Community Forums

snowhawk2 · 02-20-2016, 06:23 AM

I went to our local shop that specializes in setting up MH and toads and they recommended a blue ox system to set up my 2012 Ford F150 for 4 wheel down towing. The brake controller they recommended was the Patriot by blue ox. I did a little research and there was quite a bit of negative feedback on the controller but it seems mostly from a few years back, which makes me wonder if there is a new version out. The shop said that is all they install and have had no problems with that controller, and if people had problems, it was set up or adjusted improperly. They also said that a fuse or two would need to be removed with the system when in use and my understanding was the F150 required nothing to be removed when in toad mode. Please share your experience with the blue OX Patriot brake controller and your recommendations on a brake controller. Thanks in advance.

**pasdad1** · 02-20-2016, 06:40 AM

Is this a F150 which has a transfer case and 4x4 ? If it's a regular rear wheel drive I think it may need a driveshaft disconnect installed.

wildtoad · 02-20-2016, 06:52 AM

Go by what your Ford owners manual says about being towed and fuses. I don't know much about the Blue OX, but it is very similar to other portable units. I bought a used Roadmaster Brake Pro on eBay for a couple of hundred, plus shipping. There are plenty of Brake Pro, Brake Buddy, and similar that can be had for a good price. Some are new, some are used, some refurbished.

Unless you want to install the breakaway wire, there is nothing to install any of the portable units other than what you will have to do every time you use it. I may be living dangerously, but I chose not to install one. I figure a very strong base plate, tow bar, hitch, sturdy safety chains are good enough. Others may and will disagree.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 02-20-2016, 06:57 AM

snowhawk2-

When I look at pages 282 and 283 of an online owner's manual I see nothing about pulling fuses. It has a specific caution against disconnecting the battery.

You might want to confirm with your paper manual. I'd ask the shop folks why the difference between what they tell you and the what is there. It may have to do with 12V requirements for the Patriot. If so, you'd want to satisfy those requirements without creating a system/method that runs counter to the Ford manual.

lostinfla · 02-20-2016, 07:02 AM

I use a Blue Ox tow bar, but after doing quite a bit of research, I ended up buying the RVi 2 brake system, mostly because of it's actuation speed, compactness and it's wireless control/monitor system. It's very easy to set up and has worked flawlessly every time.

Gdawgs · 02-20-2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowhawk2

I went to our local shop that specializes in setting up MH and toads and they recommended a blue ox system to set up my 2012 Ford F150 for 4 wheel down towing. The brake controller they recommended was the Patriot by blue ox. I did a little research and there was quite a bit of negative feedback on the controller but it seems mostly from a few years back, which makes me wonder if there is a new version out. The shop said that is all they install and have had no problems with that controller, and if people had problems, it was set up or adjusted improperly. They also said that a fuse or two would need to be removed with the system when in use and my understanding was the F150 required nothing to be removed when in toad mode. Please share your experience with the blue OX Patriot brake controller and your recommendations on a brake controller. Thanks in advance.

I have the Blue Ox Patriot proportional braking system towing a Honda Accord. System works great but I did add a deep cycle battery for the Patriot to draw power from rather than the car battery. On long trips with traffic it will draw down the car battery. I charge the deep cycle battery overnight at each stop.

Qwert66 · 02-20-2016, 09:39 AM

We are satisfied users of a Patriot portable brake system (4 years going) for the following reasons;
1 uses electrical actuator vs pneumatic for more flexibility.
2 fully proportional and adjustable for both force and gain/sensitivity.
3 easily transferrable between vehicles.
4 great customer service.

The downsides;
Have to place it on the floor to use and then store it after.

Our setup (self installed) uses a fused 12v power lead from the motorhome (through the 6 wire tow umbilical) to provide separate power for the Patriot brake. Our 2002 4wd hi/lo Chev Trailblazer came new with no steering wheel lock and requires no fuse manipulation.

As stated earlier your tow vehicle requirements MUST come from the vehicle manufacturer and your State if you want to stay out of Jail. Be very cautious of the installers should you choose that route.

Cannot comment on the others as we have no direct experience.

Slolane · 02-20-2016, 09:50 AM

I use the Patriot brake system in our Jeep Wrangler. As stated, the only mod to the Jeep was installing the break-away switch.

As far as pulling fuses, this might be necessary if you have to turn the key to the "run" position to allow the steering to move while underway. Pulling the fuse keeps the battery from running down. Not an issue with the Jeep, but you need to check on the F-150.

I did have an issue with the "claw" that attaches to the brake pedal. On mine the piece that attaches to the operating rod came out. I called Blue Ox and they sent me a new one right away, no questions asked.

I have towed for 2 days without starting the Jeep, no issues with battery drain, it cranked right up. I understand that might be an issue with other cars.

Stealth01 · 02-20-2016, 09:59 AM

I would "second" the RVI2 Brake System. Very easy to install and remove, proportional braking, real time feedback to the coach and it has integrated TPMS available for your Toad!

Good To Go · 02-20-2016, 04:03 PM

I have the Patriot system and it works fine. I did have a problem with it the first time I used it. I did not set it up right. After that I have it set up the way it works best.

I have never had a problem with battery usage.

I made a wood platform for it to sit on for it stay in place. The first time it was not setting flat as my floor is not flat. Their CS is outstanding. I also have their tow bar and other equipment.

Steve

dennis45 · 02-20-2016, 04:14 PM

I am on my second Patriot. The internal battery on the first one cratered while on our trip to Alaska. Since returning it to BO for repair was not an option, they gave me a price I could not refuse on a new one and sent it to our next stop prepaid.
After our trip, I sent the old one back in as part of the deal.

The new unit has some software changes and a much improved claw to attach it to the brake pedal. Much easier set up than the previous model.

The only con is storing it when not in use but that is not a big deal, IMO,,,

snowhawk2 · 02-21-2016, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Is this a F150 which has a transfer case and 4x4 ? If it's a regular rear wheel drive I think it may need a driveshaft disconnect installed.

it is a 4 X 4.

snowhawk2 · 02-21-2016, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

snowhawk2-

When I look at pages 282 and 283 of an online owner's manual I see nothing about pulling fuses. It has a specific caution against disconnecting the battery.

You might want to confirm with your paper manual. I'd ask the shop folks why the difference between what they tell you and the what is there. It may have to do with 12V requirements for the Patriot. If so, you'd want to satisfy those requirements without creating a system/method that runs counter to the Ford manual.

Thanks and I will look into it.