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Topic: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer  (Read 483 times) previous topic - next topic

Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Hi,

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer that I am going to flat tow and plan on purchasing a Blue Ox Patriot II - I plan on trading in my Ford next year so I do not want to purchase a permanent solution eg. Brakemaster, Invisbrake, AF etc. I know that those systems are the best to have true proportional braking and my coach already has the airline quick connect - but at this point, I want to have a portable solution. I have searched the forum and wanted to get some current owners insights on a few questions re. Patriot II.

1 - Is the Patriot II easy to set up?
2 - Does it move around a lot and need to be reset?
3 - Does the remote controller that goes in the coach work well - and receive strong enough signal via RF?
4 - Does the system work well?

Thank you so much - I really appreciate the forum's insights.
Pat

Re: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Reply #1 –
I seriously considered the Patriot II but did not want it in conjunction with the retarder.  My thought was that an inertia system may not be compatible and especially with the mountain driving we do.  I went with the AF.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Reply #2 –
Thanks - that is a great point re: the retarder. I might have to just spend the money and when I trade in the car just remove it and hopefully reinstall in my next Ford.

Pat

Re: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Reply #3 –
I am still using a Brake Buddy system, for the last 10 years it has been on my '81 FT, '96 Monaco and my '99 FT. It will apply some braking with the retarder and has sensitivity settings. The air supply systems will only work when coach brakes are applied. It moves from vehicle to vehicle without modifications.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the great input - lot's of options. Looking to see if I can do the Patriot till I get the new car next year.....
Pat

Re: Patriot II - as supplemental brake 2016 Ford Explorer

Reply #5 –
I have the RVI 3. Not a lot of miles towing yet but happy so far. Small company that provides good support and great videos. Easy to move and set up. Rather compact. Communication system works well. It has a built in air system and responds quickly. Operates from its own internal inertial sensors. Light steady retarder doesn't set it off, strong does during initial slow down. Company provides push plate for various vehicles if seat pan doesn't work. No charge for push plates.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.