Best Brake Controller?

[R.E. Miller]

Opinion time, I need to buy a brake controller because in another month I will be purchasing a 20' enclosed pace trailer with either 10,000gvw or 7000gvw. What do you all think? Thanks alot!

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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually 3. 5" straight pipe(thanks jardine!)
W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing, DI pyro&boost
Russell

 

[Rambling]

R. E. , I think 'best' is like 'beauty'... it's in the eye of the beholder. #ad


However, I've enjoyed my Jordan Ultima 2020 controller for two years. No it's not one of the infamous name brands but it works the way I want a controller to work.

The Ultima 2020 is made by Jordan Research. The Ultima utilizes a Bowden like cable that is attached to the brake pedal of the tow vehicle. It applies electric breaking pressure proportional to the travel of the break pedal. When the tow vehicle brake is pressed, the cable's inner control wire moves a variable resistor in the controller. The amount the brake pedal moves determines the amount of current applied to the trailer brakes. This makes the controller brake action response match the tow vehicle. In an emergency, when you nail the tow vehicle's brakes the trailer brakes as hard as you have set the maximum brake response on the controller. There is no delay in applying the trailer brakes. During a long gradual breaking, such as coming to a stop behind traffic at a red light or a long grade, when you apply light break pressure the trailer does the same. It never creeps up to full braking. It's fairly easy to install and the setup takes only a couple minutes on some clean dry and level pavement. This is the closest thing to the older style hydraulic/electric controller of days gone by. This type was installed in the brake hydraulic line of the tow vehicle and the brake pedal pressure determined the braking force. The Ultima 2020 is a little pricey but IMO I have better control of the trailer braking action. I had two panic stops on my return trip from Florida. One was on a rain wet road and the other was on dry pavement. I have not had to change the controller setting except tweeking it a bit when I 'calibrate' it before a trip. It's easy to 'calibrate' as there is only one thing to set... maximum amount of current to the trailer brakes. Turn it down if you think things are a little slippery. Turn it backup to the original digital readout when it's dry. It's that easy. Installation is only limited to the a position that doesn't make sharp turns in the cable.

Below are some links you might find useful.
http://24. 4. 158. 191/Dodge/Ultima/Ultima.html
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=589847&a=4880909
http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/finisterre/1228/jorjan/id19.htm Ultima 2020
http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/finisterre/1228/jorjan/id18.htm

What ever you decide will be the right decision for you.

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<font color=#990000>~<font color=#990000> '99 2500 SLT <font color=#990000> ~ QC ~ 4X4 ~ LB ~ Auto ~ 4:10 LSD ~
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> BD E-brake<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> BD Autolock<font color=#00000> *<font color=#990000> Gear Vendor OD<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Jordan Research 2020 T-brake <font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Bullhide spray-in Line <font color=#000000>*
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> 2k Komfort 5'er - 9,700 lbs <font color=#000000> *
<font size=-2>... Lookin' for the 'RE' to go in front of my 'TIRED' so's I got more time to Play!... <font size=-1>

[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 02-28-2001). ]

 

[Jumbo Jet]

The best is the one that satisifes you the best.

I have a Kelsey Micro Control HD PLus - handles 2-4-6-8 electric brakes. Mfgr. is Hayes Wheels International, Inc. Cost about $100.

I have had to panic stop with it, and couldn't ask for a better controller.

The "Micro" means it has almost infinite settings.

Follow instructions to the letter and it is easy to setup.

[This message has been edited by Jumbo Jet (edited 02-28-2001). ]

 

[R.E. Miller]

Thanks guys you are both right, Jordan Ultima 2020 sound real smart. My dump truck has an old kelsy that works fine. Just thought I'd see what the heavy haulers are using. #ad

 

[Chris Mullen]

I vote for the Jordan unit. Only one that I found comes close to the old hydrolic units. Just put one on my '95 2500, everything behind the dash. Only thing you see is the face of the controller in the place where the ashtray used to be. Had to do a 360 with the cable but no binding! I'm in Fairfax (about 30 min) if you want to see. Unit will operate up to six brakes.

Jordan's web site is clunky, best to call (800) 533-0306. Jordan will most likely answer - a real character!

good luck

 

[Chris Mullen]

I vote for the Jordan unit. Only one that I found comes close to the old hydrolic units. Just put one on my '95 2500, everything behind the dash. Only thing you see is the face of the controller in the place where the ashtray used to be. Had to do a 360 with the cable but no binding! I'm in Fairfax (about 30 min) if you want to see. Unit will operate up to six brakes.

Jordan's web site is clunky, best to call (800) 533-0306. Jordan will most likely answer - a real character!

good luck

 

[R.E. Miller]

Thanks for the info guys. Chris, I think that the pictures that Rattlin posted will work good enough for a desision thanks though. Got to get the old girl on line for hauling #ad