brake controllers

[zstroken]

What kind of brake controllers are people running and what do they recomend? I heard of a new controller being made in texas a few weeks back, but have forgotten the website. Can anyone help?

 

[BigMike]

This is a frequently discussed topic. You could probably do a search and get overwhelmed with info. Bottom line: There are two favorite brake controllers, the Prodigy & the Jordan. People that use the Prodigy (myself included) will tell you they're the best. Folks who use Jordan's swear by them. I think in either case you'd be getting a great brake controller. There are differences however. Check them out and make your own decision.



Good luck!

 

[Chief USA]

I am using a brake controller from Hopkins Manufacturing. It was a strickly plug and play unit and works well. No wire cutting or splicing.

Link to Hopkins Manufacturing Brake Controller



I think the model I have is an older version of the model 37825. This particular model is for Dodge trucks.

 

[pdolan]

I haul a 32/36k van to jobsites all over the continent (with F-450, not our 2500s), and spend a lot of time in the Rockies, so the trailer brake deal is a big issue with me. I have Kodiak discs on this trailer, and use the tractor to haul a wide variety of other trailers. My main trailer uses Master electric over hydraulic actuator to run the discs, and I have waited patiently for a couple of years for them to build a controller that would be able to communicate. Further, I have desparately wanted the actual brake pressure in the tow vehicle to be used for signal.



The BrakeSmart from Master (www.masterbrake.com) is finally on the market. It uses a pressure transducer in the tow vehicle brake line to do its job. It will hook up to a regular electric brake trailer and tell you how many axles it sees and set the level accordingly. It will tell you if it hooked to their elec/hyd or air/hyd actuators, and give you error messages from Master actuator's on-board diagnostics, etc. , etc.



I know many of you swear by the Jordan, and I agree, it WAS the best that you could get - but pedal position is a poor substitute for actual line pressure. The BrakeSmart is as close to driving an empty car that tow braking has ever been.



Pat

 

[Un-Hemi]

Good information, Pat! Where did you purchase it, and how much did it cost? I downloaded the manual, and it's a 'gottahavit'! Thanks



Tom