Community Forums

Park Super · 01-08-2017, 12:16 PM

We are setting up our new equinox to tow behind our motor home. As always I am researching everything and now I am in information overload. Trying to decide between the Patriot and the RViBrake. Would like some feed back to help me make my mind up. Thoughts?

dennis45 · 01-08-2017, 12:34 PM

This is another question where the answers will be "I spent my money on ABC and it's the best"
I spent my money on the Patriot and it does the job exactly as advertised. I'm on the second one because the first went dead after three years and Blueox wanted it sent back for repair.
Since we were on the road to Alaska, that was not an option so they sent me a new unit to our next stop, pre paid. I sent the old one back (pre paid by BO) and they gave me a Healthy credit when it arrived.
The new one is Very Much improved over the first one. This is the only aux brake I've used so I can't compare it to anything else but I can tell you the Patriot does the job and I would not hesitate to go with it again.

**Lt Dan** · 01-08-2017, 02:42 PM

I can't say that mine is the absolute best as it's the only one I've used, but I have the RVI2 system. It is compact, lightweight, fast and easy to set up each time. The remote monitor system works great and I have had only one minor issue in 20,000+ miles of towing with it which was promptly taken care of by the manufacturer. Since it sits in the floor pan and doesn't push against the seat you have positive braking without any give from the seat. That's just my $0.02 worth.

mikebreeze · 01-08-2017, 02:51 PM

I have a Blue Ox Patriot that I use with my 2014 Chevy Captiva. I used it with a 2006 Saturn Vue previously. It has worked well for me. At one point I got an error when hooking it up. Contacted Blue Ox. They said that my hard drive was bad, they sent me a new unit and I sent the old one back. I didn't know that these things had hard drives. Anyway, their good customer service impressed me and I would buy from them again.

Dutch Star Don · 01-08-2017, 05:26 PM

Typically when you buy a product, you can buy Good, Better and Best, depending on how much money you are willing to spend. Unfortunately, braking systems aren't that easy. Some are just for gassers, some are just for DP's. Some are proportionate, some are hidden and easy to use and some are incorporated into the tow bar and use a surge brake.

For me, it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Start a comparison chart on a piece of paper and see what offers YOUR situation the best product.

inlineskater · 01-08-2017, 05:32 PM

I have an invisibrake and it has worked well and after it is installed, has no set up each time you tow. When I plug in my umbilical cord it is on.

Unplanned Tourist · 01-08-2017, 05:40 PM

I don't know about you, but I'm sort of a KISS guy. I looked around and found that the old Brake Buddy units were so simple and not all electronic, so searched Ebay and got a good used one. It has worked absolutely perfect for me for the past 11 years!

It takes a little time to install, but I'm sure others do too. Being pretty well totally mechanical vs printed circuits, sensors, and complex, I am happy.

Easy to transfer to another vehicle also.

dennis45 · 01-08-2017, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Typically when you buy a product, you can buy Good, Better and Best, depending on how much money you are willing to spend. Unfortunately, braking systems aren't that easy. Some are just for gassers, some are just for DP's. Some are proportionate, some are hidden and easy to use and some are incorporated into the tow bar and use a surge brake.

For me, it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Start a comparison chart on a piece of paper and see what offers YOUR situation the best product.

Good point, for me it came down to the Patriot because it fit all requirements without Any Mods to the toad or the coach and came standard with breakaway provision. Yes, I need to install and remove it at each destination but for me, it's not a big deal and I can take it from one vehicle to another easily.

WDW · 01-08-2017, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I can't say that mine is the absolute best as it's the only one I've used, but I have the RVI2 system. It is compact, lightweight, fast and easy to set up each time. The remote monitor system works great and I have had only one minor issue in 20,000+ miles of towing with it which was promptly taken care of by the manufacturer. Since it sits in the floor pan and doesn't push against the seat you have positive braking without any give from the seat. That's just my $0.02 worth.

2x. Love our RVI2. However they have a new unit out. I'm not sure if newer is better as I have no experience to compare the two.

Taking in the sights with our Trolley ...but life is always better under a Palm Tree

2016 Coachmen Mirada 35 BH. - our Trolley
2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude

Western New York

Mac99 · 01-08-2017, 07:47 PM

Check out SMI Stay-in-play-Duo.
https://smibrake.com/towed-vehicle-b...n-play-duo.php

August West · 01-10-2017, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandphyl

Check out SMI Stay-in-play-Duo.
https://smibrake.com/towed-vehicle-b...n-play-duo.php

+1 Best on the market

1moremile · 01-10-2017, 10:30 AM

Motorhome 2016 Reader's Choice awards for braking systems.

Gold - SMI Manufacturing
Silver - Roadmaster
Bronze - RviBrake

Simply the Best: 2016 Readersâ€™ Choice Awards

Just some info for ya

CapnJustice · 01-15-2017, 07:35 AM

I have the M&G (see link in my sig.)
It's unobtrusive and IMHO the best engineered and gives truly proportional braking.

tripntx · 01-15-2017, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I can't say that mine is the absolute best as it's the only one I've used, but I have the RVI2 system. It is compact, lightweight, fast and easy to set up each time. The remote monitor system works great and I have had only one minor issue in 20,000+ miles of towing with it which was promptly taken care of by the manufacturer. Since it sits in the floor pan and doesn't push against the seat you have positive braking without any give from the seat. That's just my $0.02 worth.

x3, I researched all the systems from Sep to Dec and finally chose and purchased RVI3 system. It is small and extremely easy to setup.