Replacing Factory Brake Controller with Max Brake

[GCroyle]

I've never seen anything on my BrakeSmart about a parking brake capability but it would be a big mistake to use trailer brakes as a parking brake.



The high current draw of electric magnet brakes will burn out the brake magnets and run down the truck batteries.

Harvey,



I think this is not recommended on hydraulic brakes also, overheats actuator.



Gary

 

[JMetzger]

RVTRKN: I read your question again about parking brake & failed to notice you were asking about Brake Smart & not Max Brake, sorry for the mistake.

 

[CWRoberts]

having had an 09 3500 DRW with a max brake and currently a 12 3500 DRW Tow Max with the improved built in brake controller I can say the 12 stops the 5ver just as good if not better then the 09 with the max brake. Of course that is just my opinion. As an FYI my 5ver is 12,000lbs empty. Add 110 gals water, 90 lbs propane, 50 gals of gas, all the camping stuff and toys and we are around 15,500lbs.

 

[Slow Six]

I have towed more since my last post on this topic. I have gone from home to SLC and I still like the integrated controller in the 2012. It is different from the Max Brake but I would have to say it is as good. My Max Brake is for sale as I won't be using it.

 

[TWood]

I would be interested in your max brake

 

[Cummins12V98]

having had an 09 3500 DRW with a max brake and currently a 12 3500 DRW Tow Max with the improved built in brake controller I can say the 12 stops the 5ver just as good if not better then the 09 with the max brake. Of course that is just my opinion. As an FYI my 5ver is 12,000lbs empty. Add 110 gals water, 90 lbs propane, 50 gals of gas, all the camping stuff and toys and we are around 15,500lbs.

Aw you don't know what you are talking about! Just ask Harvey that has not towed with a 2011 or a 2012 but knows the integrated controllers can't be as good as his!

 

[HBarlow]

Yep, you are correct even though you only mean to be sarcastic. I know that an inertia-activated controller will never be even nearly as good as a controller activated by brake line pressure because I have towed many miles with crap inertia controllers and because I understand the technology.

I probably towed more trailers and more miles in any given month when I was transporting than you guys have towed in your lives.

If you choose to believe your OEM brake controllers are effective you are free to do so. Lots of folks believe in global warming, Keynesian economics, Santa Claus, the Easter
Bunny, and many other unproven and unprovable theories.

 

[Slow Six]

Harvey, you should maybe drive one of these new units to see what the controller is like. Like you this is not my first rodeo, I have towed a lot for 40 plus years with everything from small trailers to heavy fivers and even large rigs. These new controllers may be inertia activated but some where in the system there is refinement that has removed the undesirable traits of the old inertia controllers. I would encourage any one who has one of these new integrated controllers to use them before trying any thing else. It is important to set the controller for the type of brakes and weight of trailer. I will be on the road for a couple of more months so I will get a lot more insight into this set up.

 

[HBarlow]

I can believe that you know what you are talking about and I can believe that Ram has created a sophisticated system but I cannot believe they can design a system that can compensate for the fundamental shortcoming of any inertia activated controller.

That shortcoming is the truck brakes alone must create deceleration for the combined heavy truck and a heavy trailer which it is not capable of satisfactorily slowing and stopping without trailer brakes and then after sufficient deceleration has been created the OEM brake controller must then overcome the delay or lag time between truck brake application, creation of deceleration, and trailer slowing.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yep, you are correct even though you only mean to be sarcastic. I know that an inertia-activated controller will never be even nearly as good as a controller activated by brake line pressure because I have towed many miles with crap inertia controllers and because I understand the technology.



I probably towed more trailers and more miles in any given month when I was transporting than you guys have towed in your lives.



If you choose to believe your OEM brake controllers are effective you are free to do so. Lots of folks believe in global warming, Keynesian economics, Santa Claus, the Easter

Bunny, and many other unproven and unprovable theories.

Sure I was sarcastic. But the bottom line is until you have towed with one of these new trucks all you have is an opinion. There are several here that have used both types and like the factory as well or better than your preference. I have nothing against you Harvey I am probably more right wing than you. So try towing a 2012 with a big 5th wheel similar to yours or tow yours then give an honest opinion on how it compares. Having the "I know more attitude" is not very credible.

 

[HBarlow]

Wow. You're correct again. That's twice in succession.

Yes, that is my opinion and I stand behind my opinion. It is based on many years of experience towing with both inferior inertia-activated brake controllers and hydraulic brake line pressure driven controllers, talks with manufacturers, and reading lots of literature. That's the reason I posted my opinion.

What experience and knowledge is your opinion based on?

My '08 C&C is perfect for my needs, has been well maintained, and has only 115k miles on the odometer. It has never had sooting issues and has been 100% reliable and trouble free except for a failed u joint at 75k. It has a BrakeSmart brake controller using hydraulic line pressure not inertia.

I have no interest in owning a Gen IV truck, don't want to spend the money to buy one. I don't wish to drive one or even look closely at one because I don't want to consider it.

Nowhere in any of my posts have I claimed or implied any experience with a Gen IV truck. I have not driven one, ridden in one, or even been within 100' of one to inspect it.

I don't need to drive one to know that an inertia-based brake controller is a poor substitute for one that directly responds to driver's brake pedal. Sophisticated engineering may have made the OEM controller better than previous aftermarket deceleration sensing controllers but it will never be the same as or as good as sensing brake line pressure.

You are welcome to your opinion as I said in my earlier post. I will keep mine and post it when motivated to do so.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

I have had no issues towing with my 2010 3500 srw... my toy hauler is 36ft and weighs app. 14k loaded with 2 harleys. I really don't have anything bad to say about the brake controller. It works a lot better than the pos Draw-tite controller i had in my 02. When the tow/haul is assisted with the ex. brake i find myself having to re-apply the gas pedal to make it to the end of an off ramp or to a toll booth. I don't drive like an *****hole when i'm towing , i respect the weight and size of the rig, and drive defensively and have not had any issues. . but if i do i'll look at upgrading to a max brake.

 

[RVTRKN]

What model HARLEY's do you have. My latest is a 2011 Ultra limited.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

Nice... . I'm Trying to sell my 1995 Dyna Superglide, cause I just upgraded to an 2002 Electraglide ultra! Father has 1993 Anniversary Dyna Wideglide. . Looking forward to riding weather here in New England!

 

[HBarlow]

I'm looking forward to riding weather in New England also! I'm planning to spend a week or more riding all of New England in May if weather permits.

I don't own a DynaElectraUltraSuperWideGlide though, just a Goldwing.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

I don't own a DynaElectraUltraSuperWideGlide though, just a Goldwing.

You're missing out!!!!!!

 

[HBarlow]

You're missing out!!!!!!

I don't doubt you. HD is the oldest American motorcycle manufacturer and tens of thousands of them are on the road. I know I'm missing something. Perhaps its the sound?

 

[RonD]

I think Harvey needs a nice Toy Hauler

 

[HBarlow]

No, a Goldwing is a very comfortable touring machine. I'll spend five or six days on the road riding to New England, a little more than a week riding through all the New England states, then another six days riding home by a different route.

Riding is a big part of the fun. The destination is only part of the pleasure.

 

[GCroyle]

Riding is a big part of the fun. The destination is only part of the pleasure.

Ex GL1200 owner & GWRRA Member, Silverwing, RD400D, K125 Hercules, Husky 250CR and former Motor Safety Foundation RSS Instructor in Ohio.



My . 02$.



Some folks like chunky peanut butter, others like smooth peanut butter.



Enjoy the road safely, its all good.



Gary