Comparing Blue Ox Patriot and Roadmaster Even Brake Towed Car Braking Systems
Question:
I need to purchase a braking system for my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Which is the better portable proportional brake system and why?
asked by: Al G
Expert Reply:
The main difference between the Blue Ox Patriot and the Roadmaster Even Brake systems is that the Roadmaster # RM-9400 uses compressed air to actuate the brakes in the towed vehicle, while the Blue Ox Patriot II uses an electrically-operated actuator to engage the brake pedal.
As a result the Blue Ox system uses less power (since it does not incorporate an air compressor) and is a bit simpler to install. The Even Brake can only be used with vehicles that have power brakes. Roadmaster suggests that due to the 15A power draw of the Even Brake system that every 6 hours or so you stop and run the dinghy engine for about 20 minutes to recharge its battery.
Both units offer breakaway emergency braking in the event of a tow bar failure, include a wireless system monitor for the RV, and deliver braking force proportional to the motor home brakes. Both products are made in USA. Between the two I would choose the Patriot for its lower power demand.
I have included a series of articles concerning flat towing a vehicle behind a motor home. These cover the basics, including components required to flat tow, types of wiring/lighting kits and a wiring overview.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Shop: Replacement Wiring Harness for Breakaway Switch of Roadmaster Even Brake Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Replacement Transmitter for Roadmaster Even Brake Braking Monitor - Serial Numbers Up to 27,496
- Shop: Replacement RF Controller for Blue Ox Patriot II or Patriot 3 Flat Tow Brake System
- Shop: Blue Ox Apollo Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 15,000 lbs
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Search Results: tow bar
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Tow Bar Braking Systems - Patriot Portable Braking System - BLU37TR
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: base plates
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2015 Chevy Malibu LS
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Search Results: rm~88400
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency Portable Braking System Review
- Q&A: Comparing The Roadmaster Invisibrake And Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Supplemental Braking Systems
- Video: Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: base plate
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Which is Better Roadmaster or Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
on Tow Bar Braking Systems
