Forum Discussion

JnCMiller's avatar
JnCMiller
Explorer
Nov 09, 2014

Brake Buddy Failures

Recently we had our Classic Brake Buddy fail by applying the brakes for over 300 miles without setting out the dashboard receiver. When we reached our destination and disconnected the dinghy (2014 Buick Enclave) it was obvious the brakes were rubbing on metal. We immediately took the dinghy to the the GM dealer and have the entire brake system replaced to the tune of $2,800.

When we contacted Brake Buddy they informed us that the braking chassis must have moved while we were traveling on "bumpy" roads. They further requested we send our braking device, transmitter, receiver and break-away switch to them for further analysis. Its been two weeks and nothing yet.

Question?

Has anyone experienced similar issue with Brake Buddy Classic? If so, what was your remedy?

Right now we are "brakeless" in Florida but will be traveling again in early December.

Any and all comments/help will be appreciate.
  • JnCMiller's avatar
    JnCMiller
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Thanks for all the replies.

    BB has the device and initially indicated the dashboard receiver was faulty. I am awaiting further analysis from BB to determine next course of action.
  • Raymon's avatar
    Raymon
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2014
    Bobbo wrote:
    That is why I have the dash indicator light hooked to the toad's brake light system instead of the auxiliary brake indicator. If the toad's brake pedal gets pressed for any reason, my dash light comes on.

    Pins 85 and 86 are hooked to the toad's brake light wire and ground to activate the relay. Pins 30 and 87 are then hooked into the circuit going to the dash light. They become the on/off switch for the dash light. Pin 87A is not used.

    I think a dash indicator light wired into the toad's brake light circuit should be used with any type or brand of auxiliary brake system. I want to know when the toad's brake pedal is depressed. The dash light is the cheapest and simplest modification to prevent the toad's brakes from burning up.

    Ray


  • dicknellen's avatar
    dicknellen
    Explorer II
    Nov 12, 2014
    same BB since 2005, never had a problem (rap on wood). I only set it so it at 2or 3 so it only activates the brakes in an emergency panic stop. Dick
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2014
    That is why I have the dash indicator light hooked to the toad's brake light system instead of the auxiliary brake indicator. If the toad's brake pedal gets pressed for any reason, my dash light comes on.

    Pins 85 and 86 are hooked to the toad's brake light wire and ground to activate the relay. Pins 30 and 87 are then hooked into the circuit going to the dash light. They become the on/off switch for the dash light. Pin 87A is not used.



  • teddyu's avatar
    teddyu
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Once, i installed my BB improperly. I had adjusted the seat to far forward and the BB was pushing, not activated, on the brake pedal. Got to the 1st stoplight and noticed drag on the coach. The TOAD normally can't be felt when towing. Stopped and re-adjusted the BB properly. Took off again with no drag on the coach. This was an operator error induced problem and the only one I've had in seven yeay using the BB. JM2¢...
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Nov 10, 2014
    There have been threads where somebody has made it a crusade to discredit BB over issues like this. There's also more than a whiff of commercialism in those threads. Not that this can't happen with BB and/or other systems. I've considered running a line back to the coach from toad brake lights. That would tell for sure that brakes were somehow applied. Given the coach/toad combination, it'd be possible to see a light inside the toad, on a visor, rearview mirror, etc.
  • DouglasC's avatar
    DouglasC
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    I have owned and used a Classic Brake Buddy for over 16 years now and have never had any problems. Unless you're pulling your toad with a diesel pusher motorhome, it seems to me (and I can say this from experience) that you will know when the Brake Buddy is engaged as you will feel the "drag" on your motorhome as your toad tries to stop the motorhome. (My Brake Buddy is so old there is no remote warning light in the motorhome indicating when the BB is engaged.) I have had a couple of times that the emergency cable was pulled out by turning too tightly when cornering which engaged the BB and I could immediately tell that the BB had engaged. I also place a board between the Brake Buddy and the seat to provide a better contact area for the BB on the seat. All in all, my Brake Buddy works well for me!
  • Roadpilot's avatar
    Roadpilot
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    I used the BB classic for 11 years with no failures. I have had it move on bumpy roads and get wedged sideways which applied the brakes a little with out being activated. I added a board screwed to the bottom of it that brought it a little higher so it contacted the seat better.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Have two friends that this happened , one of them twice. We all bought the BB's at the same place and time. May not be smart on my part but I have not used the break away device for this reason for more than 10 years.
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    I've been all over the country with mine, no issues in three years!

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