Potential Causes for Patriot Braking System to Lock Up Brakes on Towed Car

Question:

I have Blue OX towing system with the Patriot wireless brake for our JEEP - Recently, we have been having the brake lock up while driving without applying any brake in the RV I think the brakes have now been damaged as after three times the JEEP doesnt feel quite right and after each time, the smell of burning substance was quite obvious. We have had the setup for over a year and just the last three trips the lockup has occurred. After each time, I just unplugged the brake and finished the trip. What could cause the automatic breakaway to occur without obvious reason? Thanks

asked by: Rodney M

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox Patriot towed vehicle braking systems like the Patriot # BLU37TR and the older Patriot BRK2019 are proportional systems that will apply braking force based on them detecting deceleration in the tow vehicle. If you are not slowing down the motorhome and the brakes are applying then either there is an issue in your breakaway setup or an internal fault in the unit.

Check out the linked article on testing a breakaway system. I would check all wiring for signs of cracked or worn insulation. If you cannot locate and correct a fault in the breakaway setup then I suggest replacing it with # BRK2505. If this does not correct the issue have the Patriot serviced by Blue Ox. I also suggest checking the tires and brakes on your Jeep; drive the vehicle on its own and put it through its paces, accelerating and braking, to be sure there is no damage to the vehicle itself.

expert reply by: Adam R