MaxBrake Installation

[Roscoe14]

Just received and installed my MaxBrake controller. For those contemplating purhcasing and installing one, I can honestly say that this is one of the easiest add-ons I have ever completed. I received the controller four days (quick!) after ordering from Dutch and Diana's website. The installation was very easy, made even easier because my previous brake controller is a Prodigy. The MaxBrake uses the same power plug... ..... perfect! Used the same mounting holes and power plug. I've heard of folks using soup cans to help bend the tubing for the pressure selenoid, I used the fencepost on my chain link fence, smaller diameter, sharper bend yet no kinks. On graveyards for another three days... . can't wait to hook up the fiver and try it out before vacation in three weeks!!Oo.

 

[DAN V]

congrats

You will not be disappointed!! I installed mine a couple of months ago on my rig. Just used the other day to take a load of trash in to the dump with my 18' flatbed. Truck stops like I am not even connected to trailer. Not sure what my gain is set on but I don't think I will need to touch it. Only had one problem when I first installed the fitting at the Master Cylinder but was soon fixed. This thing is amazing! Makes me think I don't even need to buy a Pacbrake!!

 

[chipster]

Bought my maxbrake from Dutch & Di also and your spot on with it being amazing ! Your thoughts on not needing a Pacbrake might need to be re-visited imho. once you have the pb you'll never want to leave home without it, towing or not. Just my opinion based on my experience with both products.
happy trails,
chip

 

[DAN V]

Chip, I know about the Pacbrake, I was just commenting on how good this Maxbrake is. LOL. If I am going to spend that kind of money on a Pacbrake I would rather have a "newer" truck with all the bells and whistles like the '10 to '12 trucks. I had a '11 and loved it but had to get rid of it for budget reasons. Maybe someday I will get back into a 4th gen.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You will not be disappointed!! I installed mine a couple of months ago on my rig. Just used the other day to take a load of trash in to the dump with my 18' flatbed. Truck stops like I am not even connected to trailer. Not sure what my gain is set on but I don't think I will need to touch it. Only had one problem when I first installed the fitting at the Master Cylinder but was soon fixed. This thing is amazing! Makes me think I don't even need to buy a Pacbrake!!

You still need a PacBrake!

 

[HBarlow]

You still need a PacBrake!

I agree that you also need an exhaust brake. Brand is your choice.

I assume you have a built transmission capable of locking the torque converter. If not you definitely do not want an exhaust brake.

 

[DAN V]

I know I need a Pacbrake. I am trying to hold off on doing little as possible to my truck as I only plan/hope to keep it a few years and upgrade to a "newer" 4th gen but a used one. I really like the Laramie LH. Those are sweet trucks.

 

[Roscoe14]

Well..... hooked up the Cougar and took it for a first time run with the MaxBrake installed. Works great!! Very satisfied. The instructions recommended staring with an initial setting of 40 for the gain control. Holy driveway lock-up batman! Glad I experimented in my driveway before the open road, I've got mine dialed down to 18 to provide smooth (but still noticible) braking. Is this normal to be set so low?

 

[HBarlow]

Well..... hooked up the Cougar and took it for a first time run with the MaxBrake installed. Works great!! Very satisfied. The instructions recommended staring with an initial setting of 40 for the gain control. Holy driveway lock-up batman! Glad I experimented in my driveway before the open road, I've got mine dialed down to 18 to provide smooth (but still noticible) braking. Is this normal to be set so low?

Depends on weight of trailer, effectiveness of your trailer brakes, etc.

Try experimenting by adjusting it up to a larger gain setting and applying brakes until trailer brakes are clearly leading truck brakes then back gain down until braking feels like one unit.

 

[jhenderson]

I run a GN dump trailer with a gvw of 18,500. Max Brake on 7 empty and 18 loaded.

 

[Dutch & Di]

It is completely normal to have your sensitivity low and/or lower.
We recommend that when calibrating your Max Brake you start at 40-45 but once calibration is finished set the sensitivity/gain at 29 for hydraulic brakes. Hook her up and go down the road. Stop as you normally would, no need to slam on the brakes. Keep adjusting down until you feel no trailer brake then increase by 2 or 3 until you just feel the trailer. You should be set
For trailers with electric drum brakes set calibration as above then start the sensitivity/gain at 35 to 45 and do the same thing.

We have our sensitivity at 11 and our Dodge pulls our 38'triple axle Carriage 5th wheel and stopping is a dream. Di

Well..... hooked up the Cougar and took it for a first time run with the MaxBrake installed. Works great!! Very satisfied. The instructions recommended staring with an initial setting of 40 for the gain control. Holy driveway lock-up batman! Glad I experimented in my driveway before the open road, I've got mine dialed down to 18 to provide smooth (but still noticible) braking. Is this normal to be set so low?

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have the Hydraulic Disk brakes on our Mobile Suites, I started at 29 played around then ended at 29. Adjust until you feel like you are stopping without a trailer attached.

 

[jwduke]

I went to O'Rilley's for a demonstration of their tubing bender... . worked great! I REALLY like my Max Brake too, better than my Jordan Ultima, and I thought it was GREAT!

 

[Cummins12V98]

No need for a tubing bender. Just hold brake line in both hands with thumbs towards each other and push with thumbs and squeeze with fingers slowly moving along line to make curve desired, very easy!

 

[Roscoe14]

Thanks for the feed-back folks. I'm highly impressed with this product and will continue to recommend it. Thanks!!