Will a Break Buddy Vantage damage the seat?

[BirchyBoy]

I bought a used BB Vantage Select last night to use in my JLUR with leather. After watching it work through the tests, it puts a lot of force against the leading edge of the seat. I’m worried that it will cause some premature wear on that area. Has anyone come up with a simple fix or let it be?

[MtCamper]

I run a Brake Buddy with my JLUR and haven't noticed any problems. You will need to wire to your AUX switches or use the lighter outlet in the rear. I had to lengthen my 12v cord to the BB. I also try to drive in such a way that the BB doesn't trigger. I found the light options for the Jeep to be very complicated and the Jeep electronics baffling. I went with the HF Magnetic mounts. There is a little area of steel back there that they stick on. You will also need the $5.00 wire extension for the lights. Using a Blue Ox tow bar with a RockHard mid aluminum bumper with the Blue Ox mounts. Happy with the set up. No problems.

[BirchyBoy]

Originally Posted by MtCamper

I run a Brake Buddy with my JLUR and haven't noticed any problems. You will need to wire to your AUX switches or use the lighter outlet in the rear. I had to lengthen my 12v cord to the BB. I also try to drive in such a way that the BB doesn't trigger. I found the light options for the Jeep to be very complicated and the Jeep electronics baffling. I went with the HF Magnetic mounts. There is a little area of steel back there that they stick on. You will also need the $5.00 wire extension for the lights. Using a Blue Ox tow bar with a RockHard mid aluminum bumper with the Blue Ox mounts. Happy with the set up. No problems.

Thanks. I have a Hopkins harness for the wiring. I plan to power the BB via wire from the RV so it won’t kill the JLUR battery.

The guy I bought it from gave me a set of magnetic lights, a bunch of wires and a simple tow bar. I’ll likely sell the tow bar and use my NSA ReadyBrute without the brake cable attached. I have it and I have the attachments for both Jeep’s.

[kenandterry]

I’ve had a Brake Buddy unit since 2010 and had success with it in both of my toads....however both had fabric seats, not leather.

I understand your concerns, so a simple modification could address the pressure applied by the BB.

You could build a simple “L” designed platform of plywood 1 foot wide.
The bottom piece needs to be long enough so it won’t move forward or backward.
The upright piece, needs to be tall enough to protect the front of your seat.

Set the BB up the way you presently do, but position it ON the plywood. When it applies pressure to brake, it will now be pressing against the front of the seat but spreading its force across the plywood.

Just make sure to build in a STRONG 90* brace.

[chuckbear]

We have fabric seats but with over 20,000 miles of towing with the Brake Buddy, there is no indication of wear to the seat. Chuck

[Pigman1]

A piece of heavy carpet backed up with a sheet of Luan if you think that's necessary?

[BirchyBoy]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

I’ve had a Brake Buddy unit since 2010 and had success with it in both of my toads....however both had fabric seats, not leather.

I understand your concerns, so a simple modification could address the pressure applied by the BB.

You could build a simple “L” designed platform of plywood 1 foot wide.
The bottom piece needs to be long enough so it won’t move forward or backward.
The upright piece, needs to be tall enough to protect the front of your seat.

Set the BB up the way you presently do, but position it ON the plywood. When it applies pressure to brake, it will now be pressing against the front of the seat but spreading its force across the plywood.

Just make sure to build in a STRONG 90* brace.

Thanks for the tip. I’m sure I’ll over-engineer this simple solution

[BirchyBoy]

Originally Posted by Pigman1

A piece of heavy carpet backed up with a sheet of Luan if you think that's necessary?

Good idea. I have some luan in the garage.

[Cousin Ed]

We have used the same Brake Buddy since 2002, without any damage to anything. Our current toad is a 2011 Sierra with leather that's been towed over 84,000 miles and our secondary toad a Jeep GC with leather has been towed over 12,000 miles neither has any damage.

[Pigman1]

Originally Posted by BirchyBoy

Good idea. I have some luan in the garage.

That's what garages are for... To store stuff so you have it available when you need it. If you throw the stuff out, you can be sure you'll need it before the week is out. I speak from LONG experience. LOL

[deandec]

@ 80,000 miles of towing with Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd and leather seats.

No damage from the Brake Buddy.

But, I am a great driver!!!