Can Blue Ox Patriot Braking System be Powered by 12V Wire from RV 7-Way

Updated 07/21/2025 | Published 04/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(570)

$1452.34

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(407)

$46.07

Question:

Is the 12V power line from the Motorhomes 7 pin connector adequate to power the Blue Ox Portable Brake unit?

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System # BLU37TR referenced in your question is designed to draw power from the battery in the towed vehicle by simply plugging in the included 12V cigarette outlet adapter inside the vehicle.

It's very unlikely that the 12V wire from the RV's 7-Way (which would instead be getting power from the RV's battery) would carry enough amperage to reliably power the Patriot by the time it reached towed vehicle. Because of this and the fact that the install would be much more complex I do not recommend hooking up the unit in this manner.

If you have the 2018 Ford Focus that you listed you will need to add the 12V Outlet Kit # RM-9332 which will get wired directly to the battery. I have attached an install video that you can use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R