brake controler

[jlferrier]

the dodge intergrated trailer brake control are they worth the money?

does anybody have one and what are your thoughts?

thanks jim

 

[jelag]

Jim

There are several threads here about brake controllers...

I like a brake controller that see's the hydraulic pressure and based on that pressure applies the electric brakes accordingly... We have several trucks and several trailers and tow up to 20K with a 3500 dually. .

If your just doing this one in a while than one of the other controllers that is less expensive might function well for your needs...

I see your new to the TDR... . actually a member since 06 but only 4 posts... give us more information and I'm sure we can give you more and better help...

 

[jlferrier]

looking at buying new truck and it had the controler in it will be towing 35 ft 5th wheel toy hauler loaded.

 

[jelag]

Jim

I'm not aware of Dodge offering a factory installed controller the way Ford does... The hydraulic one we offer sells to TDR members for $350...

My last new truck was an 08 5500 and that feature wasn't offered... just a tow package that included wiring and hitch with the connector cable for a controller. .

How much is the integrated unit??

My thought is that your going to want something on the upper end to support a heavy 35 footer. .

 

[Simplysmn]

Yes the 2010's have the brake controller from factory built into dash

 

[HBarlow]

I read a test report on a new 2010 Dodge Ram HD in Trailer Life magazine this week. The article stated the new Dodge integrated brake controller is an inertia-activated controller, not a controller that senses and responds to brake pedal pressure.

In plain language this effort is worse than useless. Dodge engineers should have read TDR posts regarding trailer brake controllers.

Inertia-based controllers are useless for heavy trailer towing but being integrated into the Dodge system the controller adds to the purchase price, is designed into the dash panel, and will have to be defused or otherwise inactivated for a serious trailer hauler to install a real brake controller like a BrakeSmart or MaxBrake. Therefore, IMO, the new integrated brake controller is worse than useless.

I am stating this opinion based on what I read in a trailer industry magazine. I have not seen or driven a new Ram HD myself so don't know with certainty that whoever wrote the article (I didn't check the author's name) was correct.

 

[jlferrier]

thanks for the feed back usless was my thought also thaks

 

[jlferrier]

the unit was 230. but found an 09 to look at so will not have that option will go with max brake for towing thanks

 

[DennyDay]

the new Dodge integrated brake controller is an inertia-activated controller, not a controller that senses and responds to brake pedal pressure.



In plain language this effort is worse than useless. Dodge engineers should have read TDR posts regarding trailer brake controllers.



I am stating this opinion based on what I read in a trailer industry magazine. I have not seen or driven a new Ram HD myself so don't know with certainty that whoever wrote the article (I didn't check the author's name) was correct.

Harvey - - You are right on the money with your comments.

 

[Grizzly]

It comes as standard equipped on the Big Horn and the Lone Star Pkg, according to Kelley Blue Book. It's listed at $196 invoice. Must be the same as the Furd, which I wouldn't want.