I'm getting ready to take my first trip on the 16th. I have a Kia Soul to tow behind my 98 Dolphin. After reading various posts, I decided to buy a Break Buddy Classic, intending to install it myself.However, after reading the instructions, I decided to have it installed for me. After selling my home and downsizing to this RV, I no longer have the tools to install.The installer I found said they would install, but because they've had problems in the past, would not guarantee that it would would work as expected.Are there problems with these units? Or is this installer just not installing them correctly?Thanks,Mike

What do you need to install ? I have the Brake Buddy and all I have to do is hook it to the brake pedal, plug it in, pump it up, actuate it a couple of times and go. The only thing to install is the breakaway line, which should be very simple and straight forward.

X2 DW puts are BB in car and sets up. While conn. The tow bar.

You do have to have a cig. lighter receptacle that is hot when ignition is in ACC. If that isn't available, you can have a separate cig lighter receptacle installed that comes directly from the battery. The brake buddy installation is something that you will have to do each time you hook up to the tow bar, not something that a dealer will do. Just follow the instructions in the initial setup and practice. I leave my sensitivity setting at the very lowest setting so it takes a real panic to engage the brakes on the toad. You might find that you desire the additional braking of the toad...if so, I'd start at about 3 or 4 on the dial. I use 40 lb of pressure. I depend on the Brake Buddy more as a fail safe in case of an accident and somebody checks to see if I have an aux braking system and as a break-away stopping aid. 40 lbs will apply nearly maximum force to the brake pedal. If your in doubt, wander around the campground and ask questions, you'll find a Brake Buddy owner who will give you a lesson on BB101. Good luck

My concern is the less than glowing comments I got from the company that was to install it. One of the things I learned from my years in the electronics business is that you never make derogatory comments about something a potential customer purchased. It's insulting.My Soul has an automatic tranny, so I'm towing it on a dolly. The dolly has not brakes. I read the installation instructions and agree it's not difficult and would have done it myself a few years ago, but now would prefer to have someone with the tools and expertise to do it.I did find another party to do the install. I'm much more comfortable with him.Thanks for all the comments.

You would probably do a whole lot better if you had brakes on the dolly. Just expecting the rear brakes to do it isn't much help.

BrakeBuddy | Good Sam Community

JFC
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
I had my first brake buddy "installed" by CW 10 years ago since the installation involved a constant power supply in addition to the cigarette plug. It also involved the break away switch and a connection to the brake light circuit. After that's all done, installing the system each time is easy. When the BB died, I purchased a new system from them. The new one isn't a plug for plug replacement since they have made changes and "improvements". Installing the wiring and connections for the new one required several calls to their tech help to get it functioning, so I can understand the question of having a new system installed. I don't have an opinion of using it with a trailer.
hershey
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
Tommy G is on target in his posts. Installation is an ongoing operation. Of course the first installation is a learning process but not rocket science.
I can't even imagine anyone wanting a brake system for the car using a tow dolly. Thats just asking for a problem. Who want something that has the potential to jerk the toad off the dolly. Brakes on the dolly?? By all means.
tommy_g
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
Everything being said......Who is trying to rip the OP off with an "installation" of something that dosen't need to be installed?
et2
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
Ok, I called for you. The tec rep from Brake Buddy said the Brake Buddy can be used dolly towing. Just boost the psi by 10psi over the car weight to account for the dolly.

But you still need a active power source to the battery to run it.
et2
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
For what your paying for a new Brake Buddy a dolly with its own brakes would be ideal. Then your worries are gone. I never heard of putting a Brake Buddy on a dolly towed car. Will it even perform properly being the front end is raised off the ground on the car? You should call Brake buddy and ask them.
VinCee
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
I agree that the Brake Buddy will strain the tie down straps holding the front wheels to the dolly. I don't know if it would come off, but it will place undue strain while not providing a heck of a lot of braking force. For the price of the Brake Buddy you probably could've got a dolly with brakes or at the least have your dolly (if its a decent one) retro fit with brakes. I tow my wife's RAV4 on a Master Tow dolly with out brakes and though I wish I had them for the potential emergency stop, my rig has no problem slowing and coming to a halt with out them. Take the Brake Buddy back and get your money, sell your dolly on Craigslist (it should go fast) and buy a dolly with surge brakes and you are all set to tow any vehicle that can't be flat towed. Good Luck.
Rwake901
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
bsinmich wrote:
You would probably do a whole lot better if you had brakes on the dolly. Just expecting the rear brakes to do it isn't much help.

X2 Also when the brakes do activate it could pull your car off the dolly!
tommy_g
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
I would not trust anyone that says you need an "install" in this setup. The only thing that needed tools in my install was the break away switch wire. I would question why they haven't mentioned not using a supplemental braking device in the car while on a tow dolly. The dolly should have the brakes in this situation, NOT HE CAR!!
rvten
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
Not sure how well if at all. If the BB will work using a tow dolly.
Your Soul will not be flat. But front end tilted up some.
If it does work. Rear brakes will wear more than front.
Sez_Hoo_
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014
I would wire a seperate cigarette lighter plug that received its power from the RV. You should already have the lights wired to the RV. This way there is no chance of the car battery getting drained down and the brake buddy become inoperative.