2012 brake control

[Don]

Since my truck was new I have used a Max Brake Control however it is not working properly and I must activate my factory control. I have two questions, one for 2012 owners and the other about Max Brake Control.
What options do I have on. The integrated control? I have electric over hydraulic on my 5er if there is that option.
Is there anyone who is repairing the Max Brake Control units? Mine is letting a small amount of current pass when there should be none.
Thanks,
Don

 

[Loren]

Don,

I don’t know if the MaxBrake works the same as the BrakeSmart, but I may have information that will help you. You may know that the MaxBrake is another unit that uses the same principle as the BrakeSmart, with a transducer in the truck’s brake line to send a pressure signal to the trailer brake controller.

I was an early adapter to the BrakeSmart and don’t regret it at all. I did have some growing pains with my BrakeSmart however. Several of the first units I installed failed. The typical failure mode involved the controller sending a small (about 50 psi) signal to the trailer brakes and simultaneously turning on the brake lights on the trailer and the truck. (All of the failed units were replaced immediately by BrakeSmart. Great company. I’m sorry they’re not still making controllers.)

Some of the units I got could not be fixed without returning them to BrakeSmart, but at least one of them would work if I removed the fuse in the BrakeSmart unit itself. Removing the fuse solved the problem, but also prevented the BrakeSmart from illuminating the trailer brake lights if I applied the trailer brakes by using the button on the BrakeSmart. If I stepped on the truck’s service (regular) brakes the brake lights worked normally. I could easily live with that situation.

If your MaxBrake has a fuse, I suggest you remove it and try it again. This may, I emphasize MAY, solve your problem. If the MaxBrake is as perfect a controller as my BrakeSmart is, it would be a shame to lose it.

Good luck,
– Loren

 

[Slow Six]

You do have the option for electric over hydraulic. Go into the EVIC to find it. I kept the Max Brake from my 03 when I got my 2012 but sold it after using the integrated system. My fiver is electric over hydraulic.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Don

I am curious did you ever use the built in controller? Most people who have say the built in works as well as the MaxBrake. I installed the MaxBrake because the 11 controller is marginal at best.

 

[Don]

On my truck I only have electric option in the EVIC there must have been a change later in the model year. I tried the factory controler and it only worked the trailer brakes on manual. Still looking for another Max Brake. In the mean time I've installed a Curt that seems to work but I miss my Max Brake!

 

[Cummins12V98]

On my truck I only have electric option in the EVIC there must have been a change later in the model year. I tried the factory controler and it only worked the trailer brakes on manual. Still looking for another Max Brake. In the mean time I've installed a Curt that seems to work but I miss my Max Brake!

Have you had the dealer look into this? Reason I ask is my Dad got one of the first 12's he picked his truck up on LaborDay weekend 2011 and his controller has all the options..

 

[sag2]

It might be worth stopping by a dealer and just have them scan and see if there is a software update for you brake controller. If you have it scanned, take a jump drive with you and have them save a "Vehicle Scan Report" for you on the jump drive. Then you will have a record of the software levels in every module in the truck for future reference.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Hi Don, We sold the Max Brakes for 5 years. If you have current when there should be none, you might have a bent lever. There are a few things we could try while you are at the truck to see if we can get it working. There are several steps and I have one option if it does turn out to be a bent lever. We are on the east coast and are moving to another area tomorrow but if you wish to call me at 941-416-0918 10 am to 10 pm 7 days a week, we can discuss some possibilities. We have hydraulic over electric and never had any problems.
Our 2014 came with the integrated controller and Dutch is very happy with it. I'm not quite on board so I still have our original MB --just in case. If I remember right and I'm sure I have paperwork on it, you must remove the MB if you are going to activate the integrated controller. You cannot have two controllers running at the same time or you will have major problems. Give me a call if you wish. Hugs, Di

Since my truck was new I have used a Max Brake Control however it is not working properly and I must activate my factory control. I have two questions, one for 2012 owners and the other about Max Brake Control.
What options do I have on. The integrated control? I have electric over hydraulic on my 5er if there is that option.
Is there anyone who is repairing the Max Brake Control units? Mine is letting a small amount of current pass when there should be none.
Thanks,
Don