BreakSmart??

[snowaholic]

Has anybody used one of these things? How hard are they to install and are they worth the money???



I liked my Jordan 2020, and was going to use it agin on this new truck, but just wondered what ya'll might think about the BreakSmart.

 

[Grizzly]

There has been a lot of discussion on brake controllers with BrakeSmart being one of the better ones. Do a search. There is also information on installing a BrakeSmart. I have a brand X, but I plan on getting the BrakeSmart. They are not cheap, but most think that they are worth the $$$.

 

[klenger]

My comments

 

[Dieselnerd]

The BrakeSmart makes the trailer feel like part of the truck when you apply the brakes. No lag and totally proportional to the amount of force you are applying to the brake pedal. It's the best controller you can buy. Some others may come close by attaching wires or levers to your brake pedal for proportional control but they can't duplicate the actual pressure sensing of the BrakeSmart.



The price is high in comparison to other controllers but the cost is more than worth it.

 

[snowaholic]

Thanks for the info... Is Dr. P making this controler now???

 

[Ramtough]

IMHO - the BrakeSmart is the best controller on the market. It is by far in a class by itself compared to anything I've ever used. The installation is very easy and the controller modulates the trailer brakes like the old hydraulic controllers with the advantage of advanced electronics that will allow you to set the controller up to manage the trailer to your precise needs or desires. It also has a number of excellent safety features incorporated. I think it is well worth every cent it costs.

 

[RVTRKN]

Has anybody used one of these things? How hard are they to install and are they worth the money???



I liked my Jordan 2020, and was going to use it agin on this new truck, but just wondered what ya'll might think about the BreakSmart.

Thankyou for reminding me of the need for my new C&C, what do they cost?

 

[Ramtough]

RVTRKN - Here is a link to the BrakeSmart web page:



http://www.drperformance.com/brakesmart.html



It looks like the current price is $435



If your C&C has air brakes, the BrakeSmart has a lot features you will really be interested in.

 

[DDevers]

Brakesmart illegal in Wa. state.

I just purchased a used Bigfoot trailer and when I was researching having a brake controller installed, I was told by all of the local installation shops that Brakesmart was illegal in Wa. state. This is due to the fact the hydraulic sensing line is connected prior to the proportioning valve and a failure could cause loss of all braking ability.



So, my educating friends, which controller should I have installed then? Is there much of a difference in the load leveling bars and hitches? If so, what do you recommend.



Thanks,

Del

 

[Dieselnerd]

Sounds like pure BS to me. The BrakeSmart is installed on the front line of the master cylinder. If somehow the sensor would burst (I can't see that as a real possibility) you would still have the other half of your braking system as intended. No different than if a brake hose would burst to one of the wheels.



Are they selling brake controllers? If so, you have your answer.



Why don't you install it yourself? It's an easy job with good instructions.

 

[Sled Dog]

I just purchased a used Bigfoot trailer and when I was researching having a brake controller installed, I was told by all of the local installation shops that Brakesmart was illegal in Wa. state. This is due to the fact the hydraulic sensing line is connected prior to the proportioning valve and a failure could cause loss of all braking ability.



So, my educating friends, which controller should I have installed then? Is there much of a difference in the load leveling bars and hitches? If so, what do you recommend.



Thanks,

Del

Did they also tell you that Ford owns Cummins!:-laf

 

[jelag]

I'm in WA state and my trucks have to go through annual inspections with an independent contractor as well as the state inspections at the scale houses... no one to date, with 3 trucks and over 450K miles logged has one of them said a thing about the brake smart... .

As Ramtough said they are the best you can buy but that said my next controller will be the Jordan 20 20..... I bought my brake smarts before DR P took them over... . I'm not a real fan of Dr P so I'm going to take my business down the road on my next purchase if the new 5500's don't have something that equals the Ford factory unit... .

We have several trailers using electric/Hydraulic brakes and by far the brake smart does the best job with those trailers...

It might be against the law to open and install the transducer in the brake circuit... . but I guess that someone out there doing these inspections needs to be a lot smarter than... as we've never been caught... .

Hope this helps...

 

[Dieselnerd]

Jelag, you may not like Dr Performance and they did have a bad rep with TDR members in 12 valve days. My only experience with them is with the BrakeSmart and it was a very positive experience.



I had an older BrakeSmart, from the original maker (not Dr P. ), out of warranty and giving me problems. To make a long story short, Dr P. sent me a brand new one in exchange for my old one and did not charge me for it. That is top drawer service in my book!!!

 

[jelag]

Dieselnerd... . like some of you my problems with Dr P go back a few years... but at the time they were not willing to make good on their commitment, and it still rubs me wrong today... All my brake smart units have functioned well so I have no warranty issues with the old owner..... But thanks for your input for sure... I'll be making that decision when I order the new truck in a month or so...

 

[SnoKing]

Dieselnerd... . like some of you my problems with Dr P go back a few years... but at the time they were not willing to make good on their commitment, and it still rubs me wrong today... All my brake smart units have functioned well so I have no warranty issues with the old owner..... But thanks for your input for sure... I'll be making that decision when I order the new truck in a month or so...

jelag, given what you use your truck for, you know that you should buy the best. If only my DW understood that!!!! SNOKING