Don't Miss These Holiday Savings!
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
Get reliable braking with this lightweight, portable system. Actuator unit applies towed car's brakes after receiving signal via internal inertia sensor. Braking power settings let you adjust brake intensity based on your towed car's weight.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Removing your vehicle's floor mat before installation is recommended.
The Brake Buddy Classic 3 has a built-in inertia sensor that detects when your rig slows down. Once the system recognizes that you're braking, it will engage the actuator arm to press your towed car's brake pedal with an intensity chosen by you.
The main unit of the Brake Buddy Classic 3 is designed to activate only when deceleration is actually taking place. It is built with advanced terrain-sensing technology that keeps the unit from activating when you go over bumps in the road. As a result, your towed car's brakes won't engage unless you intend for them to engage.
The braking power settings determine how intensely the Brake Buddy Classic 3 applies your towed car's brakes. When you're first setting up the Brake Buddy, choose the braking power setting that's recommended for your vehicle type, as seen on the chart below.
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Cars and Compact SUVs | Low |
| Mid-size Crossovers, Mid-size Pickups and Small SUVs | Med |
| Full-size SUVs and Pickups | Hi |
The setting should be enough to cause your towed car to give a slight tug at your RV during a braking event. Braking power doesn't normally need to be reset unless you're changing to a different towed car.
Note: For hybrids or other cars with power-assist brakes, switch the braking mode to Hybrid mode.
Included with the Brake Buddy Classic 3 is a wireless receiver that will alert you of braking activity from the Brake Buddy actuator unit. This receiver inserts into the 12-volt outlet in your RV's cab.
A separate transmitter plugs into the actuator box to send signals to the receiver.
When the Brake Buddy unit activates the towed car's brakes, the receiver will illuminate. If the towed car breaks away from your RV, the receiver will produce an audible signal.
Instead of connecting to a 12V accessory outlet, the Brake Buddy Classic 3 draws power directly from your towed car's battery. To do this, the included wiring harness connects to your car's battery. Install the harness by routing the wire end through your car's firewall and into your engine compartment. Connect the harness to your battery with the included battery wire and ring terminal.
Mount the connector that's on the opposite end of the harness in a convenient, out-of-the-way location beneath your car's dash.
To connect the actuator unit to this connector, use the included Easy-Pull harness. This harness plugs into the connector below your dash, then into the braking system. When connected, the harness carries both power and breakaway functions in a single cord. And the large grip ring and wide handle make it easy to hold while connecting and disconnecting the actuator, all without ripping connectors or pulling on wires.
If you're concerned about your car's battery going dead as you tow, don't worry. The Brake Buddy Classic 3 includes a 15-amp charger that pulls power from your RV to keep your car's battery charged while the Brake Buddy is connected.
Not every car is built the same. Some have brake pedals with unusual shapes. Some have uneven floorboards or mats. These differences can make it difficult to set up a portable braking system in your towed car. But the Brake Buddy Classic 3 is able to fit in almost any car on the market.
The Brake Buddy's actuator arm comes with an adjustable Quick-Lock clevis, which securely wraps around your towed car's brake pedal, regardless of the pedal's size or shape.
The clevis also comes with a quick-locking lever. Once you adjust the jaws of the clevis to fit your brake pedal, turn the lever to tighten the clevis in place. And when you're done towing, disconnecting the clevis is a snap. Just turn the lever to release the clevis jaws, and remove the clevis from your brake pedal. It's that simple.
Uneven floorboards can cause a portable braking system to sit at an angle in your towed car. This affects the leverage of the actuating arm, which can result in ineffective braking. Each of the TruFit risers on the Brake Buddy Classic 3 actuator unit can be individually adjusted, raising or lowering each corner of the actuator unit, so that the system sits level in your car. As a result, the actuator arm is able to press straight against the brake pedal to ensure that your brakes are properly depressed every time.
To adjust the height of the risers, twist them counterclockwise, either by hand or with the included riser wrench. Pull each riser out to match the height you need, then twist the riser clockwise to secure it at that height.
The Brake Buddy Classic 3 will automatically check your brakes every time you start it up to confirm that your vehicle is ready to tow. After setting up the unit in your towed car, press the Auto Start button on the unit's control panel. The arm of the unit will push and release the brake pedal several times, removing vacuum pressure from the brakes to prevent overbraking. The unit will also check for any connection errors.
California residents: click here
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (183 Customer Reviews)
Get reliable braking with this lightweight, portable system. Actuator unit applies towed car's brakes after receiving signal via internal inertia sensor. Braking power settings let you adjust brake intensity based on your towed car's weight.
I purchased this BB Classic 3 in October 2020 after my old BB Classic that I purchased in 2008 failed to hold pressure for the piston. I bought this for my 2017 Jeep Wrangler but due to (1) the depth and unevenness of the driver's floor board, (2) the seat adjustment bar prevents BB Classic 3 from pushing against the seat and (3) the adjustable legs are not long enough to reach the seat and brake pedal properly, the BB Classic 3 fails the auto start test every time due to not being able to level. I talked to Hopkins MFG techs several times trying to resolve the issue (wiring checks, power cord checks, etc.) but to no avail. This situation makes the BB Classic 3 dangerous to have in service because not being level it will think something is wrong and keeps the brake applied (piston will not retract after applying the brake). So after talking to other Jeep Wrangler owners I determined that a platform was needed for the floor board on which the BB Classic 3 could rest. I constructed a platform that was approximately 3" off the floor board and rested on the floor board under the seat and on risers toward the brake pedal. This platform is level on the floor board both length-wise and width-wise. After placing the BB Classic 3 on the platform with clevis and power cord installed and legs in the lowest position, I tested the auto start and had 8 successful tests in a row!!! Also the brake away test was successful too. I still need to make a short drive test while in tow behind the motorhome. Hopkins really needs to advise customers that the Classic 3 will not work properly as is on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler due to the configuration of the driver's side floor board.
Just follow the instructions and it's an easy set-up. It does its job on the road. If there was anything negative, it would be where to store it when not in use. But, that has nothing to do with its performance. Thank you etrailer for making so many things available to us!
Steven
10/17/2023
One of the legs busted.
Mike L.
11/8/2023
The system has great potential but I don't know if it is actually working. The transmitter in my Rv's 12 volt socket is suppose to turn red when I hit the breaks but it never turned red on a full 8 hour trip. It turns red when I hit the auto button or pull the pin from the breakaway box but never while actually driving. I have no idea if it works. That's why I give it two stars. I just bought this system this October 2023 from etrailer (Order # 120078365) and I'm disappointed. I may return this product soon because I hate when things advertised to work do not work.
Brake Buddy 3 is the best.
super easy to install and simple to set up. eTrailer was very helpful to get this ordered and also quick to respond to my questions.
This kit worked out great for my 2022 Chevy Equinox. I like how it has separate side plates, which make it easier to attach the main bar. The points where it attaches to the frame seem plenty secure. It is important to watch the videos provided by etrailer as Ryan is very thorough and has good tips for installing. I would also recommend installing additional wiring while having the front end off. Overall, I was able to complete in my driveway. The hardest part was sorting out the wiring for whatever braking and tail lights you decide on. William S helped me pick all the necessary components needed for flat towing behind my Jayco RV. I am looking forward to a summer of camping and having more freedom to explore the area, now having a car.
Great products and fast delivery, that’s why I keep coming back to Etrailer. I’ll be using my Brake Buddy Classic 3 in my Jeep Gladiator that I plan on towing behind my class C motor home. Thanks again Etrailer for having what I needed at a great price.
The unit worked as it should. The original brake pedal clamp was an awful design and near impossible to clamp, after a complaint to the manufacturer they sent me the new design clamp and a new power cable. The unit seems big for what it does but funtions well.
Katrina B.
3/28/2022
With Braking systems, they are build to fit a variety of different types of brake pedals. Which means, they will fit most, but not all brake pedals.
Deck
3/20/2023
Been working fine, no issues and about 20,000 miles.
The instructions for wiring could be more clear and more wire should be included. Other than that it was great. Thank you
I have used Brake Buddy before and would purchase it again. It’s easy to install and setup is a snap with the “auto” start button. The handle folds down and it stores nicely in our coach.
We have been using this product for over a year now. Love how easy it is to set up. We have had zero issues with this breaking system. Towing a Jeep Wrangler 4dr behind a class c motorhome.
I think the instructions in general need to be upgraded. When they tell you to purge the system they have you purge it while attached to the brake pedal. This did not purge the system. You need to purchase where it can fully extend. They also have a blackwire going to the positive terminal Seems like they need to get their color coding to an automotive standard I also had an issue with the power plug. It would intermittently turn the brake buddy on and off It seemed to be A bad wire inside the actual cable. The manufacture is sending a new one
The Brake Buddy works well
Dennis
4/8/2023
Very well
Fairly straightforward wiring. The only thing is that the parts do not match the instructions.
Ordered the Brake Buddy was at my home within 2 days. That is Fast!
Product seems to be good out of the box but haven't used it yet. A significant issue is that the installation instructions are incomplete and some connectors were not included in the packaging. Of particular note is that once you install the Dash Mount and drill a home in the firewall to put the wiring through, there are no instructions about how to connect them. I had to go to the eTrailer website where a found a video of an installation on a Jeep. The narrator did a good job of explaining the connections. Thank God for YouTube.
James D.
8/29/2022
Poorly. Instructions were incorrect for my 2022 Chevy Colorado, tech support was unable to correct the power issue sent a new cable that didn’t help, and the unit put a slight pressure on the brake pedal shortly after starting a 5 mile test drive that caused the right front brake to overheat which started a fire. Brake Buddy manager would not answer my calls when I tried to discuss the problem. It was an $1800 repair that Brake Buddy should have offset. Poor product and poorer service
A bit tedious setting up the first time. But after that reinstalling is pretty easy. Gives my wife and I peace of mind while traveling.
Gary
7/24/2023
Its still working just fine.
Fast shipping, great descriptions and installation videos of the products!!!
Arrived early. Install was a breeze. The video on eTrailer that explained how to install on a Jeep was thorough and very accurate.
Works as advertised. Easy installation. Good directions. Install videos also available on YouTube that made install easy.
Easy to hook up and well designed.
I purchased the Brake Buddy from E-Trailer in the fall of 2021. I was not able to install it till late spring of this year(2022). It sat new and untouched in the factory box until that time. After unpacking, I reviewed all of the components and none were missing. I followed the installation instructions to the letter. Upon testing the system, The Brake Buddy did not show any power(12 volts DC) on the control display panel. After extensive testing and rechecking all connections, verifying 12 volts to the Brake Buddy control Panel, I decided to call Support.The support person asked for the serial# and purchase date(which I gave) and was told then that the Brake Buddy warranty period had expired.I had questions for Tech Support, in the event that I had overlooked something during the troubleshooting process. The support person on the phone wouldn't even transfer or refer me to one. I have made several purchases from etrailer in the last couple years and have been satisfied with the quality of the products. However, it ends here. I eventually found the problem with the Brake Buddy and will not disclose it here as it is your problem now and it's up to you to stretch for your customers for a change instead of piling up profits for overpriced,dysfunctional merchandise.
Easy to use. Working with etrailer was great. If we need anything else on our motorhome we will be traveling out to etrailer.
I have no idea if it works or not. The transmitter that is supposed to light up in our motorhome when it activates has never lighted up. Sooooo, I’m just guessing it works.
Jenny N.
12/7/2022
Your transmitter should definitely be working properly while using the Brake Buddy. You do not want your brakes to be continuously on and not receive an alert about it. I have some questions that I would like to ask. Before you begin towing you will want to test the unit to make sure that the transmitter is working. Have someone one push the Auto Start Button on the Brake Buddy. The Receiver should illuminate when the Auto Start button is pressed. If it is not lighting up with this test, then further investigation is needed. I would check to see if the outlet does have power. Also is your cigarette outlet right next to the radio? Sometimes the signal from the radio may be interferring with the transmitter and if so, then there is an extension cord available by contacting the manufacturer.
The connection from the brake buddy to the car connection at first was great. Then, after a few times, it just got very sensitive and in some cases would not make the connection. Even when it had a good connection at first, the sensitivity was just not there. You had to literally jerk down on the brakes of the RV to get it to engage. It just never worked properly.
Sierra K.
10/28/2021
The loose cable that runs from the brake buddy to the vehicle is a common issue and the manufacturer is aware of it. Thankfully, it is under warranty and the replacement tends to stay a bit better. I will send a note over to customer service to have them relay the warranty notice over for you.
Only checked packages so far installing on weekend.
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar Braking System?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Jenny N.
10/21/2021
I appreciate the innovative solution to allow the Brake Buddy to work for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler. I spoke with Hopkins who did advise that it is ok for the Brake Buddy to rest against the base of the rails under the front seat.