Troubleshooting Supplemental Braking Issues On A 2017 Buick Envision

Question:

Last Fall, we purchased the Brake Buddy Classic 3 supp brake system to use along with our Roadmaster Nighthawk tow system. We just started towing our 2017 Buick behind a Tiffin RV this summer. At the end of a trip from Seattle to Wyoming we discovered all 4 wheels had no brake pads, and rotors and calipers were damaged, and brake line was leaking. At time of discovery we had an incidentwe had turned on engine, put it in Neutral, but turned off engine and then turned off the Park brake or so we thought! Ended up dragging the car about 100 yards without tires turning. The squeal alerted us. We dont think the last incident was the reason for totally wearing down all pads, rotors, calipers. Somewhere along the way we must have used the Brake Buddy incorrectly OR something is engaging the brakes during the tow. Can you shed any light on what else to watch for? PS we use the medium tow setting. Would you recommend Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supp Braking does this do the same as Brake Buddy, only more certain? Also, we have e-assisted brakes on the motorhome for steep hillsdoes that has bearing on this problem, and we used e-assist brakes a lot in our trip east. Thanks for any info.

asked by: Mary A

Expert Reply:

The Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39494 activates off of inertia so the e-assisted brakes on your motorhome will actually help the Brake Buddy work less hard. If the breakaway pin was removed or you're having issues with the line that communicates to the breakaway that would cause the Brake Buddy to depress the brake pedal. You could also have an issue where you could be braking and the Brake Buddy is doing its job depressing the brake pedal and then intermittently losing power and leaving the brake pedal depressed longer than it should. You would want to ensure the connection to the battery is free of any defects to prevent this.

If your vehicle has electric brakes you would want to place the Brake Buddy in "Hybrid Mode" and if you have vacuum brakes then you would want to place the Brake Buddy in "Standard Mode".

The Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700 activates when you step on the brakes in your motorhome to give you an immediate response in your vehicle via the pulley system attached to your brake pedal. It is a one-time setup so if you would rather switch to that so you don't have to setup up your Brake Buddy every time you want to tow you can definitely switch to the # RM-8700.

expert reply by: Kevin C