Common Questions

If you have a vehicle equipped with electric power assist brakes, call BrakeBuddy for further instructions 1-800-470-2287. (Electric power assist brakes are common on hybrid vehicles; please call BrakeBuddy^® if you have questions.)

Q. Why do I need a BrakeBuddy system?

A. Many people are deciding to tow a vehicle behind their motorhomes. A towed vehicle becomes "dead weight" behind a motorhome and will push on the coach as it tries to slow down or stop. In many cases, the towed vehicle can put so much stress on the motor coach's brakes that they may fade or completely fail. The additional weight of the towed vehicle also greatly increases the distance it takes to stop the motorhome. The BrakeBuddy takes the entire weight of the towed vehicle off the motor coach's overburdened brakes. The BrakeBuddy greatly reduces your stopping distance by reducing the added weight of the towed vehicle for a safer more secure stop.

Q. Is there any connection to the motorhome?

A. No. The BrakeBuddy is completely self-contained. The system plugs into the cigarette lighter or accessory outlet of the towed vehicle to power the internal air compressor.

Q. Will this system ride the brakes down steep grades?

A. No. The BrakeBuddy applies the brakes in the towed vehicle only when you apply the brakes in the motorcoach. Downshifting or using exhaust brakes will not affect the system.

Q. Will the BrakeBuddy wear down my car battery?

A. No. You may tow up to four days without having to worry about the battery in the towed vehicle.

Q. My towed vehicle engine is not running. Will the BrakeBuddy still have the power to operate the brakes with no vacuum assist?

A. Yes. The BrakeBuddy is specifically designed to work while the towed vehicle is not running.

Q. Is the BrakeBuddy a proportional system?

A. The BrakeBuddy is an inertia-activated system designed for on/off applications, taking the entire weight of the towed vehicle off your motorhome every time it activates.

Q. Since the BrakeBuddy is an inertia-activated system, will I get any unwanted braking on bumpy roads?

A. No. The BrakeBuddy uses the highest level of technology available. The surge suppressor inside the unit will not engage unnecessarily on bumpy roads, bridges, or railroad tracks.

Q. Is the BrakeBuddy easily transferable between most vehicles?

A. Yes. The BrakeBuddy is small, lightweight, and fully adjustable to accommodate the different needs of each towed vehicle large or small. Installation and removal can both be done in just minutes.

Q. How does the BrakeBuddy interact with my anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

A. When the engine of the towed vehicle is not running, the ABS, which is an electrical feature, is not functioning. If the ignition is on but the engine is off, ABS is active.