Troubleshooting Little to No Power on Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System

Updated 03/09/2022 | Published 03/08/2022

Question:

I recently installed a Brake Buddy Stealth in my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The install went smoothly with little problems. But, Ive run into two separate issues. One was sort of addressed by Etrailer techs, but I have not found a solution yet. It is that the vacuum pump is not vacuuming the brake lines after the pedal is pulled by the Stealth. The second issue is a bigger one. I recently towed the vehicle for the first time over the weekend. The brakes are not activating when my brake pedal is pressed. Voltage is being sent when I depress the red button on the Stealth Brake Controller, but when I press the brake pedal voltage is not being sent. I have verified that the Stoplight feed is connected correctly to the controller. When in Trailer Mode, voltage IS being sent correctly. I need more assistance in trying to trouble shoot.

asked by: Tyler F

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out about the Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System # HM39530. The Stealth is a bit of a different animal when it comes to the supplemental braking family but I have some things for you to check.

Since the pump is not vacuuming the brake lines you'll want to make sure you are getting power to the vacuum pump when the towed vehicle is plugged into the RV. You also need to make sure the sensitivity is turned up. If it's on a 1-3 then you'll need some pretty significant braking force for the system to activate. If you set it on a 4-7 the braking will activate more often.

In regards to the brakes not activating with your brake pedal, the Stealth brake controller is proportional which means it can sense when your RV isn't in motion so it won't sent power when you are pressing the brake pedal and sitting still. As long as you have everything connected properly when it comes to wiring you should get power on that wire when you are in motion.

Please note that the trailer mode is different than the flat tow mode which is why you're seeing different results when you switch to the trailer mode.

expert reply by: Jon G