Option For Replacing Failing Brake Buddy Vantage 3
Updated 09/05/2025 | Published 08/28/2025
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Question:
Hello Etrailer experts, My 8 year old brake buddy vantage 3 has been failing where the unit compressor will begin to air up then I activate it falls witH a red compressor light. After a few resets , it will function properly. However, while highway driving for a while the unit compressor light comes back on not even applying the brakes. It is installed in a 2012 Honda CRV and the car battery is on year old. One thing i did notice when the car is running the compressor airs up much faster than when the car is not running. Any ideas you have are greatly appreciated. Thanks Mike
asked by: Mike B
Expert Reply:
Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. These all sound like pretty typical symptoms of a failing braking system. The Brake Buddy isn't known for being super durable in the first place, so one lasting 8 years is actually pretty impressive. I'm afraid there isn't much troubleshooting do be done here since the unit is already failing.
At this point I would have to recommend replacing it with a new one. Or if you want something aside from a Brake Buddy we do have a couple other similar portable systems that will be a step up quality-wise. Take a look at the following:
- Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional # RVI44FR
- Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional # BLU37TR
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Mike B.
8/28/2025
Thanks Jessie I feel the same way. It has been a good system but its time. Thinking Demco AF one. Best regards Mike