Brake Controllers

[6speed]

I don't know what you consider full time RV'ers. But I am going somewhere at least 2x a month. When I had the Tekonsha (spelling) it worked fine for a small 20' or a small car hauler. But now I am towing this 46' er that probably weights in about 14k alone and I want what has been tried and experienced. Yes money is a concern, but I think my life and my equipment are worth that few extra dollars. I didn't start this thread to get people aggravated, so everyone, lets get along. This forum has a wealth of info, and I appreciate everyones input.

 

[DennyDay]

When I was a young sailor and one of us young guys complained about something the old chiefs told us "life is tough and then you die. "

Seems to me I had a Gunny give me the same talk . . . . about 50 years ago - - - Those word must be in a manual some where!







Denny



Pst - - I won't call you a Squid if you don't call me a Jar Head!

 

[RVTRKN]

max brake and brake smart are for those who tow for a living, im not paying 500 dollars for a controller that sits unused for 7 months out of the year. tekonsha has been around before some of these other companys where even thought of, if you know how to set them up, they work fine. They can slow or panic stop a 15k 5er without a problem, if set wrong, then we think they are junk. prodigy is good as well, every manufacturer has there claims, just use what works for you, don't follow the hype on a specific product. But im not saying brakesmart and the others don't work, they may work great, its what works great for you and your family. remember, a brake controller is to slow your trailer, not to stop your truck at every light. the primus IQ is self leveling, and has a 15 year warranty.

I own both, the Prodigy (2500) and the Brakesmart (3500), and the prodigy is a good controller and I trust it enough to haul my Arctic Fox 5ver. But, I will not buy another Prodigy and if I need to replace it, it will be replaced with the Brakesmart controller. safety Safety safety The extra cost will pay for itself with the first panic stop. A friend of mine just bought the prodigy and he likes it over his (cheapest) old controller he had before it, it is a cheaper alternative to the brakesmart controller, but at what price do you value your safety.



You are correct about the trailer brakes not stopping the truck, but they are engineered to the axle rating on the trailer to stop/slow your trailer, and if your signal is delayed, your truck has to take the full weight of the combination of weight. When you apply pressure to your brakes with the Brakesmart controller, it is sending the signal to your trailer brakes at the same time, so there is no delay in the signal.

 

[EForbes]

I don't mind if someone disagrees with me, not at all, Maxbrake is is sweet, saw video on you tube, rec for any trailer over 20k. works with air brakes too. Everyone should have a maxbrake, or if you can find one a brakesmart. Hooks up to your brake master cylinder, and reads real time hydro pressure, but then sends electric signal to trailer brakes. Thanks RVTRKN i think i may order asap.

 

[BILLUA]

Mark another vote for the Brakesmart...

 

[6speed]

Well I called Dr. Performance and I am on the list to get one. They are back ordered for the transducers. I really wanted by for this up coming week so I could take my time for the install. I was able to drive a rig the other day and was very impressed with the Brakesmart that he had, however he was not near as heavy as I am. After reading the website on the functions of it, it looks like I am going to have more functions than I will be able to use. But anyway for all you that chimed in I appreciate the input. Guess I will just have to wait for this as I have for all the other toys.

 

[rubberneck]

it will be worth the wait, i installed one on my truck about 4 or 5 years ago, and since that time every person in my family and several neighbors have replaced their old units with brakesmart units. Once somebody pulls with a brakesmart, they will wonder why they didnt get it sooner. If Dr. P offered a try before you buy, i doubt they would get many back, they just work that well. IMHO

 

[5ducksinadodge]

Maxbrake controller

I had a Brakesmart controller on my 2004 and liked it alot. I have a time crunch, and need a controller before the 16th of this month. I am thinking I will try the Maxbrake this time due to the order problems with Brakesmart. The seem to be a like product and I was wondering if anyone on this forum that has a Maxbrake, please respond by pm or email, or reply so everyone else can read. Thanks

 

[HBarlow]

I haven't used a MaxBrake controller but it is designed around the same concept and function as the forerunner, the BrakeSmart. If you are unable or unwilling to wait for a BrakeSmart I'd buy the MaxBrake. It probably works equally well.

SouthWest Wheel is an excellent source.

 

[jelag]

Dr Performance is giving you a line... . a common transducer like that should be on the shelf in many cities... I own a brake smart and really like it... but the pricing has made it a thing of the past... I'd buy the MaxBrake now because it has the same features and benefits but is price far less...

Harvey is right, call Southwest and order it... you can't go wrong...

 

[DennyDay]

A buddy of mine bought a Maxbrake right after SW Wheel announced them. He hauls a 5th wheel behind F350 with a 7. 3. Sez' for first time he is happy with his brake controller. Took off a Prodigy he had used for a couple of years. He said the Maxbrake feels like it is connected to the brakes the way old Kelsey-Hayes operated. Said the sensor in the brake line is like a strain gage, the harder you apply the brakes, the more electric brakes you get. Also advises this winter he is going to convert the trailer to electric over hydraulic disk brakes.



By the way - - Southwest Wheel is one of the few companies that have customer service like Geno's Garage!



Denny

 

[Dutch & Di]

As a Dodge owner, TDR member, May Madness fan, we are also vendors for Max Brake and other products. We too pride ourselves on great customer service. PM me if you'd like more info about us. Diana

 

[5ducksinadodge]

Thanks everyone for the replys and great answers. I plan to order today online from southwest wheel as they have free shipping and great customer service. I did talk to them yesterday briefly to find out about a harness, only to find it was included in the kit. The last brake controller i purchased required it to be ordered separately. Been watching the install utube video, and it looks as simple as the brakesmart i had on my last dodge. thanks again for the help. .

 

[odinjunior]

Hmmmm - wonder what he's been smokin'?



Well since you asked, I was moving mobile homes in 1961 after I got out of the service, and yes, they had electric brakes on them there trailer houses. (We were refered to as 'Shanty Shakers' on those new 21 channel CB's)





Denny

The CB I had back in the 70's had 23 channels. When did the change from 21 to 23 happen?

 

[DennyDay]

The CB I had back in the 70's had 23 channels. When did the change from 21 to 23 happen?

You are right about the 23 channel, the first one I had was crystal controlled, with 5 channels. You had to purchase the channels you wanted. It came with channel 9. Can't remember the manufacturer, but the mike was a tear drop affair perminatly attached to the radio, and the hanger was a loop you dropped the mike into. Maybe somebody will have an idea if its important.

 

[Crash&Burn]

Just took our first trip with the MaxBrake... . smoooooth.

The $350 bullet is tough, but this controller will go to my NEXT truck and next ect. ect.

 

[DennyDay]

Just took our first trip with the MaxBrake... . smoooooth.

The $350 bullet is tough, but this controller will go to my NEXT truck and next ect. ect.

Shure glad you are happy with the MaxBrake after I made my feelings about it known, and somebody told me I didn't know what I was talking about! Oh well, I stand by my comments, I think it is one of the best new brake controlers on the market today.



Denny:-{}

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have the Jordon 2020 and happy with it when I can I believe in the KISS principle. When it goes will probably go the the MaxBrake.

 

[6speed]

I called Dr Performance yesterday to follow up on the Brakesmart and they have no idea when they will get the transducers for the units. I was told 2 weeks ago to check the week of 7 Sep, I did and now they are telling me check at the end of the month. Does anybody know who might have one that I can buy. I only want a new one with all the paperwork and instructions.

 

[HBarlow]

I called Dr Performance yesterday to follow up on the Brakesmart and they have no idea when they will get the transducers for the units. I was told 2 weeks ago to check the week of 7 Sep, I did and now they are telling me check at the end of the month. Does anybody know who might have one that I can buy. I only want a new one with all the paperwork and instructions.

BrakeSmart has been the finest brake controller manufactured since the old Kelsey-Hayes hydraulic-electric controllers of the '50s or '60s through the '80s but has also been a disappointment as a company, manufacturer, and retailer.

I never heard who actually designed and built the prototype but the company was started as "BrakeSmart. " It was apparently a small, underfunded company in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX metroplex. The product was outstanding from the first one built (I bought mine from BrakeSmart) but the company lacked the funding and capability to manufacture and deliver them to meet demand. The company produced them for a while and then shut down. I never learned why but assume it was lack of funding. Regardless how good the idea or product, manufacturing and selling it is extremely challenging. It requires funding, office and factory space, employees, a distribution system, advertising, etc.

Dr. Performance apparently bought out the company or just the design and rights to sell it but for reasons I don't know or understand has not ever done a good job of marketing and producing the product. They have sold it for several years now but everyone who ever expressed interest has had trouble actually getting their hands on one.

Try posting a "wanted to buy" ad on the various RVer forums like Escapees, RVnet, etc. RVers occasionally move from tow vehicle and trailer to motorhome and sell their truck separately or illness or other misfortune causes them to quit RVing. You might find someone who will sell you one. Don't worry about the instruction manual, if you find a controller, pressure sensor, and wiring harness buy it. I'll copy my manual and mail it to you.

If you get tired of fooling with Dr. Performance I recommend buying the alternative, the MaxBrake from SouthWest Wheel. I haven't owned or towed with one but all reports indicate they work exactly like a BrakeSmart. Functionally, they are probably just as good.