| Brake Buddy [message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 11:32  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Picked up a "Brake Buddy" (used). Did not come with the breakaway system. Is it usable without this switch? Any comments along this line for the "Brake Buddy"?
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288506 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 11:50  |
AStasunas
Messages: 58
Registered: April 2009
Location: Winter Springs, Fl
Karma: 0
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Most states require a break away switch. You can purchase one very reasonably from the internet. The switch is mounted in the front of the Toad and a cable clips to it and then the RV. Easy install
Regards,
Tony
"Vinnie"
1975 Eleganza,
Winter Springs, Fl
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288507 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 12:45 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Both of my toads are lightweight enough that I don't worry about supplemental braking, the coach with the reaction backing plates is sufficient to get things stopped. Which I proved in Athens the other day on the way to North Augusta when an unattentive How Bout Them Dawgs type cut me off. Although I suspect I'd benefit. When one comes up at 'steal me' pricing, I'll take the plunge.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288508 is a reply to message #288507] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 13:00 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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I bought a used Brake Buddy at GMCMI in Patterson, LA last spring. It has some internal leak that I've never attempted to fix. The compressor just runs all the time. Never saw the need but really ought to have it fixed someday.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288509 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 13:48 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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All states vary. Minnesota you are supposed to have supplemental brakes over 3000 pounds but the breakaway is not required until you get to 5000 pounds.
I did not run the breakaway when i was towing the jeep wrangler, but i did have thoughts on setting up the breakaway on a relay and a switch at dash. So if my coach brakes went out i could trigger the breakaway and use the towd brakes in an emergency.
The breaka-away on my even brake is just a shorted circuit when brake away was activated. A brake away can be found cheap on amaZon.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288510 is a reply to message #288509] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 16:21 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Following question. A brake away switch is a normally open switch that is closed by the pulling of the lanyard by the RV? Easy enough to clone if that is the case. Amazon price is in the $70 range - expensive switch and cable.
Geo Tracker is 2245 pounds un laden, so might be a moot point.
Tom
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288513 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 17:17 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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If it's fail-safe, the switch will open when the wire is pulled away. EAsy to duplicate with a piece of wire run around the bumper.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288517 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 17:39 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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On my even brake, when the two wires from the brake unit is shorted, the even brake applies the brakes full force and holds pressure.
I never had the break away hooked up.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Brake Buddy [message #288523 is a reply to message #288504] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 19:54 |
Ernest Dankert
Messages: 133
Registered: May 2007
Location: Ogden, New York
Karma: 1
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I have 2 brake buddies. One is kaput, needs a new "mother" board. Both seem to want to see a set resistance in the break away
switch. I have tried bypassing the switch both open and shorted to resume travel. Had to insert a stick in the break away plug
to release the brake buddy. BTW stuck on brakes will get hot enough to melt the wheel covers off a HHR, and new pads, calipers,
tie rod ends, and lower control arms. No fire. I intend to cannibalize the dead BB to make a custom brake system.
1977 Eleganza II
Ogden NY
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