also includes a manual override button that automatically activates your towed vehicle's brakes. In addition to serving as a safety measure in an emergency braking situation, the manual override can also help correct sway and fishtailing with your towed vehicle.
Quick and Easy Setup
The setup for the Patriot 3 is very straightforward. The braking system will fit nicely on the driver's-side floorboard of your towed car and plug into your 12V accessory outlet for power. To position the unit, first move your seat back as far as it will go and set the system in place.
Then clamp the bracket on the arm securely around your brake pedal and twist the knob to lock it on. If your vehicle's floorboard is uneven, the included feet can be attached to the bottom of the braking system and adjusted to create a level surface for the Patriot 3 to operate. Move the front of the driver's seat forward until it's resting gently against the back of the unit. If there's too much pressure on the back of the unit, the lights will turn blue and red during the setup process, letting you know that the driver's seat should be moved back slightly. The back of the unit is adjustable as well, allowing you to raise or lower the butt pad to fit snugly against the front of the driver's seat.
Once the unit is in place, setup is simple. Push the "power" button, and the unit will begin blinking blue and green lights, signifying that it's ready to be set up. Then push the "setup" button, which will let the unit run through a quick testing process. When the power light turns a solid green, the Patriot 3 is ready to go.
BRK2019 Blue Ox Patriot 3 Proportional Braking System
Blue Ox Patriot 3 Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System - Proportional - BRK2019
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (138 Customer Reviews)
Flat tow your vehicle safely with this precise, responsive braking system that can be easily switched between towed cars. LED display lets you easily adjust braking power, apply manual override, and monitor the system from your motorhome.
by: Jason05/29/2022
The BlueOx system has worked great. Installation was not terribly difficult... getting the wire through the firewall was the trickiest part... but not too bad. Haven't had any major issues with the system.1306484
There is no easy way to actually review this, it is not like i am sitting back there watching it when i have to brake hard on my RV. I know that it works, it does engage brakes. The breakaway works. Two things to note/complain about. When driving, every now and again (maybe once a day), the controller will beep but have no indication of what it is erroring about. I assume connection wireless or power in the back perhaps, but really have no idea. They should fix it so that if any fault is indicated it displays for at least a few seconds, and that one can go back and see history. The other thing is sensitivity and force settings. The instructions have no information at all on how to actually gauge what is appropriate. The sensitivity i can see as I am driving, how easily it start applying force, so this i can adjust on a gut. But force? there is no way to test this. Every single person i talked to or seen videos just set it smack in the middle. In one sense i don't really want it to kick in unless i am braking fairly hard, and i want it to kick in pretty good when i do so, but i fear the delay in applying may make the actual action less helpful. I have only had to panic brake once, i drive a 37' class A, my rear wheels locked for a few seconds, back end started coming out. I really have no idea what the flat tow was doing or not, wish i had history from the system and videos etc. So all in all the product is okay, but it could be better. I dont know of any other system that is better.992984
Comments
A year later nothing has changed related to my review - i have had to panic break one more time since then - and i still dont know if or how helpful it was.
Thomas S - 03/25/2022
135334
by: Jimmy06/08/2022
Worked fantastic, no problems. One thing however is the power supply; it connects using a 12v cigarette type plug; these are almost becoming non-existent; would be nice if it would work off a USB connection. This would also be handy if the emergency connection power supply also used a USB instead of having to run a wire through the firewall to a power source.1310066
by: David03/28/2022
When I received my order I was missing 4 of the whiz nuts required to complete the installation of the baseplate to my jeep. I contacted customer support for help I was met with no real resolution as Blue Ox seemed to question my integrity on claiming the missing nuts. I ordered over $3k in product and was being questioned over $5 in missing nuts. I had to go buy my own. Very disappointed in Blue Ox and etrailer.1278658
Comments
I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.
-- Jenny N - 04/06/2022
136159
by: Bryce10/27/2020
I selected the Blue Ox Patriot 3 braking system because of the ease of use and the ability to move it to another vehicle if I needed to. Also there was no wiring needed in the towing vehicle. I test drove with the Jeep being towed and everything worked fine. I really liked all the information that the monitor displayed. The etrailer service was excellent and the shipping was quick.904552
Comments
It has been a pleasure using the Blue Ox Patriot 3 the last year. The unit is very light, making installation and removal easy. It was nice to not having to run any wires between the towing vehicle and the Jeep. The Bluetooth connection has worked great. I put a sock filled with marbles on each side just to make sure that the unit doesn’t shift. .
Bryce - 10/23/2021
123126
by: David01/14/2021
Ford Ranger
This Breaking system is great. I do not know the Ford Ranger is behind me pushing when I stop. No extra pressure is needed on the brake peddle.937917
Comments
It works great. The only problems have been operator error.
David L - 01/15/2022
130159
by: Ronald 08/23/2020
Using in a 2020 Gladiator. Set-up simple and works as advertised. RF controller matched right up and functions as it should. Couldn’t be happier product. Bought because of other positive reviews and reputation of Blue Ox products. Highly recommend!867151
Comments
Great
Ronald - 02/02/2022
132329
by: Larry 12/19/2021
I bought this Blue Ox braking system to replace a system that costs 1/2 the price but was 10 times as difficult to install - and it broke about a year after I bought it. The Blue Ox isn’t cheap but you get whatever you pay for. The pain at purchase time quickly goes away with the convenience and ease of use. If you can afford it get it. I wish I had got it first.1227404
by: Leonard 03/29/2021
First trip using it was over 2k miles on hills and tight curves and it worked well. A bit bulky though removing and installing in car. Not too heavy.997523
Comments
After a years use I would purchase again. Had one problem with the plasticsteel brake peddle claw attachment swivel ball just breaking off. Called Blue Ox and no problem, mailed me another one. Even offered to mail it to where I was camping.
Leonard - 03/30/2022
135701
by: Jack02/18/2022
2014 Jeep Wrangler
I went back and forth deciding whether to get a portable unit. This one seemed to get pretty good reviews. Seems to do well. Very responsive. Easy to set up. The worse part was running the disconnect and it wasn’t bad. As an alternative it can be run outside and through the window. It does require a power socket that is in all the time.1264233
by: Bret05/25/2022
Awsome product, would purchase again. Highly recommend! Thanks etrailer!!1302071
by: Ray 08/03/2022
Ford Ranger
Installed today in a 2022 Ford Ranger. 1345522
by: Mary02/02/2022
Arrived faster than we expected. Have not used it yet but cannot wait. etrailer. is the best. The videos for installation and the specs for each item are spot on with every order. Awesome company and staff!!!!!1257809
by: Dennis05/29/2022
It been a great system, used in two vehicles since purchased. It was an easy transition between them.1306472
by: Chris05/20/2021
After one year of use and multiple trips, I have had no issues at all. Works great in my 2020 Jeep Gladiator.1042295
Working as expected, easy to install and remove.1090806
Comments
So far so good i like it
Alexei - 07/16/2022
144396
by: Dale02/06/2022
Patriot 3 has worked as described. A good standalone unit and easy to install and use.1259717
by: David08/23/2021
system is a bit of a contraption.. sending unit failed and required replacement and chrome arm fell out of the ball joint and needed replacement. Fortunately I am using it in a new Jeep and it sits behind an 50k lbs Entegra Anthem so braking is not much needed. It has been unstable about 50% of the time for me.. Any bad roads where the jeep goes over road damage dislodges the setting position of the patriot and it goes red.
Any replacement parts from Patriot were fast and without question.1131856
Comments
Sorry that you are having such trouble with this item. This has a 2 year warranty.
-- Sierra K - 08/30/2021
120059
by: Chuck D07/08/2022
Fast delivery. Worked as it should. Easy installation.1322630
by: Action07/21/2022
setup was a breeze, and a year later the system is still operational - so simple i let my wife handle this part of packing!1334515
by: Brent01/11/2022
Easy install by using the etrailer step by step video. Performance is excellent.1241390
by: David 06/26/2021
2014 Ram 2500
I've had the Blue Ox Patriot 3 for about a year and have towed with it for about 2500 miles. The system has worked great for me with zero issues. The dashboard display is nice in that you can see when and how much force is being applied. Towing a 2014 Honda CRV I set it to 4 - I think that is 1 below the default but in gentle braking I don't care that it brakes at all as the coach doesn't know the CRV is back there.
One thing I highly recommend is a "tell-tale" light that indicates anytime the toad brake pedal is depressed. You can hang from the toad mirror or like mine I built a little wooded stand that I put on the dash. Get a pretty bright one so you can clearly see it in your rear view camera. With the "tell-tale" light you can be sure that the unit hasn't slide around or somehow activated the brake pedal but not reported that to the dash display. I use a Whelen flashing light so it really gets your attention and you know it's not just a reflection on the windshield. It could save you a set of toad brakes!1076667
by: Carolyn07/30/2022
Blue Ox is the best product for flat towing a vehicle1344899
by: Scott 08/11/2022
easy hookup and works flawless 1352979
by: Thomas 07/22/2022
Exactly as described. Radio link works very well.1335003
The most popular supplemental braking system that we have to offer is the Blue Ox Patriot III # BRK2019. This sits in your 2006 Hummer H3 and presses the brake pedal at the same time and with the same intensity as the brake pedal in your tow vehicle via radio frequency.
This is actually a universal system that can easily be adjusted for various vehicles.
Keep in mind that a complete flat towing setup will also include a base plate kit, tow bar, tow bar wiring, and possibly a high-low... view full answer...
Basically most states (if not all at this point) require a supplemental braking system by law. Part of that stipulates that you have to have a breakaway system in place that the vehicle's brakes would apply if the vehicle became disconnected.
All of the kits we carry like the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 come with a breakaway system so you would not need to purchase the kit separately. view full answer...
The breakaway systems for supplemental braking systems are built into them and aren't something you add after the fact.
For example, the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 has a breakaway system already built into it that is included. view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental braking system part # BRK2019 is a confirmed fit for your 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This has a "hybrid" mode that you'll need to put it in since the hybrids have a different braking system typically. view full answer...
By law most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Some models of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee may use Mortorq® fasteners. If your vehicle has these types of fasteners, you will need a PFMTS2E bit to remove them which can be ordered... view full answer...
It sounds like you are looking for a supplemental braking system that will allow the RV to activate the vehicle's brakes while in tow. If this is the case then a brake controller will not work for this purpose. You will instead need to install a supplemental braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot III Portable Braking System part # BRK2019. The Blue Ox Patriot III is an excellent option for you that will be very easy to use/setup and will not require heavy modifications to the vehicle like... view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot III Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System - Proportional # BRK2019 has adjustable control settings based on your preferences. I've attached an installation video that shows how you can adjust the force of your braking as well as the sensitivity on your remote controller. There is not a specific setting based on vehicle being towed, so I recommend you test out your braking and make adjustments in an empty parking lot. view full answer...
The type of braking needed when flat towing a vehicle is different from a brake controller for a trailer. Vehicle brakes are not activated with an electrical circuit and instead are hydraulic pressure. That means a brake controller that uses varying voltage like the Activator cannot be used.
The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces... view full answer...
Deciding between flat towing your vehicle with all four wheels down or using a tow dolly partly boils down to your preference and application.
For your Jeep Wrangler, I recommend going with a flat towing setup. This is going to be simpler to hookup/unhook once everything is installed, so it's a better option if you plan on towing the vehicle more than once or twice. Also, as you mentioned, flat towing won't leave you with a tow dolly to find storage for when you reach a campsite or whatever... view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 that you referenced does not wire into the stoplight circuit of the tow vehicle at all. The inertia sensor of the unit is always looking for braking action of the tow vehicle. It does not require the stoplight switch of your tow vehicle to start activating at all. When the unit senses a change in inertia that would coincide with braking it begins to start applying the brakes of the towed vehicle. view full answer...
The Blue Ox Toad Stop part BX88144 is a very old supplemental braking system that has been discontinued by the manufacturer for quite some time. I called my contact at Blue Ox and they were not able to confirm fitment due to its age. Instead, I recommend taking a look at one of their portable systems like the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019.
This system will ensure that the brakes in your toad are activated at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RV.... view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot III # BRK2019 that you referenced is designed for the harder brake application that's needed for a braking system with all of the vacuum depleted from the brake assist system. There'd be no way to keep vacuum in the brake booster with the vehicle off so this is designed with that in mind.
I attached a review video for this system for you to check out as well. view full answer...
Since the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 is designed for use in a vehicle it's charging system requires 12 volts of power and would not charge if connected directly to an AC power source like you described.
You'd need an adapter to convert the AC power to DC like the NOCO Genius Mini On-Board Battery Charger # 329-GENM2 and you'd be able to charge the Patriot in your house. view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot III Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System - Proportional # BRK2019, uses a 12V powered remote that wirelessly connects to the 12V powered braking unit. This wireless remote has an inertia-based sensor in it that can sense the braking of the towing vehicle and communicates that braking need to the towed vehicle. The remote also give you a manual override feature like brake controllers do to allow you to apply the brakes in the towed vehicle as you determine necessary.... view full answer...
The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
This gets easily installed and removed from the vehicle whenever needed. It would fit your 2017 Nissan Frontier as well. view full answer...
For the older Aventa II there isn't an Autostop that's designed to fit it. That being said I don't like to recommend this kit as our installers haven't found them to be particularly effective and are very difficult to install.
I would rather you use something we know will work well like the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019 that gets set in the driver seat floor boards and pushes the brakes of the vehicle by sensing the amount of deceleration. view full answer...
You are correct. If the Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 is not moving the accelerometer would not sense braking and start applying the brakes. view full answer...
For supplemental braking for a vehicle being flat towed I tend to avoid recommending the Blue Ox AutoStop as our installers don't care for how difficult the install is or the braking performance.
The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles. view full answer...
For supplemental braking in the mountains I would not recommend the Blue Ox AutoStop. Our installers don't like the braking performance of these kits and they are pretty difficult to install. Because of that I would not feel good recommending them for you especially since you'll be in the mountains where braking is incredibly important for safety.
The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot, # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle... view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot III Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System - Proportional # BRK2019 includes an in-coach RF controller that plugs into a 12V outlet in the cab of the motorhome. This unit allows you to have the manual braking override of other brake controllers, and also allows you to capture any trouble codes. This unit has internal sensors similar to an accelerameter that senses the braking action of the motorhome and sends a signal to the brake system in the towed vehicle. Since... view full answer...
Actually the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019 that you referenced comes with a breakaway system and does not require an additional one to be installed/used.
I noticed you have a 2013 Honda CR-V. I attached an install video that shows the Patriot being installed in a 2014 CR-V that is similar to yours. view full answer...
I spoke with my contact at Blue Ox and she said that the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019 needs to be turned off when charging and there is no indicator on it that shows when it is charging.
They recommend you charge it 8 hours. They also mentioned that if you leave it on the charger for longer than that you wouldn't damage it. view full answer...
I have a great solution for you that won't require you to mess with any air lines and will install very easily.
The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BRK2019, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
I attached an install video that shows how it would install in a similar vehicle plus a help article on tow bar braking options as well. view full answer...
The Blue Ox Patriot part # BRK2019 has an inertia sensor built into it so that when it senses you are slowing your tow vehicle down it will apply the correct amount of braking power to towed vehicle.
The remote is there to allow you to fine tune the aggressiveness of the braking and/or manually apply the brakes of the towed vehicle if needed, but for normal braking once you get the unit set up you would not need to mess with the remote.
I attached an install video for you to check out... view full answer...
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