Today, we’re digging deep into the world of supplemental braking systems. The heavyweights in the ring? Brake Buddy and Blue Ox Patriot. As any RV enthusiast will tell you, a solid braking system is key when towing a vehicle.
Now, let’s pit Brake Buddy and Blue Ox Patriot against each other to understand the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the right system for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Brake Buddy | Blue Ox Patriot |
| Installation Process | Easy | Requires technical knowledge |
| Sensitivity to Braking | Limited sensitivity | High sensitivity |
| Setup Convenience | Manual setup each time | Saves settings for automatic setup |
| Power Source | Built-in battery | Uses vehicle’s battery |
Brake Buddy: The Breakdown
First up is Brake Buddy, a popular choice among road-trippers. So, what does Brake Buddy have to offer?
Pros of Brake Buddy
- Easy Installation
Installation is a breeze. You don’t need to be a mechanic to install Brake Buddy.
The system is portable and designed for easy setup, making it a great option for those who want to avoid complicated installation processes.
- Versatility
Brake Buddy offers a range of products that suit different types of vehicles and towing needs.
Whether you’re towing a compact car or an SUV, Brake Buddy has an option for you.
- Built-in Battery
Worried about battery drainage? Brake Buddy’s built-in battery takes care of that, ensuring your vehicle’s battery stays intact while the system does its job.
Cons of Brake Buddy
- Manual Setup
Every time you tow, you’ll need to set up the Brake Buddy system manually. If you’re frequently hitching and unhitching your vehicle, this can be quite a hassle.
- Limited Sensitivity
The Brake Buddy is often criticized for its limited sensitivity. Some users have reported that the system doesn’t always respond to softer brakes, which could be a cause for concern.
Blue Ox Patriot: A Detailed Analysis
Now, let’s look at the Blue Ox Patriot system. As another favorite in the RV world, how does it fare?
Pros of Blue Ox Patriot
- High Sensitivity
The Blue Ox Patriot is praised for its high sensitivity.
It responds well to even the softest brakes, ensuring that your towed vehicle slows or stops when your RV does.
- Automatic Setup
Blue Ox Patriot has an automatic setup feature.
It saves your settings, meaning you don’t have to go through the setup process each time you tow.
A definite time-saver!
Cons of Blue Ox Patriot
- More Complex Installation
While it’s not prohibitively complex, installing the Blue Ox Patriot does require a bit more technical knowledge than the Brake Buddy.
- Battery Drainage
Unlike Brake Buddy, the Blue Ox Patriot doesn’t come with a built-in battery. It connects to your vehicle’s battery, which could potentially cause battery drainage if not managed properly.
Key Differences Between Brake Buddy And Blue Ox Patriot
In the world of supplemental braking systems, Brake Buddy and Blue Ox Patriot are two titans. However, while they both have their strengths, they also have their unique characteristics.
Let’s delve into the key differences between these two systems.
- Installation Process
The first notable difference between the Brake Buddy and the Blue Ox Patriot lies in their installation process.
Brake Buddy
Brake Buddy is known for its ease of installation. Its design emphasizes user-friendly setup, allowing even non-tech-savvy RV enthusiasts to get it running without professional help.
All you have to do is place the unit in your towed vehicle, connect it to the brake pedal, plug it in, and you’re good to go.
Blue Ox Patriot
On the other hand, the installation process for the Blue Ox Patriot is a bit more complex. While not overly complicated, it does require more technical expertise.
You’ll need to install the brake controller and properly adjust it to ensure accurate operation. This might necessitate professional help if you’re not comfortable dealing with auto technicalities.
- Sensitivity to Braking
Next, let’s discuss how these systems react to braking – an important aspect that directly impacts your towing experience.
Brake Buddy
Brake Buddy offers decent sensitivity, but it might not always catch the softer brakes. Some users have reported the system not responding to light braking, which could potentially be an issue in certain driving scenarios.
Blue Ox Patriot
Conversely, Blue Ox Patriot is renowned for its high sensitivity. The system responds well to all braking levels, including soft brakes. This ensures that the towed vehicle slows down or stops in tandem with the RV, providing a safer and smoother towing experience.
- Setup Convenience
Setup convenience is another significant aspect to consider.
Brake Buddy
With Brake Buddy, you’ll need to manually set up the system every time you tow. This might not be a big deal if you only tow occasionally, but for frequent towers, this could be somewhat inconvenient.
Blue Ox Patriot
In contrast, the Blue Ox Patriot saves your settings. This means you won’t have to go through the setup process every time you tow, saving you time and providing a more streamlined experience.
- Power Source
Lastly, how these systems are powered sets them apart.
Brake Buddy
Brake Buddy comes with a built-in battery, which means it does not rely on your vehicle’s battery to operate. This feature eliminates any worries about draining your vehicle’s battery while using the system.
Blue Ox Patriot
Unlike Brake Buddy, the Blue Ox Patriot connects to your vehicle’s battery. While this arrangement means one less battery to worry about, it could potentially lead to battery drainage if the system is not properly managed.
Also Read: Differences Between PowerStop And Callahan Brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As you weigh the pros and cons of Brake Buddy and Blue Ox Patriot, you might have a few questions. Let’s address some of the most common ones.
Blue Ox Patriot 3 builds upon the foundation of Patriot 2, offering improved features such as more efficient power management to reduce battery drainage and enhanced proportional braking for a smoother ride.
No, Brake Buddy has its own built-in battery. This means it doesn’t rely on your vehicle’s battery to function, thus eliminating concerns of battery drainage.
Brake Buddy is made by Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation, a company with over six decades of experience in producing high-quality automotive products.
Blue Ox Patriot uses an internal inertia sensor to detect when your RV is braking. It applies proportional braking to the towed vehicle, responding with the same intensity as the RV.
The Bottom Line
Both Brake Buddy and Blue Ox Patriot have their strengths and weaknesses. Your choice should depend on what you prioritize: simplicity and battery conservation (Brake Buddy) or sensitivity and automation (Blue Ox Patriot).
Whichever you choose, rest easy knowing you’re choosing from among the best supplemental braking systems on the market.
Remember, safety comes first, and a good braking system is vital when towing. Take your time, do your research, and make a choice that best suits your needs. Safe travels!
