Hopkins Brake Buddy Will Not Power On

Published 12/12/2018

Question:

I have not used my brake buddy for some time. I just plugged it in and it is totally dead. How do I charge it back up? Could my lack of use have damaged the internal battery? How do I check?

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

Are you referring to the Hopkins Brake Buddy which is a supplemental braking system that is used in a flat-tow setup? If so then it does not have any sort of internal battery, it will receive power directly from the vehicle's cigarette lighter. If there are no lights on the unit when you plug it in then you most likely have a blown fuse on the unit and or vehicle. To check the fuse on the unit you will need to unscrew the top from the plug. There will be a 15 amp fuse in the plug and if it is blown it will need to be replaced. If the fuse in the plug checks out then take a look at the fuse for the cigarette lighter outlet or plug another accessory into it to make sure it works. The owner's manual for your vehicle will tell you where the fuse for the cigarette lighter outlet is.

If there are lights on the unit when plugged in but the arm does not extend to apply the brakes then the internal compressor is seized and the unit will need to be replaced. For this, I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot Braking System part # BLU37TR because it uses an electric actuator which draws much less power than the air actuator on the Brake Buddy and you don't have to worry about the compressor seizing up. I have attached a review video for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L