MaxBrake Brake Controller Questions

[allen in texas]

I have a Max-brake.
It works perfectly. I'm not worried about any of the fittings.
I installed it, calibrated it and used it. No need to reset anything whether your trailer is loaded or empty or going from one trailer to the next.

Other than the calibration, the only adjustment there is determines how fast the trailer brakes react to pedal pressure, either before the truck or after.

This is the only controller I have personally owned but I've pulled a lot of trailer with borrowed trucks and I hated the controllers.
My Brother in Law has 3 rigs and after using my truck and experiencing my controller, he has replaced all of his controllers with Max-brake

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks Allen

Good to hear someone who has experience with both types and loves the Brake Max. My next new truck will have one if not equipped with a Factory Unit. I am like you. I have used them all from Prodigy, Reese, ect and was happy until I tried a pressure drive system like the factory ones Ford puts on. It was hands down no comparison.

Chris

 

[KHNewman]

allen - I still have the unit and may install it on my other excursion as a test since this one is used only by me and my wife and kids don't ride in it with me. I am happy to get a positive review from someone who has experience with the product. How long have you had it installed?

 

[allen in texas]

I have had the Max-brake for a couple of months now.
Just so you know, the hardest part of my installation was getting the wires through the firewall.
I pulled an existing grommet and fed it through that. It was just tough to get to it.

Here's an example of how it works. I loaded (accidentally) 12,880 lbs of dirt in my 14,000 GW dump trailer. I never touched the controller before the trailer was loaded, while loaded or after I dumped it. It stopped perfectly. I have mine set to where I begin to feel the trailer brakes just before the truck brakes.
It's expensive but in my mind, well worth it.

 

[DirtBoy08]

I will just weigh in with my $.02 worth!

The problem I see with NPT fittings, is that you may have trouble getting them tight AND to the proper orientation. It seems like that is the biggest problem I run into. A NPT fitting seals based on thread interference, and tape just takes up some of that "space" so it seals better. And in an automotive application where working space is at a premium, well, you be the judge on that!
Overall a proper flare fitting seems like a much easier and reliable (leak wise) attachment to make.

I would seriously doubt teflon tape is going to be attacked by any automotive fluid, teflon is used in all kinds of chemical applications. One thing you are probably already aware of, but make sure, when you wrap the threads, you don't wrap the first thread, IOW, make sure you won't get any FM from the teflon inside your lines.

 

[tlbuser]

Since my original post about the maxbrake, I'm still a happy "leak-free" owner. Would not trade it for anything short of a new F450 Got to drive an 08 F450 king ranch p/u over the weekend and d**n, it was nice.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get the new 450 with the factory controller and you would not have to worry about anything.

Chris

 

[tlbuser]

would not have to worry about anything.

Chris

Are you volunteering to make the payments ??

 

[Diamondpilot]

I was hoping you would just pick up two when you got yours and send one my way.

Chris

 

[wkpoor]

FYI, In a few earlier post I read where there was serious concern about compression fittings in brake lines. I too am of the school they are BAD. But an auto mech friend of mine told me about the steel DOT compressions available at NAPA. I have used them and have to say they work well. They are all steel and have a ferrel like aircraft flare fittings do. They can really save you alot of work replacing a line. Especially on the road. If you drive an older vehicle put some in the glove box. Already saved my but on a trip last year.