Brake Buddy Brake away switch

sailor_lou wrote:
I currently do not use it because I envision the switch malfunctioning and locking up the brakes on the toad at 65+ mph. I'm not sure the towbar and/or the attaching hardware could handle that. However, my safety chains are way oversized and are attached directly to the frame of the MOHO and the frame of the car. The chains would still be attached if both the MOHO hitch and toad bracket were completely disconnected from both vehicles.

I'm simply answering the OP's question and not telling anyone what to do, nor am I soliciting a "defending it in court" discussion, so please let's not start one.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

If you're concerned with a switch malfunction I would think the best course of action is to inspect/replace the switch regularly. It's a very simple switch.

The unfortunate part of the decision to not use it for everyone else is failure to have a braking system in a catastrophic failure puts the lives of everyone around you at risk.

MeanderMan wrote:
I have the wireless transmitter that lights up when the brake buddy is applied (also tested daily before towing).

that is another essential part, IMHO.
bumpy

I consider the breakaway switch to be the primary reason for having the auxiliary brake. Two things - I physically pull my lanyard out to test the system and spray the inside with contact cleaner at least once a month while traveling, and I have the wireless transmitter that lights up when the brake buddy is applied (also tested daily before towing).

My hand is up for always using my breakaway switch. As mentioned above, I set my sensitivity very low so the only time I wanted to engage is in a panic stop.
I don't want my car to pass me on the road.

Here is a AAA list of the laws per state:

CLICKY

Note the lack of "break away" in that link for many states.

I just got through replacing my front brakes, rotors, calipers, etc (and the rear brakes) because the lanyard pulled out of the switch while driving over the Grapevine to Burbank. I don't know when the event happened I may have run over something and through it into the line but I never felt anything while driving the DP motorhome. The front brakes got so hot that the spoke wheels were discolored...brake fluid was everywhere. I'm now skittish about using it although I know I should and will use it again, I just need to give this event some time. I also believe it is the law in California if you are towing a car behind a MH.

Yes I hook it up and use it, on my Blue Ox Patriot Braking System.

I always use mine.... ALWAYS!!

With that said, if you have not tested it lately, it probably will not work when needed. I've tested mine several times over the years and a couple of times it did not make internal contact (didn't work). I had to clean the contacts and reinsert the lanyard plunger.

BTW - I DO NOT believe the stories about them shorting out. The switch is so simple that it would be almost impossible to short out internally.

Just something to think about. How many of you tow boats without a break away feature. How many tow other types of trailers that don't have break away brakes. Is the law more harsh for toads then those trailers?

Actually, thats the main reason I have the Brake Buddy. I have the sensitivity set so low that it never comes on except for the hardest braking occasions. But having the break-away feature, I know that it should come to a stop if it does get away....Chances of it malfunctions are about the same as the toad actually coming loose from my MH and the cables failing too.