Community Forums

nkferg · 06-28-2015, 08:56 AM

I am currently on my first big RV trip (FL to Yellowstone 30 days total). I set up my tow vehicle and brake buddy and started off with 11 hours the first day. We arrive at our stop and I go back to check the tow vehicle and there is a burnt electrical smell. I had checked it about an hour into the day and had no problems. The brake buddy was pretty much dead. I continued to the next stop with plans to check it out. I was hoping it was just a fuse. I looked at it while at my sister-in-laws place, and realized it needed to be sent in. I was getting ready to head into the Black hills then to Yellowstone and really wanted to be safe as possible.
I called brake buddy and talked to support. They said the compressor was probably gone and I needed to send it in. The wire from my battery to the BB was not heavy enough gauge. I noticed on the website they were in Kansas. I looked and they were about 90 mins from where I was. I told them I could swing by and they said sure bring it down. We were leaving the next day and could not change our reservations so I left at 0630 am. I arrived a little after they opened in Emporia. The support staff was great and they took it right back and fixed it in 40 mins. The tech made sure I had everything needed to ensure the problem did not happen again. I was back on the road and while it was a long day we were back on track.
It is nice to see a US company that is this helpful, when I am in the market for my next system I will definitely be going with Brake Buddy.

FLman2 · 06-28-2015, 10:24 AM

I too want to give a big thanks BB. The spring on the clevis came off and would not stay on so you could lock the clevis Assy. in place on the brake pedal. Call BB to order a new one and they sent a new one out NC and had it 4 days later. Great customer service!

greystroke · 07-01-2015, 07:21 PM

I just sent my old classic back and found out they have an upgrade program to Vantage Select. So instead of making repairs to my old BB I upgraded. Just received it today and I really like the new features. So don't throw away your old BB. It is worth something.

Algonquin · 07-02-2015, 08:00 PM

I too have a BrakeBuddy with a compressor that burned out due to what BB claims is insufficient wire gauge. Good service is all well and good, but it would be a lot better if BB redesigned their compressor to operate at lower power.

greystroke · 07-03-2015, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algonquin

I too have a BrakeBuddy with a compressor that burned out due to what BB claims is insufficient wire gauge. Good service is all well and good, but it would be a lot better if BB redesigned their compressor to operate at lower power.

I don't understand why that happen. Never problems like that with my older classic. Could be the compressor came on while you were driving and didn't shut off. I upgraded to the new vantage select and just got it. A lot of new features including error lights on the remote if something is wrong. Time will tell what kind of service it gives. After initial setup, I am very pleased.

Algonquin · 07-03-2015, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greystroke

I don't understand why that happen. Never problems like that with my older classic. Could be the compressor came on while you were driving and didn't shut off. I upgraded to the new vantage select and just got it. A lot of new features including error lights on the remote if something is wrong. Time will tell what kind of service it gives. After initial setup, I am very pleased.

No, my compressor did not come on while driving. I have a Honda CRV which, according to BB, doesn't have a 12 volt outlet with a high enough amp rating. My unit is in for repair, and BB says they will ship me a direct to battery wiring kit when they return my unit. My point is that they should make a unit that is compatible with common towed vehicles.