Troubleshooting A Blue Ox Patriot That Has A Red Error Light
Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 06/25/2024
Question:
Yesterday while traveling to our next campsite our alarm went off telling us to shutoff and readjust our Patriot Blue Ox brake system. We pulled over and shut it off and tried to restart the unit but kept getting a red light. It wouldn’t give us a green light indicating a proper brake connection. This is the first time this has happened. Any idea of what we should do?
asked by: Debra P
Expert Reply:
Hi Debra,
If you're getting a red light then the Patriot # BLU37TR then it's likely a positioning issue with the unit. You could've hit a bump in the road that knocked it around and is causing the load cell to detect pressure when it is fully retracted.
You'll want to adjust the push pads up or down to get better contact with the drivers seat, making sure the back of the brake unit is resting against the front of the drivers seat. The seat should not put any pressure on the back of the brake unit as this can put pressure on the sensor and give you more errors. Ensure the brake “Claw” is securely attached to the brake pedal for a good grip so that it can't jostle around when you hit a bump in the road. Adjusting the legs/feet can also help with this.
If the issue persists then I'd reach out to Blue Ox and as well to see if there might be a software update for your unit.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- Built-In Battery
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: blue ox brk2022
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Search Results: blue ox flat tow brake system
- Search Results: voyager backup camera
- Search Results: flat tow brake system
- Shop: Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long
- Shop: Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plate - Non-Binding - LEDs - RV Mount - 8K
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Red And Blue Flashing Light On Blue Ox Patriot Brake System
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Comparing Portable Flat Tow Braking Systems - Curt RVi and Blue Ox Patriot
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: base plate for tow bar
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Flat Tow Brake System
Samuel C.
2/3/2026
Hi Debra, did adjusting the push pads and making sure the brake unit rested correctly against the driver’s seat get your Patriot system working again? Your update could make it easier for others who run into the same red light issue on the road.