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Rambler's avatar
Rambler
Explorer II
Oct 28, 2015

Brake Buddy 12 volt connection

Have a 2015 GMC Terrain.
My question is where do you hook to the 12 volt system to power the Brake Buddy?
Seems that while I position key in accessory mode and pull #32 fuse it cuts the power off the 12 volt outlets (3) in vehicle. The one in the trunk area is still hot but too far to connect.
Just curious how other people connect to power supply for Braking system

Thanks in Advance
  • I used the one that Roadmaster RM 9332 power outlet. Connected very easy and works great. I now have a Roadmaster baseplate installed and ready for travel.
    Connected and within the 3 inch safety zone that Roadmaster states.

    Thanks for all the feedback
    Rambler
    Delaware
  • I got tired of fuse issues. So, I bought a Die Hard battery pack jump starter that I keep charged up, and keep in my Jeep in case I should have a battery failure on top of a mountain. When towing, I sit the battery pack unit on the floor board of the Jeep (passenger side) and plug the Brake Buddy into that. Works perfect for several hours. I then just charge up the jumper back to 100% for the next day.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/15167318?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227019584154&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40839232472&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78652621352&veh=sem
  • Has anyone ordered and used the one that Roadmaster has RM 9332?
    https://www.etrailer.com/12V-Power-Accessories/Roadmaster/RM-9332.html

    Just wondering?

    Thanks in Advance
    Rambler
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Junk Box is fine so long as the socket isn't plastic. There's a plastic one with folding "ears" that let you push it into a hole and have it presumably stay there. Which it doesn't, but the real problem is that a Brake Buddy draws enough Amps often enough and for long enough to soften the plastic. The center contact goes crooked, that reduces contact area, and then the male plug BB's cable melts.
    Socket needs to be a metal "cigar lighter" socket. BB didn't always send those in their kit but they do now. Talking the kind where the socket with the hot terminal goes in from the face of the dash and a shell. Then the ground with its terminal goes over it from the back of the dash and screws down tight.
    BB's webpage shows the plastic socket you DON'T want. Along with a glass fuse. They now send a metal socket with bracket and screws, and the in-line fuse is the ATO type with a cover.
  • I installed a 12v socket rated for 18 amps wired directly to the battery through a fusible link. Socket came out of my junk box. Fusible link came from O'Reilly auto parts.
  • X2 what j-d replied. BB sent me the whole kit to give the BB dedicated 12 power line, no charge.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    What Grumpy said! Moreover, simply call Brake Buddy Tech Support. They'll send you a kit, free. Quality Wire, Fuse with Holder, Connectors, a very solid Socket with bracket, and even the screws to fasten and a few Zip Ties to keep it neat. I called and just last week installed the kit they FedEx'd to me. I was able to punch a hole in the edge of a wiring harness grommet and get the wire through.

    BB needs a "solid" 15-Amps and the Controls draw more power than the Compressor. This means it can act stupid on low voltage even if the compressor seems to run normally. The Kit is robust enough to carry a 20-Amp fuse and bring all that to the socket. The "power outlets" in newer cars are 10-Amp and on skinny wire. BB'd rather send a free kit and preclude power supply problems than have you calling with problems.

    Depending on the toad, you may still need to pull a fuse. If you'll have to do that, buy or make a switched fused wire. Put where you can reach. Put it where you can reach and out of sight then BAM! Poor man's Anti-Theft Device.
  • I installed a dedicated 12 volt outlet that is wired directly to the battery. When I purchased my RVI2 brake set up, it was on their web site, $20.00. Heavy duty outlet with it's own fuse. Outlet is under the dash of our Subaru, wires through firewall.
    No need to tap into another power source or pull fuses.
    Grumpy

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