What Voltage Does the Brake Buddy Classic & the Blue Ox Patriot Require to Operate

Updated 10/02/2023 | Published 09/29/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset

(249)

$1255.08

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(397)

$1499.95

Question:

I have a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid that requires the car be put into a flat towing setting and to be in Neutral - with the power off! I have an RVI-II now that is a piece of S**t, I have wired the power through the aux 12 volts of the motorhome and that usually works except the RVI requires exactly 12.5 volts and if it even goes slightly below that instantaneously it goes into low voltage mode and needs to be reset at the unit! This makes it almost worthless. I see both the Brake Buddy Classic 3 and the Blue OX require 12 volts aux at about 15 amps, are either of them subject to low voltage or will they operate anywhere between 12 and 15 volts? Also I have a breakaway switch and dont need the battery charging since I use the motorhome aux-can I get a break if I ordered the Break Buddy classic?

asked by: Peter P

Expert Reply:

Both the Brake Buddy Classic 3 # HM39494 and the Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System # BLU37TR are going to require a 15 amp 12 volt cigarette lighter or auxiliary power plug to operate.

The Patriot will send a "Check Power Connection" message, and the Brake Buddy's receiver will flash continually when the voltage drops below 10V, which would indicate that either the towed vehicle's battery is very low, or that the brake is no longer receiving power. The braking system will still work in the event of a breakaway, but it will not work for normal braking.

Finally, the breakaway kit is included with every Brake Buddy/Patriot system so you aren't going to be able to order one without it.

expert reply by: Bryce D