2012 Max Tow

[RonD]

I will do a little looking around when I do the first service on my 2012, I think I know what they did, but is only speculation at this time. When they went to the programable function on the EVIC for the 4 different brake requirements, I suspect there is a sensor in the hydraulic system that provides information to the controller. Brake Smart has a fluid line that goes to the controller, in the OE controller, my guess the sensor is in the hydraulic system, then is connected with electronics to the controller, the question where is the sensor?, I will find it, mine has no delay on the trailer brakes at all, so something is there.

 

[HBarlow]

If there is absolutely no delay between tow and towed vehicle brake application and they can be synchronized to work together as a unit that does sound encouraging that Ram has used a brake line pressure sensor to activate the trailer brakes.

 

[RustyJC]

I will do a little looking around when I do the first service on my 2012, I think I know what they did, but is only speculation at this time. When they went to the programable function on the EVIC for the 4 different brake requirements, I suspect there is a sensor in the hydraulic system that provides information to the controller.

As I mentioned, a likely place to look for pressure transducers would be in the ABS system. Continental supplies both the brake controller and the ABS system.



Rusty

 

[Don]

Gosh, when I posted this a couple of weeks ago I didn't know it was going to be such a big deal. I just stated what I found with my new truck. Maybe I should have at least tried the OEM controller, but I didn't have time before heading south. I do know I like what I have and it would be hard to improve it.

Don

 

[Slow Six]

It was no mistake putting in the Max Brake and I don't think you can improve on it. That being said I think I will be good with the integrated controller. Where did you mount the Max Brake?

 

[Don]

I mounted it next to the console below my right knee. I thought it might get in the way, but it is no problem.
Don

 

[Bob4x4]

From the fsm

Automatic Braking

The Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) is powered with an ignition ON voltage source and has a single ground connection. The ITBM communicates on the CAN Bus for vehicle speed signal, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) active signal and the VIN information. There is also a hard wired brake switch input into the ITBM. The ITBM uses this information along with an internal accelerometer to determine how much braking to apply to the trailer brakes. The output is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) circuit for control of trailer braking intensity during stops. The ratio between vehicle braking and trailer braking is adjusted by the user with the plus/minus (±) switch on the face of the module. The ITBM is used to control the trailer brakes based on the deceleration reading of the vehicle and will send the output to control the trailer brakes only when a trailer connection is recognized. If a trailer is not connected to the vehicle, the ITBM output will be disabled.

 

[RonD]

Great information, and from a reliable source, I am glad we now have a well designed Controller, thanks for setting the record straight Bob.

 

[RustyJC]

Yep, at least now we know and don't have to speculate.



Rusty

 

[Brianpump]

Trailer Life September 2011

I am surprised with so many RV people posting on the brake subject that no one saw the article on a new controller that uses only information from the can bus obd connection and a hand held fine adjustment control. Tuson Direct link controller comes in two models one for all electric and elec/hydraulc systems and the other works with a special antilock system they sell for the trailer brakes. Good results were shown. Web site Home. Has many desirable features such as being able to put the control head almost anywhare. I have a max brake and love ot but this may be interesting for a few.

 

[HBarlow]

From the fsm
Automatic Braking
The Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) is powered with an ignition ON voltage source and has a single ground connection. The ITBM communicates on the CAN Bus for vehicle speed signal, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) active signal and the VIN information. There is also a hard wired brake switch input into the ITBM. The ITBM uses this information along with an internal accelerometer to determine how much braking to apply to the trailer brakes. The output is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) circuit for control of trailer braking intensity during stops. The ratio between vehicle braking and trailer braking is adjusted by the user with the plus/minus (±) switch on the face of the module. The ITBM is used to control the trailer brakes based on the deceleration reading of the vehicle and will send the output to control the trailer brakes only when a trailer connection is recognized. If a trailer is not connected to the vehicle, the ITBM output will be disabled.

Emphasis is mine.

Bob's post confirmed what I suspected. The Ram OEM controller is nothing more than a more sophisticated version of the poor performing inertia-activated controllers. I have tried several of them and none were effective.

I will contine to tout the merits of the BrakeSmart and MaxBrake controllers.

I would not purchase an OEM integrated controller and if I purchased a new truck equipped with one I would disable it and use my BrakeSmart.

No thanks, Ram.

 

[HBarlow]

I am surprised with so many RV people posting on the brake subject that no one saw the article on a new controller that uses only information from the can bus obd connection and a hand held fine adjustment control. Tuson Direct link controller comes in two models one for all electric and elec/hydraulc systems and the other works with a special antilock system they sell for the trailer brakes. Good results were shown. Web site Home. Has many desirable features such as being able to put the control head almost anywhare. I have a max brake and love ot but this may be interesting for a few.

Brian,

I cancelled my subscription to Trailer Life years ago. It is all color photos and advertising.

Until and unless hydraulic brake line pressure is measured and available on the CANBUS the Tuson controller will be nothing more than a sophisticated inertia-activated controller like Bob's post above describes the Ram OEM integrated controller.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Reember the nay-sayers about my comment about 8 speed with cummins pretty soon. Well have you read the reports on the 8 speed for the 1500 in 2013? The cummins is next.

 

[HBarlow]

I'll believe you when I see the eight speed in a Ram 3500 behind a Cummins. The little crappy 1500 with a hemi is a very different application.

Actually, I would remain skeptical and would not want one personally until it had been in use behind a Cummins for two or three years.

 

[CUMMINZ]

At this point I have not seen ads for the Hemi with 8 speed. The ad is for a new 3. 7L engine. You'll see ads next year for the 8 speed cummins.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Has anyone tried a 2012 brake control module in a 2011? Chrysler rep at May Madness said they are different part numbers, he asked the engineers and they were not sure if it would show all 4 settings on the EVIC to show up since it was possibly programed differently. Mine works ok, my Dads works great. Yes Harvey he has had Kelsey Hayes and other brake line type of controllers. He said his works far better than anything else he has vver used. That is what I want, I really don't want to have an add on anything if I don't have to. Yes I do know the Max Brake is a great unit also! I talked to Dutch and Di the Max Brake sales people at May Madness. Nice people! I will buy one from them if I can't make mine a 2012 system.
RustyJC I see you have a 2011 also, what are your thoughts?

 

[RustyJC]

My thoughts are that I would LOVE to have the adjustability that the 2012 controller has. I don't recall hearing any complaints about the 2012 controller, whereas my "one size fits all" 2011 is adjusted at 9. 5 with my 16K gvwr 5th wheel, and I'd like some more!



Rusty

 

[Bob4x4]

Reember the nay-sayers about my comment about 8 speed with cummins pretty soon. Well have you read the reports on the 8 speed for the 1500 in 2013? The cummins is next.

A trans designed to be used behind a 3. 6l gas engine is quite a bit different than what the 6. 7 requires

 

[CUMMINZ]

No doubt but it shows DC is moving in that direction.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My thoughts are that I would LOVE to have the adjustability that the 2012 controller has. I don't recall hearing any complaints about the 2012 controller, whereas my "one size fits all" 2011 is adjusted at 9. 5 with my 16K gvwr 5th wheel, and I'd like some more!



Rusty

When I get home from our winter vacation I will swap with my Dad, he has a 2012. He has his set somewhere around 5 or 6 and he loves his. I sure hope it works. You would think someone else has wanted this mod.

Looks like you have a similar setup what kind of mileage are you getting towing?

What is your combined wt?



Thanks