setting brake sensitivity

[Ourhomeonwheels]

We towed an HHR automatic over 10k miles with no problems using our Blue Ox Patriot brake system set for a gain of 5. When the HHR developed transmission problems, we decided to retire our HHR in favor of a 2015 Fiat manual transmission. The Fiat weighs 800 pounds less than the the HHR but that weight difference proved catastrophic on the same mountain roads we towed the HHR on.

Instinctively I had reduced the gain from 5 to 3 because of the weight difference. I should have dialed down to 1. After only 10 miles of steep and winding roads where most of the MH braking was transmission the toads brakes were glowing hot. So hot that the valve stem caps and hub caps melted. The heat destroyed both front wheel bearings and one cvc joint.

The problems as I now see it is that the Blue Ox responds to inertia so although 80% of the motorhome braking was supplied via its transmission and exhaust back pressure the Blue Ox was applying the toad's brakes almost continuously.

So buyer beware although Blue Ox Patriot claims to be a proportional braking system it is only proportional to the perceived change in vehicle inertia which is not necessarily the amount of braking force actually needed.

I found a newer version of the owners manual that alludes to possible over braking with light weight vehicles and suggests settings of 1 or even 0. Zero would be for break away only. Unfortunately my manual did not include this information.

[jfkmk]

Dang! That is HOT!

[Ductape]

RVi is remotely adjustable for both sensitivity and force to apply. That's why I like it.

[luvlabs]

Most likely user error with the setup. Did you pump your towed brake system at least five times before you left? Did your setup put any pressure on the brake pedal? Did your patriot shift from it's normal mounting position?

Yes, your brake and all of the portable units are inertia activated but when descending a hill using the transmission for braking, your inertia is effectively zero. Applying the brake in your motorhome will increase the inertia of the towed vehicle relative to the motorhome and apply the brakes.

It might be time to junk the Patriot and look at something else. Take a look at the RVi3 Brake. It even has a downhill sensor that would prevent your brakes from dragging.