Elkhart, IN, (Nov. 9, 2009) — The Patriot from Blue Ox is an all-new electric-powered braking system designed to provide more sensitive braking performance for vehicles in tow according to a company press release.

Instead of the sudden all-on or all-off braking of typical air compression systems, the Patriot system electronically coordinates with a motorhome’s brakes to apply appropriate, proportional braking for all tow vehicle wheels, allowing for smoother deceleration and less wear on the brake pads.

At 15 pounds, the Patriot is half the weight of similar units. With an electric actuator instead of an air cylinder, it eliminates pumps, tanks and air hoses that can malfunction or leak. Its own battery allows it to supplement any uneven power flow from the towed vehicle to provide consistent and reliable braking at all times. The battery also allows the braking system to operate independently from the motorhome’s power source should a tow connection be lost. It is recharged through the 12-volt supply of the tow vehicle.

The Patriot is controlled by an in-coach wireless RF remote with an easy-to-read LED display that provides a manual brake lever and a gain adjustment that can alter the amount of braking. The display also provides feedback about when the tow brakes are engaged and any communication issues that exist between coach and tow vehicle braking.

Placement and set-up of the Patriot is said to be easy with a top-mounted carrying handle and brake pedal clamp. Large surface push-pads on the unit provide a snug fit between brake and seat. The unit itself has an LED display panel complete with set-up button, break-away plug-in, manual adjustment for sensitivity, on/off switch and an auxiliary 12-volt outlet.

SOURCE: Blue Ox Press release and RVtravel.com.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 3:19 pm and is filed under Tow units. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.