BrakeSmart Controller

[klenger]

I ordered one today for the new 04. 5. It looks pretty nice, and I like having a proportional brake controller without the hassle of the cable of the Jordan Controller. It looks like pulg-in-play on the Dodge trucks. The cable that connects to the Dodge EOM brake controller plug is prewired on both ends. The system used a hydraulic sensor connected to the brake system on the truck to sense brake pedal pressure. The size is a bit larger than I expected. For those that interested in spiritual things, there is even an option for the display of a daily devotion.



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http://www.brakesmart.net/index.htm

 

[Casey Balvert]

I checked out their website this weekend. Looks pretty good. I read somewhere that it has inputs for EGT and Boost readings as well. All in one. Ken, be sure to give a report with pictures when you put it in the new rig. I am always enlightened by any addition to your website.



Casey

 

[mmi]

brakesmart

Almost ready to order one of these.

Used your links to get info,

as I recall unit was on one page and ( needed ) a kit fittings ,harness , etc which were sold on another.

So called them... sending out more info. Do hope the needed kit is more than the $6 fitting and wires.



Also looking at the E-brake.

Quite a pricing difference, Still looking for that infamous $299 deal.

Several dealers want 100's more than the '03 with new pump.

One even said '01 trucks are to old to get parts for!!??



Are there any other changes I should make at this install?

Or one's that might be affected later by it. (larger exaust)?

Is the APPS going to be a problem?

Should I fight the dealer to change it,before my 3 yrs. are gone?

ANY OTHER SUGGETIONS?



No letter codes on my sticker,so not sure how to list Sig,without writing everthing out.

01. 5 3500 C X C HO 6spd 4X4/6



Thanks

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Looks great.



Only bad thing I see is that you have to tee into your brake line, meaning you are going to have to do some brake bleeding and stuff, a pain.



I have long said, why doesn't Dodge put a pressure sensor right in their from the factory for trailer brakes along with the tow packages? Just makes too much sence I guess.

 

[klenger]

You can download the installation instructions for the Dodge from the BrakeSmart website. They describe the process of bleeding the brakeline. It appears that only the "T" and added hose need to be bled, not the brakes themselves. From their description, pumping the brake pedal twice is suffecient to bleed it. I should receive mine on Friday. Won't have the truck for a few more weeks. I'll keep you posted. I was a little surprised at the size of the controller. Basically, it's the size of a 2"x4" 5" long. They also mention the ability to display boost and EGT with optional accessories, but no mention of the specifics.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I wrote to them today. The EGT and Boost functions are about $250 as an option althought the pricing may be less than that. They said they are just in the process of revising the owner's manual and should be releasing the product by the end of the month. I think they use an existing sensor for boost and you need to install the pyrometer probe. You can set the parameters to flash for some of the stuff as well. You can set it so that EGT is always visible until needed to display brake function. Given the shortage of space for gauges in that truck, this sounds very interesting. Will wait for Ken to test it for me first. Once it receives the Lenger stamp of approval I will be ordering one of these. I am not sure if you can add this on later or need to get it at the same time as the brake conroller itself. I got the impression you can add it after.



Casey

 

[DPelletier]

"The Lenger Stamp of Approval" I like it! Hey, Ken you need to copyright that phrase!! I am also interested, and await the aforementioned product review with bated breath!!Oo. Oo.





Dave

 

[DCaswell]

If you cut a brake line you are going to have to bleed the brakes, impossible to not get some air in lin IMO

 

[klenger]

$250 would not be bad to add EGT and boost. As I mentioned before, the unit is a bit bigger than I like, but if I can get guage functions in it, then it's worth it. In reading the install manual, it appears that the EGT and boost options are external to the controller itself. Will find out more when the unit arrives. Did I mention that it comes in 8 different colors?

 

[EB]

You guys are going to love it! I've been running one for a while now and there is no comparison between it and anything else.

The installation is simple, you don't cut any lines you put a "T block" in the end of your master cylinder and attach the pressure sensor line to it. That's all you bleed. When I put mine in it took about 30 mins.

When you get it in, you will almost forget you have brakes on your trailer it's so smooth. Everything stops as one unit. Like I said, You are going to love it!

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by klenger

$250 would not be bad to add EGT and boost. As I mentioned before, the unit is a bit bigger than I like, but if I can get guage functions in it, then it's worth it. In reading the install manual, it appears that the EGT and boost options are external to the controller itself. Will find out more when the unit arrives. Did I mention that it comes in 8 different colors?

Only the sensors are external. The sensor wiring harness terminates in a DIN connector that attaches to the back of the controller. It appears that the controller automatically senses the presence of the pyro and displays accordingly. Since it saves me from adding an additional display unit, I don't see the size as a huge handicap especially when gauge mounting options are so limited on the new trucks. Also nice is that you can mount the display anywhere. There is no leveling needed.



Another great feature is that you can set the initial braking level at any setting you want, similar to the Boost feature on the Prodigy.



Given that it functions as high quality controller and an X-monitor, the price is quite reasonble. Ken, light a fire under DC so you can you report on this thing.

 

[Eric_77]

Cool on the boost/EGT function didn't know that. I have had one on my 96 for over a year and on the 03 since it was new. Love them! I guess I will order the kits for EGT/Boost for the Bake smart better than the other options I had been looking at space/placement/looks/function wise.

 

[klenger]

Eric:



Do you have any pics of the controller installation? Where did you mount it?

 

[Eric_77]

No scanner/digital camera



I mounted mine right above the (not so on 03)loud pedal. Does not interfere and I can see it without having to look around steering wheel. Even the wife when she has seat all the way forward and pedals all the way back does not have an interference problem.

 

[klenger]

I got the controller and Dodge install kit yesterday. It all looks to be high quality. The wire harnesses are all plug-in-play. No splicing into the factory supplied pigtail required. Now, I only lack one more part to complete the installation.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Ken,



No problem. I will just drive over and you can install it in MY truck. I will give it a good testing for you. Oo.



Casey

 

[klenger]

I've got time this afternoon.

 

[mmi]

Ken.



Do any towing with the 04 yet?

any new update on the brake smart . ?

last was loose connection issue?

I know steve watches here. so still waiting to place order.

After 4 calls direct to master brake repeated e-mails,have never received (complete)(hardcopy) info on (ALL) of their products.

Have several different applications.

Anyone using their elecdralic unit.



Mechanicsville still best price on jacobs ?



input appreciated/2 weeks to hauling season.



m

 

[klenger]

I made a few small changes to my BrakeSmart webpage. See it at http://www.klenger.net/dodge/brakesmart/slide01.html



Here are my comments:



Comments: The BrakeSmart controller seemed to work well. I noticed that the current display fluctuates, but this does not effect the trailer braking in any way. The other minor irritation with the controller is that the buttons are not backlit. The display looks great day or night, but you can't see the buttons at all at night. This should not be much of a problem as you shouldn't need to mess with the settings once it is setup, but lighting them would be a nice product improvement. To sum up my impression of the controller, I never felt the trailer drag the truck and I never felt the trailer push the truck when braking. I could tell that there was 10,000 lbs behind the truck, but never in an adverse way. What more could you ask of a brake controller, other than maybe a boost and EGT display (coming soon?).



I towed close to 400 miles last weekend. Both the BrakeSmart controller and PullRite hitch worked great. I am happy with both and would buy again.

 

[Briman]

Ken, is it better than the Jordan? I don't feel my trailer pushing or draging either.