brakes

[mmi]

Hello;



First time question



Would like some imput on trailer brake controllers and engine brakes?



Have very little deceleration from stock engine.



late '01 HO 3500 BR series.



Thanks MMI

 

[Fireman]

MMI,



Your question is pretty general, so here is a broad answer. As for trailer brake controlers the general concensus is Tekonsha Prodigy or Jordan. They operate differently, but both are excellent and each has devoted users. I am not up on the Jordan, but it applies current to the brakes in proportion to how far the brake pedal is depressed ( jordan users help me out here ) The Prodigy is and inertia type.



I don't know of an engine brake for the B engines, but there are many brands of exhaust brakes avalable. They all work about the same and I know of no specific brand that is clearly superior to the rest. They all provide excellent retarding on grades with heavy loads. IMO they are a "must have" item when towing 10,000# or more.



Fireman

 

[Steve Campbell]

Fireman gave a great answer.....

no personal bias and the facts are as he states. Good luck!!!



Welcome aboard

 

[slo-ryde]

I think Jordan's brake controller uses a cable that's attached to the brake pedal, the harder you push on the brakes the harder the trailer brakes come on. On paper it looks like a more precise way of controlling trailer brakes.



I'm using the Prodigy and think it does a fine job. There's a learning curve and it takes a little while to dial it in for your towing set-up.



All I'll say about exhaust brakes can be found in my sig file...

 

[Eric_77]

These are pricey and I am starting to feel like an ad man for them but I really love the Brake smart controller from Master brake. It uses a small micro switch in brake line that measures actual brake line pressure to apply brakes to trailer. Most stable braking I have ever experieinced plus many bonus features like actual amp/volt sent to trailer, indentifies how many brake axles and if brake connection is lost plus much more flexibilty for other than electric brake systems.

 

[klenger]

Check the links in my sig for info on the Jordan brake controler and Jacobs exhaust brake. Automatic transmissions are not very friendly with exhaust brakes, but since you have an '01 HO, then you must have the 6 speed, so adding an exhaust break is no problem.



You might want to work on your signature so that we'll know more about your truck when you post. To change it, click on the User Control Panel at the top of the screen.



Welcome to the TDR.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by Fireman

I don't know of an engine brake for the B engines, but there are many brands of exhaust brakes avalable. Fireman

That's correct, there is no true engine brake, just the exhaust brakes that are most worthy. If you running an auto, it gets sticky but for a stick, it's a no brainer.

 

[draymorris]

Master Brake

I heard wonderful things about Master Brake. And yes they are pricy from what I have researched. But in my opinion, braking is very important, and if you buy a good controller that works for you, keep it, don't leave it the truck when you trade it in - this makes the cost for a good controller seem smaller. I am not at all crazy about my Tekonsha Prodigy - it just doesn't work smooth. It seems that the agressiveness of the signal changes every time I hit the brakes- 4 years ago I would have said different, but that was before I pulled loads over 7K lbs.



As soon as I can, I am going to get a Master Brake - go to their web site and see what they have to offer - it is impressive what they can do.



Eric - where did you get your Master Brake unit, any recommendations for the N TX area?

 

[EB]

I will agree with Eric-77. The Brakesmart is head and shoulders above any of the others I have used and I have used most of them. It is a bit high, but if you run over someone with the others, then how high is it? It's an install and forget controller. Once you install it, you will almost forget it's there it's so smooth. Your trailer and truck stop as one unit. Eric pretty well explained how it works, and it does work! I use it every day. Pulling a trailer is what I do.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Any brake controller will stop your trailer, no matter what it costs. The problem with Tekonsha and other cheaper brands is they only last about 2 - 3 years and they won't put out enough power to fully apply your brakes anymore. They just get weak.

 

[Eric_77]

Dray, I had mine installed at same time as fifth wheel hitch and Class V receiver so exact price I don't know think about $450 installed.



Had it done at Cargo Trailer Sales in Dallas (Harry Hines and LBJ) that is a lttle drive from Cisco (they have another location I think it's in Hillsboro, but I don't know their service people down there the ones in Dallas are excelllent).

Master Brake is located in Dallas and I think you can buy from them directly I veleive Southwest Wheel also carries their products.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"The problem with Tekonsha and other cheaper brands is they only last about 2 - 3 years and they won't put out enough power to fully apply your brakes anymore. They just get weak. "





HMMMmm - can't say I've ever heard THAT claim before - and I've been quite happily using the Prodigy for MANY years...

 

[EB]

You don't need to worry about "getting" anyone to put in a Brakesmart controller. If you can change your oil you can put in a Brakesmart controller. You simply put a "T" in you line from your master cylinder, screw in a rubber hose attached to a pressure sensor, plug in a wire to the pressure sensor and run it to the controller. Plug in the wires from the controller to the plug on the truck (03) and you are done. Took me about a half hour. You just need someone to step on the brake to bleed the brake fluid when hooking up the pressure sensor. Nothing to it. Might be cheaper to order direct from Master Brake.

 

[mmi]

Thanks for the imput guys.

Looks like several of us will order the brakesmart,pending Klenger's approval!

Brakesmart sent an info pack to pass out in town. And E-mailed several times.

The install looks very plug and play,drilling for harness entry will take the most time.

More info on Web site if you hunt around.

E-mail stated,boost/EGT fully developed,in final stage of information setup/presentation for sale. (Few weeks yet,probably legal dotting the I's)

They do work on several different types of brake systems,and control some trailer accesories.

No specifics given but other opitions are being develped,and when ever possible,they will be made available by sending the unit in for (no charge ) reprograming

They don't have any real dealers yet,so probably best to order direct.

Contacted every one on their web page. Only 2 replies

One said they don't carry it.



questions

How about some more thoughts on the Exhaust brakes now.

Looking at the Jacob's since it's now (approved).

Best place to order one?

Anyone know if it has a probe fitting? (brake master)

Does it effect changing to larger exhaust?

Reason to change/not change exhaust size,this model?

Is the APPS going to be a problem?

Contacted dealer ,said(it's my expensive problem)didn't even ask if I have several months for it to be his problem.

Any other things I should get taken care of before time runs out?



Lift pumps?

About 20 years out of date. Anybody put one in the tank?

For industrial repairs. When the block mounted suck pump goes we have been adding an over the counter / ignition on electric pusher. Cheaper and will last several empty tanks if not left on over night.



Real Mirrors anyone Mine Don't flip out far enough to see the whole trailer.

Yes both fell out!!! More excuses,you must have hit a pole