Brake assistance

[Loren]

Tom (tarnett),



I also have a BrakeSmart controller, and I agree that it is the best there has ever been, although I haven’t tried the new MaxBrake that Harvey mentions. I have also ridden motorcycles for many years (a few more than you - I suspect I’m a bit older than you are), although I don’t see how that really relates to trailer brakes.



I have seen 1600 psi on my BrakeSmart screen, but only when I was parked and stood on the brake pedal just to see how high it would go. I think that the 1600 psi is the pressure in the truck’s brake system that the BrakeSmart is sensing. It is obviously not the trailer brake system’s pressure, since when I did that test I didn’t have a trailer connected.



I am not making any comment on how much delay any electric over hydraulic system has, I am merely using the delay times you provided to calculate how far you will travel in that amount of time.



My trailers have standard drum brakes that are powered by electromagnets. This has been the standard brake system for trailers for years and years. There is essentially no delay. I suspect that it would be measured in hundredths of a second.



In spite of the fast delay time for electromagnetic drum brakes, I am considering specifying electric over hydraulic disk brakes on our next RV trailer. This would be because of the superior braking performance that disks should provide.



– Loren

 

[HBarlow]

I have a BrakeSmart also, was one of the early owner/users, but best I can determine the MaxBrake functions identically to the BrakeSmart and is the only one available now so I recommend the MaxBrake. The original, the BrakeSmart, has a nicer control box and more features but if a new buyer can't buy one it doesn't matter much.

 

[jryan11518]

Backing in Reverse

Can anyone tell me if the max break has issues when backing down a boat ramp? Years ago I would have problems with brakes locking up on the boat ramp? thanks

 

[HBarlow]

No, it does not have any issues. The BrakeSmart or MaxBrake will mimic your right foot on the truck service brake, no less, no more. If you brake the truck gently, the MaxBrake will do the same. It will not lock up your trailer brakes unless you really stomp hard on the truck brake pedal.