Forum Discussion

CVD's avatar
CVD
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014

How Long Does Brake Buddy Last?

I know, it depends (how many trips/year, etc), but in general have folks been getting 5, 10, 15 years out of them? Or, is there no pattern?

I‘m asking because I need to set up a 2’d car for towing, need to buy another break away switch (~$75-). I’m wondering if I should just buy another entire system (of course, I’d rather not).

I bought the Brake Buddy in 2005, recently had problems with the Test button (not a major problem). On my last trip the compressor wouldn’t come on initially (but it did later, maybe a wiring connection problem).

Bottom line – I’m wondering if others find these little boxes go much longer than the 10 years I’ve had mine.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    I don't know which BB you have. We had the "Classic" and replaced it with a "Vantage" (if I remember right). The original used two "banana" plugs which I got at Radio Shack for a replacement breakaway switch. The newer ones use a round plug similar to the ones that are common on cordless phones, answering machines and so on. So... BB had to replace a batch of them that came with new units because they wouldn't connect. So...If you need a new plug, verify the fit very carefully.
  • Carvin Marvin wrote:
    Break away switches are not $75 good luck

    They are if you go to Brake Buddy for an "OEM" replacement. Your comment got me thinking; 5 min of research turned up a $10- alternative. Thanks,

    http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-52010-Breakaway-Lanyard/dp/B001GN6QQW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1417015581&sr=8-4&keywords=brake+buddy+breakaway&pebp=1417015608190
  • For all what was said above. They last. So go on line and buy a used one for your second vehicle.

    They go cheap because no one is willing to pay any where's near the new price. Mine was only a couple years old and I ended up selling it for 400 bucks. I see them for 250 all the time.

    Just try and buy a later model similar to what is being sold new now.

    Go to the Escapee's full time club classified forum no need to join escappes to use the classified. Find one for sale or place wanted ad.

    http://www.rvnetwork.com/
    Scroll down to RV marketplace near bottom.
  • During June, stopped at the BB factory.

    They serviced/inspected the BB, repaired the power plug, provided a new breakaway switch, a direct fuse connect line.

    Total Cost $0.00.

    7 years old, used in 2 vehicles. It will go in a 3rd vehicle next year.
  • 16 years and still going strong! Replaced break away system once. Main unit still works fine after 140,000 miles of use.
  • Bought our square metal box BB in 1996, so guess it will be 19 years old in another 6 weeks ..... Updated the pedal clamp and replaced the plug over those 19 years and still going strong.

    Look for the breakaway switch on ebay for a fraction of the price they quoted you.
  • Ours in 11 years old and going strong. I had to replace the cigarette lighter connector. I also choose to upgrade the part that grabs the pedal. They had come out with a much better clamp.
  • I think a lot depends on WHERE you travel - we started out with a Brake Buddy and after 2 years it developed a pinhole leak in the air reservoir. Brake Buddy replaced it with a new or rebuilt unit (I forget which), which developed the same problem after about a year. They said it was because of high humidity air leaving water in the tank, which rusted it from the inside. We switched to a Blue Ox Patriot, which while it has other quirks, doesn't use an air tank so doesn't have the leak problem.

    al

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