Recommended Replacement Portable Braking System for a Discontinued Brake Buddy 3

Updated 07/23/2026 | Published 07/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(581)

$1453.03

Question:

Hi I currently have a brake buddy 3 system on my 2010 jeep liberty that we tow behind our motorhome. We are going to be replacing our tow vehicle with either a jeep wagoneer or grand Cherokee around 2022-2024. I know I will need to buy a new mounting bracket for whatever one we get, but wondering what other parts I will need to replace, other than the bracket, and not mater what kind of car I get am I thinking correctly? And if so could you send me a link to what parts those would be? Thanks so much for any help you could give Have a great rest of your day

asked by: Chris W

Expert Reply:

Hey Chris. I've got some bad news for you. Brake Buddy's parent company Firstbrands has filed for bankruptcy and are also going through a massive fraud investigation. Which means we are not getting parts in stock for your Brake Buddy 3 system. We've sold out of all of our inventory as well. You'll at least need a new break-away, so I highly recommend removing the current one you're using when you upgrade vehicles and reusing it. As far as brackets go, it'll come down to what vehicle you get but we don't have them either.

Sourcing replacement parts for older systems like the Brake Buddy 3 is going to become increasingly more difficult. The braking system is now considered obsolete since the manufacturer is no longer making replacement parts. If you get to the point of exhaustion on trying to source replacement parts and are ready to replace your braking system, I highly recommend the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System item # BLU37TR.

The Blue Ox Patriot item # BLU37TR is the most versatile and effective portable braking system on the market today. It is compatible with standard hydraulic brakes along with air brakes if you have a big diesel pusher motorhome. The setup and breakdown process is pretty simple and can be done in minutes once you do the initial installation. The system includes a convenient remote LCD screen that mounts inside your RV. It'll allow you to see real time performance and adjust your brake settings on the go.

Another great perk of Blue Ox's Patriot Braking System item # BLU37TR, is the access to replacement parts Blue Ox makes available. This is a extremely robust and versatile system you'll be able to use for years and years if you decide to upgrade your tow vehicle and RV.

I linked a couple of installation videos below that we made on Jeep Grand Cherokees so you can see how to get the Patriot Braking System item # BLU37TR setup.

Another major concern I want to point out with you continuing to use your Brake Buddy 3 is there's no more warranty protection on it. If the braking system fails you're completely responsible for it.

What kind of tow bar are you currently using and when do you think you'll be upgrading vehicles?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

BLU37TR
(click to enlarge)

Herb H.

7/20/2026

We had an older 8+ years Blue Ox brake that worked fine until it quit a few years ago. There were no parts to fix it. We had to buy a new model (BRK2022), and it started acting erratic and would brake when you hit a bump etc. I called Blue Ox and described the problem. They said something is wrong and they sent me everything I needed to return it. I got it back in about two weeks and it has worked perfect since then. There was no charge for the repair. They stood behind their product. You do not need any special bracket to hook it up. It clamps on the brake peddle and pushes back on the driver's seat. You need a constant 12volt power source, and you will need to install the breakaway switch in the front of the Towed vehicle and run one wire to the brake. That's it.

Jerred H.

7/20/2026

@HerbH Thanks for the feedback Herb! Blue Ox does an amazing job of standing by their products so glad they were able to get that sorted out for you.

James E.

7/20/2026

I ran a into the same problem a while back. I replaced it with the Blue Ox Patriot braking system with zero regrets. Works like a champ and easy like the Brake Buddy’s use to be.

Jerred H.

7/23/2026

@JamesE That's great to hear James! Thanks for taking the time to share that feedback.

Scott

7/22/2026

We have a Patriot 3, bought in 2024 it has worked great on two vehicles. First on a Ford Fiesta and now on a Chevy Equinox. We also have had a Blue Ox tow bar setup on both.

Jerred H.

7/23/2026

@Scott That's great to hear Scott! The Patriot item # BLU37TR is so versatile, which makes it the most popular and reliable portable braking system we sell. Thanks for taking the time to share that feedback! If you have any questions down the road, don't hesitate to reach out.