Brake Controller Advice Needed

[Will_C]

I need to pick your brains about brake controllers. I am in the process of buying a 18', 7K tandem axle trailer-haven't decided on brand yet, but I will be buying in the next couple of weeks. My tow vehicle is a Toyota Tundra. I have been towing a single axle trailer for years, so I am all set with a hitch, etc., but did not use brakes with the 3K trailer.

Whatever I buy, it will have electric brakes on both axles. My truck came with the wiring harness for a controller when I bought it. I would like to have a brake controller that does not have to be fixed under my dash- I still remember banging my knee on the brake controller getting in and out of my dad's pickup. Are there any models that can be easily removed and re-attached whenever I use the trailer?

Any recommended brands or models? Any other advice? I don't mind spending a few bucks for an quality model. I don't want to have to choose from the possibly limited choices at whatever dealership I buy from, and I will be having a close friend who is a factory mechanic install the controller.

Thanks,
Will

 

[JEH412]

The Tekonsha Prodigy is an excellent controller and the newer model, the P3, should be a good choice, too. Both, I think, can be had with a removable mount so you can pull it out and store it in the glove box when it's not needed. Prodigy and P3 are both proportional controllers, so the braking is smooth.
John

 

[B7510HSD]

check out etrailer.com they have controllers and an adapter harness if needed!

 

[QRTRHRS]

The Tekonsha Prodigy is an excellent controller and the newer model, the P3, should be a good choice, too. Both, I think, can be had with a removable mount so you can pull it out and store it in the glove box when it's not needed. Prodigy and P3 are both proportional controllers, so the braking is smooth.
John

I picked up a P3 last fall for about a buck 32 shipped if I recall. Tekonsha has a pretty good interactive web site where you can check the P3 and others out. I got imediate returns on emails to Tekonsha on questions too.

The P3 comes with two mounts, the standard and a quick disconnect. It also has a nylon case to store it in.

My needs differ from yours in that I am using the controller with my FL70 and a tandem dually with electric brakes. I can instantly crank up the gain with a touch of a button which I like.

 

[whistlepig]

I have had a dozen or so brake controllers. Nothing remarkable at all about any of them. What ever the dealer had on the shelf was OK by me. Last controller I purchased really stood out from the others. It's an Activator II made by Drawtite. It has a digital readout for the adjustable brake setting. This is a feature that I would never do with out now. By far this is the best brake controller I have ever used. It was priced about the same as the other off-the-shelf controllers.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Most any controller can be removed quickly but you will still have the mount. The main reason they come in and out easily is to use in multiple vehicles.

The good thing is most new ones on the market can be mounted in any position. My father-n-law has his mounted on the top of his center counsel for the reason you mention. I have seen others mount them on top of the dash or in a dash cubby.

Here is where I get all the stuff for my trailer business. They are the best.

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

Chris

 

[ModMech]

Honestly, I have used about every trailer controller type (not model mind you) that has been available since the mid '70s. Of all of those, I only found ONE type that I honestly feel did a "very good job" and that was one that sensed brake pressure in the towing vehicle's system (front system I think it was). You got EXACTLY the amount of trailer braking you needed, every time without any lock-ups. I don't even think they make them any longer, but I know how to do it with currently available parts

The prodegy controllers are good and I think they do a fine job, the deceleration sensing ones are good for dry roads but really don't get the job done on wet or slick roads from my experience but they don't skid the tires during bad conditions either and that can really be bad if it happens.

 

[mustangsallysdad]

I need to pick your brains about brake controllers. I am in the process of buying a 18', 7K tandem axle trailer-haven't decided on brand yet, but I will be buying in the next couple of weeks. My tow vehicle is a Toyota Tundra. I have been towing a single axle trailer for years, so I am all set with a hitch, etc., but did not use brakes with the 3K trailer.

Whatever I buy, it will have electric brakes on both axles. My truck came with the wiring harness for a controller when I bought it. I would like to have a brake controller that does not have to be fixed under my dash- I still remember banging my knee on the brake controller getting in and out of my dad's pickup. Are there any models that can be easily removed and re-attached whenever I use the trailer?

Any recommended brands or models? Any other advice? I don't mind spending a few bucks for an quality model. I don't want to have to choose from the possibly limited choices at whatever dealership I buy from, and I will be having a close friend who is a factory mechanic install the controller.

Thanks,
Will

Tekonsha Prodigy here...you don't need anyone to hook it up for you...they can supply the proper harness for your truck...just plugs in on both ends. No wiring necessary.

 

[MikePA]

Of all of those, I only found ONE type that I honestly feel did a "very good job" and that was one that sensed brake pressure in the towing vehicle's system (front system I think it was). You got EXACTLY the amount of trailer braking you needed, every time without any lock-ups. I don't even think they make them any longer...

Yes, they do, MaxBrake. Click Here. No need to cobble one up from spare parts.

 

[wkpoor]

Are the new controllers good enough to forgo the MaxBrake or is the MaxBrake still the best way to go? I'm in the market for a new controller.
I have 2 trailer shops in my area and both won't sell anything but the old fashioned type. They argue the proportionals won't give you the stopping power when you need it. Seems to me it should be the opposite. I hate setting my controller for freeway speeds and then getting jerked out of my seat first stop in town.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Are the new controllers good enough to forgo the MaxBrake or is the MaxBrake still the best way to go? I'm in the market for a new controller.
I have 2 trailer shops in my area and both won't sell anything but the old fashioned type. They argue the proportionals won't give you the stopping power when you need it. Seems to me it should be the opposite. I hate setting my controller for freeway speeds and then getting jerked out of my seat first stop in town.

Max Brake is the best aftermarket controller I have used and I bet I have used more than 75 different ones. The best controller hands down is the Ford Integrated Trailer Brake one that has been available since 2005. I have one in my 06 F-350 and its awesome. I would say the Max Brake is 95% as good.
The Max Brake is just so much better than anything else. I have a Prodigy in my F-250 and its ok but no better really than the cheap $80 Reece I have in my Titan.

Look up the Max Brake and check You Tube for it. There is a demo using a F-350 and a 15,000# or so trailer. They first use the Prodigy then the Max Brake and it cuts stop distance substantially in a panic situation.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/128867-max-brake-controller.html

Chris

 

[MikePA]

Max Brake is the best aftermarket controller I have used and I bet I have used more than 75 different ones. The best controller hands down is the Ford Integrated Trailer Brake one that has been available since 2005. I have one in my 06 F-350 and its awesome. I would say the Max Brake is 95% as good.

What makes it 5% less than the Ford unit?

 

[Diamondpilot]

What makes it 5% less than the Ford unit?

Position of the controls and display. The Fords is high on the dash next to the radio controls and also fives messages on the dash right in the field of view instead of down by your right knee where aftermarket controllers are usually mounted. As far as function it works identical.

Chris

 

[ModMech]

Thanks Mike!

I had found the cable, travel sensing controller, but found it was too out of production. I didn't know anyone took up the pressure sensing ones.

If you are wondering what's the BEST type, electric proportional or pressure sensing proportional, ask yourself one question; what type of controller do 18 wheelers use? Direct pressure sensing actuator, that is, the trailer gets EXACTLY the same braking force as the tractor (tow vehicle) because the brake controller (treadle valve) supplies the same pressure to both systems.

Therefore, I believe that the pressure sensing is the BEST system, bar none. In fact, I would say it is the only one that should be allowed. But then, I also think that you should be required to have brakes (air or electric) on ALL axles of any trailer that causes the GVWR of the towing unit to be exceeded and that RVers should be required to pass a test on a Class B vehicle and should have to go thru inspection stations. And, that surge brakes should be outlawed.

Edit> Some vehicles actually have pressure sensors already configured into the vehicle's braking system (Ford for sure), one could utilize that feature easily enough and I'd bet that is what Ford did with the integrated controller.

 

[Ken45101]

I have 2 trailer shops in my area and both won't sell anything but the old fashioned type. They argue the proportionals won't give you the stopping power when you need it. Seems to me it should be the opposite. I hate setting my controller for freeway speeds and then getting jerked out of my seat first stop in town.

I don't think those shops know what they are talking about.

You are supposed to adjust the Prodigy to just below where the brakes lock up. I've had the trailer brakes lock when I didn't have it adjusted right.

I used to have to older type and hated the jerking when moving slowly through town, especially with a horse in the trailer The Prodigy has been very smooth and a vast improvement, IMO.

Ken

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't think those shops know what they are talking about.

You are supposed to adjust the Prodigy to just below where the brakes lock up. I've had the trailer brakes lock when I didn't have it adjusted right.

I used to have to older type and hated the jerking when moving slowly through town, especially with a horse in the trailer The Prodigy has been very smooth and a vast improvement, IMO.

Ken

I agree. Its a guy who is stuck in his ways. Lets face it things get better over time. Prodigy was on top 5 years ago and now its Max Brake. That does not mean there are any bad controllers, just better controllers.

Chris

 

[KeithInSpace]

The good thing is most new ones on the market can be mounted in any position.

I love my P3, but I guess it doesn't qualify as a "new one on the market". I find it fairly sensitive to mounting angle relative to horizontal. In my truck, I get a "ramping" effect of the trailer braking...what seems like a feedback loop between the trailer brakes and the P3's accelerometer. Nudging the controller a bit helps, as does getting the bias set perfectly. But the brakes grab differently on the interstate more than in the heat of stop/go traffic, so I try not to endlessly fiddle with the gain, resorting to angular adjustment to make things work perfectly.

As I said...I like it very much, but there just is no replacing a controller that senses the hydraulic pressure in the brake lines...something I'm considering.

EDIT: I guess you're talking about MaxBrake. Probably the way to go, that system, without buying a new Ford JUST to get the integrated controller. If I could just swing that by the wife..."HONEY!!! Just saw some ultra-cool tires on this new truck over here. Can I get that truck so I can get the tires?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Keith

The issue you talk about with the difference from highway to in town driving is what I hate the most about the Prodigy and others. I also get complaints from my neighbor who has a 14,000# 5th wheel he pulls with a 1 ton Dmax and a Prodigy controller. He is very close to biting the bullet and getting the Max Brake before his big 8,000 mile trip this summer.

Chris

 

[tlbuser]

I guess you're talking about MaxBrake. Probably the way to go, that system, without buying a new Ford JUST to get the integrated controller.

It is definitely the way to go. No Ford required I just switched mine from my chevrolet to my new Dodge. With the trans. programming and jake, I'm not sure I even needed one Maxbrake is worth the extra dollars to me.

 

[Will_C]

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to consider the Maxbrake. My trailering will consists primarily of 5-10 mile trips between properties-no highway driving.

Will