Brake Buddy Classic vs Vantage Select

[Jim28730]

I'm having a Blue Ox baseplate installed on my new toad next week and have pretty much decided to go with a Brake Buddy system. I understand the difference in the two systems, but am curious if the difference is enough to warrant the price differential? I do live in the mountains so frequent grade braking ( 6%-7%) is important.

Is there anyone out there that has had experience with both?

[JCM]

I have the "original" and would go to the Vantage select with the wirless remote if I could. If you get on a very steep hill you could change its sensetivity to help you with your braking. I turn mine up when in hilly conditions (have to get out and go to the car) - haven't ever worn out the toad breaks but if I spike my brakes it feels like a anchor has been dropped behind the motorhome.
Hope this helps.

[H. Miller]

With the US Gear Unified Tow Brake, all controls (sensitivity, etc.) are in the motorhome and it's a much easier brake to hitch.

[Roadking]

The Vantage select allows you to change sensitivity on the fly and to change mode from proporational to Full. I must say, I played with it when it was new, but once I got a good setting I never change it. If I bought again, I would save the money and go with the cheaper Classic.

I've towed my Toad all over the west in the mountains, on the flat lands., In small towns, on the freeways, and in the big southern CA cities. Once I figured out the best setting for sensitivity I leave the BB at that setting and it works as advertised.

The best feature on teh Vantage is the fact you know when the brake is applied and you know when there is a problem with the BB, or when the battery is weak in the remote. The Classic may have this same capabilty.

THe only issue I've ever had is the RF communications get screwed up when I use the 12 VDC adapter. THe link becomes erratic and the remote fails to show the brakes are applied. THerefore I never use the 12V DC adapter, I only use the internal AA cell batteries and one set has lasted for several months. Besides, no power cable to worry about and as stated, the batteries last forever.

[Jim28730]

Thanks for the info Roadking. I was leaning in the direction of the Classic, especially since I don't tow my toad that often (usually the Harleys in a trailer).