Can Brake Buddy Supplemental Braking System Be Moved from Old Car to 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I have an older Brake Buddy that I was using to Dighy tow my 2011 Jeep JK behind our 2002 Bounder 33R. I have now updated my vehicles and purchased a 2020 Silverado LT Z71. I am in the process of getting a Blue Ox BLU54VR installed for my old Blue Ox tow bar, but I was planning on re-using my Brake Buddy system on the truck, along with adding in the brake light wiring harness... The question is can I still use it? I think I have to add a separate power supply from the battery to the interior, since it appears that the trucks system has to be disconnected from the battery or a battery disconnect has to be installed... So, if I run wiring to power this directly from the battery, will the old Brake Buddy still do what it is supposed to? If not, why? just getting all the details. Thank you

asked by: LARRY D

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can indeed reuse your existing Brake Buddy unit, as long as it's still functional.

You will need to wire the unit directly to the battery, Roadmaster makes the # RM-9332 12-v outlet specifically for this purpose. I would also highly recommend a charge line kit, part # RM-156-25 which will help keep the battery topped off while towing but you'll still want to start the truck every time you stop for gas. An automatic battery disconnect like part # RM-766 would also be a handy item to have, so you don't have to keep manually disconnecting the negative battery cable.

I've linked to install videos for the Blue Ox # BX1736 base plates, the charge line kit and the auto-battery disconnect.

expert reply by: Mike L