Brake Controller Advice Needed

[KWentling]

I heard a lot of hype about them a few years back but then noting. I think they are now owned by DR Performance, a diesel go faster company.

Chris

I heard about Brake Smart first on the TDR site. That is true about DR Performance taking it over. I know the guy that developed it was challenged by the manufacturing process and overwhelmed by the demand. I bought mine before that change happened. As far as I know they were always available although there was a waiting list for a time. I highly recommend it. I don't know how there could be a better one.

Kim

 

[MikePA]

According to this site, it's on indefinite backorder.....again.

 

[coobie]

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

DITTO on the prodigy.I have one on my 2004 ram P/U no problems.coobie

 

[Diamondpilot]

While th prodigy is a good controller you will not believe the difference in one of the new pressure type controllers. You will give that p3 away. I still have a p3 but hate to use it after having the opportunity to use the Ford and Max Brake.

Chris.

 

[mojoinco]

Mike PA, here is where I posted it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...n/159394-trailer-brake-controller-help-7.html

I added the wire piece by piece, shrink wrapped and soldered. In the master cylinder picture you can see the brass piece -- that's the included tee (I got my unit from Southwest Wheel, a sponsor here; I think there is a 5% discount if you use 'tractorbynet' discount code), and the harness as well.

I saw the Brake Smart unit, but was reaching the end of my dollars, and figured that the Max Brake unit was still a premium unit, well endorsed. Plus, my needs were for a variety of moderate to medium weight trailers, versus way heavy units.

Still haven't gone over the Continental Divide with it yet, but based on experience so far all should be benign. It is so nice to not have to remember that there are 2 or 3 adjustments to go through on the cheap (ok, old) units. And -- which one does what. Then remember to readjust them for each trailer.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Can't believe that in all this "best controller" talk there has been no mention of Brake Smart. (Does sound similar to MaxBrake but came before it, and I believe Brake Smart has more capability) I have one on my '05 Dodge and it is absolutely the best I have used. (No, I haven't driven a Ford lately) Do the initial set up for the tow vehicle and all you do after that is press the red button after you hook up the trailer and you ALWAYS have the perfect amount of braking. Doesn't matter which trailer, loaded or empty, you never have to adjust anything. Have towed loads over 28,000 lbs. with it and always had enough brakes. Probably more controller than most people need, but it's important to me because when I tow it's usually heavy. I hate to tow with the old truck because it has an old style controller that you always have to fiddle with to MAYBE get the right amount of braking.

Kim

From what I know, Brake Smart is no longer available. While in the market for a new controller last summer, I did some research and read almost nothing but good about Brake Smart. In fact, the the former owner of my FL70 had one on it but was not selling it with the truck.

Not to bash but when I read about the company that was selling it, I stopped then and there. Beyond that, do some research. Let's just say that we all know people who make fantastic claims but we are smart enough to take those claims with a "grain of salt". I am not talking about the controller here by the way.

Unless you can always afford the best, I would consider your needs. For the occasiona relatively light tow job, why spend three or four hundred dollars?

 

[KWentling]

From what I know, Brake Smart is no longer available. While in the market for a new controller last summer, I did some research and read almost nothing but good about Brake Smart. In fact, the the former owner of my FL70 had one on it but was not selling it with the truck.

Not to bash but when I read about the company that was selling it, I stopped then and there. Beyond that, do some research. Let's just say that we all know people who make fantastic claims but we are smart enough to take those claims with a "grain of salt". I am not talking about the controller here by the way.

Unless you can always afford the best, I would consider your needs. For the occasiona relatively light tow job, why spend three or four hundred dollars?

Wasn't aware they are no longer available. I know there was concern expressed by TDR members over DR Performance taking it over. I have read their misleading advertising on their performance products and know there is cheaper and better alternatives to those. Too bad if they have destroyed Brake Smart as it was a great product.

Kim

 

[MikePA]

Mike PA, here is where I posted it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...n/159394-trailer-brake-controller-help-7.html

Thanks for the link!

It looks like you connected the MaxBrake hydraulic line to the bottom of the brass adapter? Is that just where the hole was pointing when you tightened the brass adapter into the master cylinder?

Where did you come through the firewall?

My current controller plugs directly into a panel underneath the dash, near where the OBD II plug is, only on the firewall. It has a black plastic cover, about the size of a CD case, with a plastic screw on knob in the center.

I received 2 cables with my order from Southwest Wheel, in addition to the RJ45 cable. One end plugs into the controller and the other end, I assume, plugs into this panel under the dash neither cable is long enough to reach the engine compartment. Sounds like you didn't?

 

[Kaliburz]

Max Brake is expensive.... but it does what it's suppose to do.....good things are never cheap.