Community Forums

JavaJelly · 10-17-2007, 05:25 AM

To start, Air Force One is a superior solution all around. I did a ton of research and read every thread on this forum in detail. However, I was forced to compromise and be pragmatic.

Why Brake Buddy for ME:
1. Cost in $. (least important reason) While Air Force One is cheaper than Brake Buddy, to get it installed correctly on a Spartan chassis made it much more expensive. To keep warranty on Spartan chassis, I had to have a tank installed. Tank and install somewhere around $600. Add that to the $1,000 for AFO plus install. I found a great deal at $950 for the complete BB package. (Although I usually get my stuff at RV Upgrades. Bob has plenty of my money.

)

2. Cost in time. Trip to Spartan or experienced installer would have been a three day affair. I'm not full timing so three days away from family or work is expensive on a couple of levels.

3. Done in time. Most importantly, there was no way I was going to get it installed prior to leaving on our family vacation next Friday. We had to have a tow vehicle.

4. I'm a light tag axle meaning I have a lot of braking power w/o the added weight. So the split second advantage Air Force One gives you is probably less so in my situation.

4. Not being a full timer, we only use the coach about 10 weeks a year. Much of that is in one place. The extra effort of moving the BB is small for me. I know others have to connect and disconnect many times.

5. Brake Buddy has a great reputation for support.

JavaJelly · 10-17-2007, 05:25 AM

To start, Air Force One is a superior solution all around. I did a ton of research and read every thread on this forum in detail. However, I was forced to compromise and be pragmatic.

Why Brake Buddy for ME:
1. Cost in $. (least important reason) While Air Force One is cheaper than Brake Buddy, to get it installed correctly on a Spartan chassis made it much more expensive. To keep warranty on Spartan chassis, I had to have a tank installed. Tank and install somewhere around $600. Add that to the $1,000 for AFO plus install. I found a great deal at $950 for the complete BB package. (Although I usually get my stuff at RV Upgrades. Bob has plenty of my money.

)

2. Cost in time. Trip to Spartan or experienced installer would have been a three day affair. I'm not full timing so three days away from family or work is expensive on a couple of levels.

3. Done in time. Most importantly, there was no way I was going to get it installed prior to leaving on our family vacation next Friday. We had to have a tow vehicle.

4. I'm a light tag axle meaning I have a lot of braking power w/o the added weight. So the split second advantage Air Force One gives you is probably less so in my situation.

4. Not being a full timer, we only use the coach about 10 weeks a year. Much of that is in one place. The extra effort of moving the BB is small for me. I know others have to connect and disconnect many times.

5. Brake Buddy has a great reputation for support.

Route 66 · 10-17-2007, 05:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Although I usually get my stuff at RV Upgrades. Bob has plenty of my money. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Must have lost that money in a poker game, as Bob doesn't have a piece of RV Upgrades.

GaryKD · 10-17-2007, 05:42 AM

Scott,
Based on the research statement, in your OP, what is your opinion of the US Gear system?

JavaJelly · 10-17-2007, 05:43 AM

Sorry about that. I must have got misunderstood along the way. They sure know who he is. The staff there actually like him.

JavaJelly · 10-17-2007, 05:47 AM

Gary,

Sorry to say, US Gear didn't get much of my attention. Probably just lack of presence in where I was doing my research. I really can't say much about it.

I forgot to mention that recently FMCA mag had a big write up on all the solutions out there. They really didn't rate them but, did give a good comparison.

FrontRangeRVer · 10-19-2007, 05:32 AM

Lots and lots of happy Brake Buddy owners...we love ours! Easy in, and easy out!

J Walker · 10-19-2007, 06:31 AM

I have had Brake Buddy for about five years. I have found that some repairs are needed over time and friends have needed repairs also. My one repair was done under warranty but the shipping was on me, $30. Brake Buddy done not tap into the MH or toad brake systems which is very good, but the setup takes longer. I would look seriously at a brake system that taps into my air brakes next time if I ever need to consider another toad brake. I would not pay to have the air lines installed but would do it myself. Having looked for the plug that would allow this, it isn't clear which one would work and I would need to get some help before tapping in. Having someone do it for you may be riskier since they may not know your chassis either.

Nonno · 10-19-2007, 09:36 AM

I've had the same BB since 98 and this year had to replace the alert system. It has been used with 3 mh and 4 toads during that time.

Edmund A Skibinski · 10-19-2007, 11:45 AM

The Brake Buddy has been good to me, have used it since 2002, sent the unit back once to have it upgraded and has worked fine since, upgraded to the newer Alerted System last year. Ed.S