Option For Replacing Failing Brake Buddy Vantage 3
Updated 09/05/2025 | Published 08/28/2025
Products Featured in This Question
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
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Flat Tow Brake System
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Every-Trip Setup
- 12V Outlet
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Wireless Display
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: rvi towed battery charger
- Shop: Curt RVi Series Towed Battery Charger+ for Flat Towing
- Shop: Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Search Results: invisibrake
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Search Results: tow bar
- Search Results: flat tow safety cables
- Search Results: roadmaster tow bar
- Search Results: roadmaster invisibrake
- Search Results: rvi brake
- Video: Review of CURT Flat Tow Brake System - Brake Systems - RVI44FR
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 3HD Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Blue Ox Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar with LED Lights Comprehensive Review
- Video: Setting up the Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Video: Installing the Curt Replacement OEM Wiring Harness on a 2017 Ford F-150
- Video: How to Set Up Your Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System on a 2018 Ford F-150
- Video: Best 2020 Ford F-150 Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Video: DIY 2020 Ford F-150 Installation for the Curt Universal Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Truck Bed Sliding Tray
- Shop: Truck Topper
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Best Flat Tow Setup For 2015 GMC Acadia
on Flat Tow Brake System
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