Blue Ox Patriot Braking System vs. Competition

[Blue Ox Patriot Braking System vs. Competition]

UPDATE --- Re: Patriot braking system issues.

I did finally receive a phone call from the President of Blue Ox in response to my complaints about the Blue Ox Patriot Braking system. (I assume that someone in the company read my complaint in the FMCA forum!). He agreed to send a factory representative to my home to verify the continual adjustment problems with the original unit and the tech replaced the Patriot system with a brand new unit that had updated software. Additinally, they provided a new prototype plastic spacer that attached to the unit with velcro strips where the unit presses against the front of the driver's seat when it activates. This seemed to help with the set up procedure. The new unit has worked fine in terms of set-up and adjustment for 2 long trips through both the Rocky Mtns and the Northeast states for over 9,000+ miles. The unit usually sets up and adjusts the first time now. Apparently, the original unit was faulty.

The only issue since is that since the unit slides on the floor somewhat when the brake activates, one of the adjustable feet screws broke the plastic foot screw anchor points on the unit. I had to take it apart and 'super-glue' it back together and it has since held up. I do believe that there are some design issues that could be improved on this unit, (it's manufactured for Blue Ox by another company) but, as far as it working correctly, the new unit, with the new software, has seemed to fix the problem with set-up and adjustment that I was experiencing.

On a different note, I've found that the Blue Ox Aventa 10,000 lb tow bar is excellent. Very stout. Very easy to hook-up. Attractive and very functional unit.

Mr. Johnson,

I have the new version of the Patriot (purchased 2013)--they did make changes in software and i have had no problems. In reference to sliding issue, i have the weather all rubber mats in my tow and had same problem--how i have addressed is an 18 x 18 carpet sample i put under Patriot with the right edge (back edge) resting against seat floor mounting frame--there may be better or different solutions but this has worked for me. Best wishes for continued and safe travels.

Mike & Shirley

I'm not sure if I would elect to.

[Location Of Brake Light Fuse: 2007 Revolution LE Spartan Chassis Diesel?]

Hello, Dowdy,

I have '08 Revolutiom LE. On my coach check the front left small cargo bay ( under driver area & in front of left front tire). Most of the small fues are there behind a panel next to where the air compressor chuck is-- on my coach there are 2 fiber board panels held by phillips screws-- fuses behind left panel...schematic of fuses on inside of panel when removed...hope this is same for your '07.

[US Highway 270]

Take Hwy 71 south out of Ft Smith, then get on 270 at "Y" City--270 goes right into Hot Springs--road is good--there are some "s" curves and winding roads but will accommodate a 43 footer just fine--I would suggest you drive in daytime rather than night--good news--no low overpasses...go to www.arkansashighways.com for maps and info.

[50-Amp Coach in a 30-Amp Site]

In a related question, my son in law rewired his home and put in a RV outlet outside--he told me it was 30 amp but because I have a 50 amp cord coming off my RV, he apparently put in a 50 amp receptacle (i can't ask him--he's in mountains of Colorado hunting-we are at his house with g-kids)....

I hooked my progressive EMS before hooking up my shore power--got this reading leg 1 122 volts--60 amps---leg 2 no volts and no amps--I was afraid to hook up--question? Is this equivalent to 30 amp service? what about the 60 amp on leg 1? I only need power for my lights and refrig--staying in house-will NOT be running A/C or micro, etc....hooked up now with 15 amp heavy duty ext cord to regular home outlet...

Can I hook my 50 amp cord to this outlet and let it run thru inverter or will it cause damage??? thanks for your advice.

Mike (my coach '08 Fleetwood Revolution).

[Wal-Mart Parking, lawsuit]

I appreciate the W-M corporate email site that was provided in the first post. I have email them (W-M) with words of appreciation for allowing RVer's to stay on their lot and letting them know my feelings that this is a frivolous suit and does not reflect the feeling of the vast majority of RVer's. I do feel for the family attacked--I sure this has been very traumatic to them--Thank God none of their family were seriously injured--BUT--the responsibility of each RVer is to be prudent and diligent to maintain security for their family and RV just as they would at the residence.

As a recreational motor home owner and FMCA member, I have used W-M many times for an overnight stay and have really appreciated their hospitality. I hope this suit is dismissed or dropped by the family involved and W-M is not forced by legal and liability issues to change their policy and begin prohibiting RV overnight stays.

We should share this story with our FMCA and RV friends and encourage them to contact W-M with support for their current overnight stay policies and that we do not share the feeling that W-M should be responsible for this particular incident. Thanks for your time to read this--I appreciate all the different posts offered--whether pro or con.

[New To The Forum]

Welcome back to FMCA and the forum. Your experience will be very welcome here on the forum. We need many different perspectives on the motor home lifestyle participating in the forum. You will make this a richer forum. Off hand I can thing of a number of discussion related to destinations and routing for trips that you could offer some of your suggestions to help those seeking information.

To Mr. & Mrs. Butler--just wanted to say this is my first post to you but have been reading forums, especially yours, for quite a while. I always enjoy your insight and suggestions. As a newbie, I am trying to learn everything I can about RV and my MH in particular. My wife & I are still working full time, so only doing some recreational travel now and even that is limited but love the MH life. Goal is to retire in 2-3 years and hope to travel 6-8 months per year but probably not full time. Safe travels!!