another brake controller

[WSutt]

is anyone using the Tekonsha P3? I've heard all the opinions on the Brakesmart and Maxbrake models just want to see my options before spending my well earned $

 

[jelag]

I use the Brakesmart on my trucks but will change to the MaxBrake with new truck purchases... We tow all the time...

The key to the 2 mentioned is that they both read hydraulic pressure with a pressure transducer and apply electric power based on this pressure... In a panic stop you do get full electric brake application NOW...

The other controllers don't measure pressure... just the movement of weight and can be slower to react... Now the real question is how much you tow and where you tow...

If you tow 2-5 times a year in the country and on the interstate than almost any unit will work for you... .

If you tow heavy, (our big trailer is 20K) tow a lot, and tow in heavy traffic where any stupid guy is going to pull in front of you and slow down than I'd want the best...

I'm sure that there are a lot of guys who tow like I do, that will say the same thing. .

 

[Jim W]

is anyone using the Tekonsha P3? I've heard all the opinions on the Brakesmart and Maxbrake models just want to see my options before spending my well earned $

This is what I use the Tekonsha P3 brake controller. I am happy with this unit and this meets my functional spec's for towing. I tow a 5er mostly on the flat lands ( IL). We tow about once a month during the camping season and two to three weeks in the summer. When the wife gets to take her vacation. The unit will respond in the required braking distance that I require. I am towing a 11K GCVW 5er with a model year 2008, 2500HD, 68RFE and the exhaust brake on when towing. I never drive over 65 MPH usually 60. I just do not feel comfortable with this much mass to do over 65 MPH.

Just my $0. 02

 

[CKelley1]

i pulled the tekonsha p3 off and am running a smartbrake in its place i will never use anything but smartbrake or max brake again. i have a good source for both and after you use one you will never use any thing else.

 

[DickG]

I too had a P-3, but after some guy pulled out in front of me in LA. , I changed to the Brake Smart & would never go back! I do not have to worry about rather the trailer brakes will work now!! It thinks for me faster than I can think!!

 

[Dutch & Di]

We use and sell the Max Brake. I thought I would never find a brake controller better than our Jordan Ultima 2020 but this one wins hands down. We've been using it since January and have traveled almost 3,000 miles hooked up since then without a misstep. Just set it and forget it. We don't have to change setting when we switch driving. Hugs, Diana

 

[Grizzly]

I'm sure happy I went with a BrakeSmart. I've tried other brands, but they don't even come close. Spend the extra money. You'll be glad you did.

 

[HBarlow]

The folks who love their "xxxxxxxx" brake controllers have simply never towed a large trailer with a BrakeSmart or MaxBrake. There is no comparison.

 

[6speed]

Just installed my Maxbrake, after having those other worthless contollers. I have towed about every type of trailer there is and the Maxbrake is more than I expected and I had some high expectations. It is so smooth. I adjusted the gain according the instructions and found it was to much. Once its set or calibrated your done. I have only towed with it about 20 miles and in that short time it has made a believer out of me. I wanted a Brakesmart, but the transducers were backordered and I needed something now. But either the Brakesmart or Maxbrake are the only way to go.

 

[LBARTLETT]

on the Brakesmart or MaxBrake do you have to adjust regarding what you are towing? for example 6,000 lbs versus 15,000 lbs or is "set" set?



I bought a Prodigy trying to save $$$$$ but am not happy with it hauling heavy!



Thanks

 

[6speed]

No you don't. Once its set/calibrated you're done. The only thing I had to do was adjust the gain. The instructions give you a starting point, and then you fine adjust that first time and then its done, no matter what trailer your towing.

 

[DMcGalliard]

I have used Brakesmart since 05 and i have been completely happy. What I like about it is it self adjusting, don't have to keep messing with it and it remembers each trailer you hook to if you set it up right.
Dave Mc

 

[LBARTLETT]

thanks for the info. , I'm going to order either a brakesmart or a maxbrake and give my son the prodigy to pull his boat

 

[Adventure Bob]

Ok so I've looked at the Max Brake and Brake Smart, and other than the Brake Smart being a true proportional controller tied to your service brakes (always best); What makes the Max brake so much better than any other accelerometer based proportional controller?

 

[Mark31]

I have a P3 that I like pretty well. I tow mostly flat land and rural. Ole Harv says the reason I like it is because I've never used a Brakesmart or Maxbrake! I have to reset between electric and electric/hydraulic brakes and adjust according to load/trailer. It WILL brake my loaded 16k gooseneck (elc/hydrl with 3" [Ithink] shoes). It will have to do for now, no more than I tow. But sooner or later, I want to upgrade. If you have to buy one, buy the Bsmart or Maxb. Mark

 

[HBarlow]

Ok so I've looked at the Max Brake and Brake Smart, and other than the Brake Smart being a true proportional controller tied to your service brakes (always best); What makes the Max brake so much better than any other accelerometer based proportional controller?

Both BrakeSmart and MaxBrake tap into the hydraulic brake line with a small pressure sensor (transducer) that measures brake line pressure and provides a proportional electrical signal out in response to hydraulic pressure. MaxBrake is not inertia based as most other popular controllers are.

 

[Crash&Burn]

Ok so I've looked at the Max Brake and Brake Smart, and other than the Brake Smart being a true proportional controller tied to your service brakes (always best); What makes the Max brake so much better than any other accelerometer based proportional controller?

The Max Brake is just like the Brake Smart... it uses a transducer mounted to the master cylinder.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Ok so I've looked at the Max Brake and Brake Smart, and other than the Brake Smart being a true proportional controller tied to your service brakes (always best); What makes the Max brake so much better than any other accelerometer based proportional controller?

I agree with the above posts plus the Max Brake has a better price tag on it and we have them in stock. Diana

 

[5ducksinadodge]

I installed my maxbrake and used it the first trip and I have to say that it's awesome. It's smooth and glass and just a good as my former brakesmart. It was a cinch to install in my 09, the only hard part was finding a routing through the firewall. I drilled a hole in the carbon fiber plate that was just to the left of the steering column and back filled it with a rubber material in a squeeze tube.