Blue Ox Patriot and Chevy Colorado

[hikersc]

I have been in the process of preparing a 2012 Chevy Colorado for towing behind a new Thor Tuscany. I am now at the point for needing to purchase a brake system and am leaning toward the Blue Ox Patriot due to the easy hookup and positive reviews.

Is there anyone using the Patriot with one of the previous generation Colorado's? If so, I would appreciate any advice that you have to offer.

In a related question, I was also wondering if there are any folks using the Patriot without the breakaway switch. I towed a 5th wheel for a number of years and understand the need for the breakaway switch as there are no safety cables. With safety cables, I see little use for the breakaway switch and can see a few scenarios where a failed switch could create a problem worst than the one it is trying to prevent.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by hikersc

I have been in the process of preparing a 2012 Chevy Colorado for towing behind a new Thor Tuscany. I am now at the point for needing to purchase a brake system and am leaning toward the Blue Ox Patriot due to the easy hookup and positive reviews.

Is there anyone using the Patriot with one of the previous generation Colorado's? If so, I would appreciate any advice that you have to offer.

In a related question, I was also wondering if there are any folks using the Patriot without the breakaway switch. I towed a 5th wheel for a number of years and understand the need for the breakaway switch as there are no safety cables. With safety cables, I see little use for the breakaway switch and can see a few scenarios where a failed switch could create a problem worst than the one it is trying to prevent.

I have not used the Patriot on a Chevy but have used it on a Ford Taurus and currently on my CRV. The Patriot is a very versatile device and I see no reason it would not work as advertised on your Colorado.

As for the breakaway switch, Why would you not want to use it? It comes with the Patriot as part of the package for very good reason. I'm not going to expand any further as I'm sure there will be others chiming in soon.

[hikersc]

Originally Posted by dennis45

As for the breakaway switch, Why would you not want to use it? It comes with the Patriot as part of the package for very good reason. I'm not going to expand any further as I'm sure there will be others chiming in soon.

I guess my thinking was that the probably of a failure (i.e. crimped wire, short, tangled actuation cable) of the breakaway switch was far greater than the possibility of a simultaneous failure of the tow bar and safety cable connections. It basically felt like another lever of safety that could create a larger problem that it is solving by introducing an addition failure mechanism to solve a problem that is very unlikely.

[dennis45]

Properly installed breakaway systems are a must for any vehicle being towed. IMO. Here is a link to an incident that is testament to that.
Also, take a look at the Toads & MH Towing forum for more information on your Colorado set up.

Runaway Car!

[dvmweb]

https://www.etrailer.com/question-25134.html


2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

[dennis45]

Here is some more information on the subject.

State and Province Towing Laws - NSA RV Products

[hikersc]

Originally Posted by dennis45

Properly installed breakaway systems are a must for any vehicle being towed. IMO. Here is a link to an incident that is testament to that.
Also, take a look at the Toads & MH Towing forum for more information on your Colorado set up.

Runaway Car!

I loved the photos but there is a huge problem to this being a testament to the use of a breakaway switch. If the switch had been mounted in the area suggested by most manufacturers it would have separated when the entire front came off the vehicle thus severing the wire to the breaking system, leaving an open circuit and it never would have activated the brakes. This is confirmed in the attached article as it mentions the fact that the vehicle was properly connected and had a functioning tow cable which I presume to be the breakaway switch.

[rogerdodger]

Just thought I would chime in. A properly installed breakaway switch should be mounted to the Toad body, not bumper, or any part of the towbar. The cable end should also be attached to the Motorhome body, not hitch pin etc. This will insure the toad brakes being applied when any seperation of the two vehicles happens, insuring no toad runaways. This also applies to breakaway switches in TT, but most attach the cable to the tow vehicle hitch rather than the body, which is also a nono.

[DD788Snipe]

Originally Posted by hikersc

I have been in the process of preparing a 2012 Chevy Colorado for towing behind a new Thor Tuscany. I am now at the point for needing to purchase a brake system and am leaning toward the Blue Ox Patriot due to the easy hookup and positive reviews.

Is there anyone using the Patriot with one of the previous generation Colorado's? If so, I would appreciate any advice that you have to offer.

In a related question, I was also wondering if there are any folks using the Patriot without the breakaway switch. I towed a 5th wheel for a number of years and understand the need for the breakaway switch as there are no safety cables. With safety cables, I see little use for the breakaway switch and can see a few scenarios where a failed switch could create a problem worst than the one it is trying to prevent.

Since your towing with a vehicle that has air brakes I'd go with the Air Force One from SMI. Have it on my 2010 Colorado and love it. Once installed you can forget about it and it comes with a brake away switch and it's proporsanal braking. Purchased mine for under $800.00 and it took me a day to install. But you have more than likely already purchased the Blue Ox system.