Brake Controller Advice Needed

[dodge man]

I got a real cheap brake controller, maybe $40. It works well, but it would be nice to at least have a digital readout. That way you have a number to dial it into, such as a certain number for the trailer when empty, another number when the trailer has a load.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I got a real cheap brake controller

My guess is that you think your brake controller feels fine. Then you get a proportional controller and think "that feels GREAT!". Then you get a digital accelerometer based unit and think "that feels GREAT!" Then you get a MaxBrake and think "that feels GREAT!"

Point being that it probably feels pretty good if that's what you're used to feeling. If I got in your truck, I strongly suspect that I'd wonder what the heck is going on with the trailer brakes.

Likewise, someone with MaxBrake or an integrated controller would think my truck feels like a death trap.

Throughout the year, I tow probably 4,000 miles with not less than 5,000# behind my truck. I didn't know much when I got my controller and CERTAINLY didn't know just how much I would end up towing (a lot in my world).

MaxBrake is on my sunny horizon. Someday. In the meantime, I'll just keep fiddling with my P3. Perfectly safe, but one step short of perfect.

 

[mojoinco]

I mounted my Maxbrake on the dash, just up from the left radio control knob. Figured it was a natural motion for my right hand from the wheel and still out of the way of steering. Will eventually paint it to match the dash (wanted the warranty to expire first). I had to add ~18" to the harness length. 2005 Chevy 2500. Simplest unit I have used, works very well, for single axle 2000# trailer (empty to full), same for a 16' flatbed, and my wifes 3 horse trailer. Oddly enough, all three used in the past 2 weeks. The only thing I do is twist the gain up and do a quick (clear) road check. Considering all the things we spend money on, the cost is relatively little compared to a couple of months of cable/satellite tv.

And no, not using one doesn't mean that you (or anyone else) will get carbunckles. But it sure is nice to take one more thing off of the 'what am I forgetting....' list. The features really add up if you pull more than one load/trailer.

 

[MikePA]

I mounted my Maxbrake on the dash, just up from the left radio control knob. Figured it was a natural motion for my right hand from the wheel and still out of the way of steering. Will eventually paint it to match the dash (wanted the warranty to expire first). I had to add ~18" to the harness length. 2005 Chevy 2500.

A couple questions....

- What hole did you use to come through the firewall?

- Would it be possible to post some pictures of your connection to the master cylinder and how you bent the line?

- What cable did you use to extend the harness?

- How did you hide the cable leading to the unit, maybe a picture of the dash?

I just bought a MaxBrake for my 2004 Silverado and this would keep me from re-inventing the wheel.

 

[windy acers]

With your set up all you need is a slight drag when loaded .You don't have to spend a lot.look into the least expencive name brand such as drawtite.

 

[Ken45101]

With your set up all you need is a slight drag when loaded .You don't have to spend a lot.look into the least expencive name brand such as drawtite.

You need a lot more than "a slight drag" if you need an emergency stop!

The inexpensive controllers can work, but if you set the for a proper emergency stop at 55 mph, you will get jerked around when you are moving 5 mph in traffic.

 

[buck12]

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

Exactly. Ford unit is sits in the dash out of the way, manual control is easy to get to, and settings can be viewed on controller or in the instrument cluster on my F150.

 

[KWentling]

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

 

[MikePA]

Can't believe that in all this "best controller" talk there has been no mention of Brake Smart.

Probably because the company that made them went out of business for a while.

 

[Diamondpilot]

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

 

[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.