Forum Discussion

klm's avatar
klm
Explorer
Aug 31, 2014

Anyone take adv of Brake Buddy old for new discount?

Hi,

My brake buddy has bit the dust. RV tec (brake buddy authorized) checked it out, and I need a new circuit board. BB will not sell the part, even to the rv center. I spoke to cs at bb, he said that the part is about $200, evaluation/repair will put cost well over $300. I will need to send my bb to them. CS said they generally recommend replacement of unit, particularly one that's over 7 yrs old.They will replace (keep) my bb in exchange for a new Vantage unit (mine is a Classic, '06) for $650. The Vantage on bb website is about $1400+ - plus will have a 3 yr warranty. OK, sounds good - we are fulltimers, satisfied with bb over the past 7 yrs - we are not looking for a different braking system (tow 2500 lb Fit). Is there something in this deal we're not seeing? Seems to be very good. Anyone do this? Satisfied?

UPDATE 9/9 post

thanks, Happy Labor Day
Class A

16 Replies

Show More
  • Roadpilot's avatar
    Roadpilot
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2014
    We've had an original BB for 10 years and love it. About 4 years ago the lighter plug failed. Called BB and they offered a new unit at a substantial discount. I went to radio shack and bought a new cord and installed it myself. Since then I've upgraded the end that connects to the brake pedal. The original had a pin that dropped in that I lost. The new one is a slick spring loaded catch. I hope when this one finally dies they have the same trade in deal.
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2014
    Ours made the trip to BB 7 times in 6 years. 3 years ago when it failed again, 2 months after in house service, I asked if there were any trade in deals for new or refurbed units, BB told me told NO. We were at a FMCA show a week or so later Blue-Ox offered $400 off for any "brake in a box" in trade for a new Patriot Braking System. Needless to say I have a Patriot now. I do not miss BB's leaky air compressor based system at all.
  • JFC's avatar
    JFC
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2014
    My BB died last fall, it was seven years old. I spoke with BB and they indicated the 50% discount if I wanted to trade up to Even Brake. Sent in my old unit, paid the discounted price (I'm not sure exactly what it was)and a new Even Brake arrived a few days later. The Even Brake isn't a direct plug in replacement for the old BB, but they provided enough technical support over the phone to get the system up and running.
  • cableguy574's avatar
    cableguy574
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2014
    Mine stopped working send it in for repair. They repaired it & upgrade the unit for $399.00. I heard that from another person so I tried it and it worked. IT would have cost over $700.00 to repair or $399 to grade & get a 3 year warranty
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 31, 2014
    $750 sounds like a pretty decent discount off of a new unit. If they will do that for anyone, I have an old Brake Buddy system that I will give for free to anyone that wants to buy a new unit. You pay the shipping or pick it up and it's yours.

About Motorhome Group

38,766 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 10, 2026