Brake Smart

[CBALLA]

I have had a Brake Smart installed in my Dodge for about 4 years. It works well except the display is no longer on. It has been slowly fadeing out. There is now no display at all. Does anyone know where I can get this fixed?

 

[HBarlow]

I think you'll have to be the pioneer on this one.

I worry about the same thing occasionally.

Mine has been in use since about 2002 and has been used for about 600k miles of driving on different trucks. It still works like new but I occasionally think about it failing. It is one of the best pieces of automotive equipment I have ever purchased and used.

I don't know if the digital display is repairable. If mine failed I would try a small, old fashioned electronics shop where someone repairs CB radios, scanners, old tube radios, basically old fashioned electronics equipment. The old guys that do that are genuine electronics technicians and know how to diagnose problems and replace parts.

A MaxBrake available from Southwest Wheel is functionally the same although it does not have the nice digital display or as many adjustments as the BrakeSmart.

If you are unable to have it repaired and decide to replace it please let me know. I'll buy it from you to keep as a spare for the other internal parts.

 

[CKelley1]

the brakesmart is imported by Dr. performance in weatherford texas i would contact them. i can not locate my address for them but you can find it in yellow pages or on line. they are suppose to be coming out with a new updated improved model

 

[seafish]

You could try calling these guys... they used to be a large seller of BrakeSmart, and have a very good parts and service dept.

Transwest Truck Trailer RV

 

[HBarlow]

the brakesmart is imported by Dr. performance in weatherford texas i would contact them. i can not locate my address for them but you can find it in yellow pages or on line. they are suppose to be coming out with a new updated improved model

That will be great news if Dr. Performance begins offering the BrakeSmart controller for sale again.

 

[HBarlow]

You could try calling these guys... they used to be a large seller of BrakeSmart, and have a very good parts and service dept.

Transwest Truck Trailer RV

I followed your link to the website and found this product description:

Transwest Truck Trailer RV

I sent the company an email asking if, in fact, they are offering BrakeSmart controllers for sale again.

 

[HBarlow]

the brakesmart is imported by Dr. performance in weatherford texas i would contact them. i can not locate my address for them but you can find it in yellow pages or on line. they are suppose to be coming out with a new updated improved model

I keyed "brakesmart" into Dr. Performance's website and got "nothing found. "

Dr. Performance bought out the original inventor/manufacturer of the BrakeSmart controller about 9 or 10 years ago, not long after I bought mine. They retailed it for a year or two then seemed to lose interest.

To my knowledge the BrakeSmart has never been imported or sold again.

 

[richardcoxid]

You can also purchase the Max Brake controller from-



Plug It Right



At one time they offered a discount to TDR members, don’t know if they offer the discount now though. I have made more than one purchase from them and always found Plug-it right to give excellent service.



Disclaimer- I have NO financial or other interest in Plug-it –right





I believe that Harvey is correct in that the Brake Smart isn't being sold anymore.

 

[rasteck]

Thought I found a link but was wrong.

 

[HBarlow]

I followed your link and their website stated "Discontinued Part. "

 

[rasteck]

I followed your link and their website stated "Discontinued Part. "

Yup. That's what I get for using my phone, couldn't see the whole screen.

You snuck in there before I edited my post.

 

[HBarlow]

No problem. You tried.

I had already been down that road and got disgusted with Dr. Performance several years ago. Just the sight of their business name annoys me.

The BrakeSmart brake controller was one of perhaps THE finest products ever designed and built for light truck owners towing trailers.

Dr. Performance bought the product and then allowed it to die. I have never found out who originally designed and built it or why it was only produced for such a short time. I am grateful to have learned about them from TDR in my early days of membership and bought one.

 

[richardcoxid]

I just tried Plug it Right’s web address and it worked for me! There was no comment about the Max Brake not being available.



Here is their email address and phone #.



-- email address removed --



1-941-416-0918

 

[HBarlow]

Yeah, I'm sure the MaxBrake is available. It is available from Southwest Wheel a Texas discounter with offices and service centers in Dallas and Lubbock also.

I've never even seen a MaxBrake other than online photos but apparently it is functionally the same as a BrakeSmart, just doesn't have as nice a container and digital read out.

I would buy and use a MaxBrake if my BrakeSmart should become deceased.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I have the latest BrakeSmart manual as a . PDF but it's 250 KB, too big to upload to this post. It does have quite a bit of troubleshooting info in it.



If anyone wants it, PM me with your email and I'll send it to you.



Dr. Performance actually sent me a brand new BrakeSmart free a couple of years ago. They were unable to fix the one I sent them for repair so they replaced it. I didn't buy the original from them either. They were doing the warranty work at that time.