Can Supplemental Braking and Trailer Brake Controller be Interchangeable

Updated 01/02/2026 | Published 12/29/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(454)

$1404.09

Question:

Hello, we will be purchasing the blue ox base plate and tow bar to tow our 2026 Chevy Trax Activ behind our RV. We also will occasionally tow an enclosed trailer for our motorcycle. What brake assist system would you recommend we use?

asked by: Nelson S

Expert Reply:

Hey Nelson, so you would need two separate systems since a supplemental braking system can only be used with a towed vehicle and a trailer brake controller can only control trailer brakes. Main difference is a supplemental braking system is designed to push down on the towed vehicles brake pedal and a brake controller is designed to ramp up voltage to apply trailer brakes.

So for a brake controller the P3 part # 90195 would be a really solid option and then for a braking system the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR would be what I would go with.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Nelson S.

1/1/2026

Thank you getting back to me. After sending my question I happen to come across the Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System - Proportional Part Number: HM39530 which indicates it can work as a flat tow brake assist as well as a trailer brake controller. Our Grand Design Lineage RV is built on the Mercedes Sprinter 4500 chassis and already has a 7-way connector installed. Would the Brake Buddy Stealth not work for my needs? Thanks again, Nelson

Jameson C.

1/2/2026

@NelsonS You are right! I should have mentioned that but yes the # HM39530 can switch between trailer towing and supplemental braking so it would be a great option.