BrakeSmart Controller

[klenger]

Briman



I had no complaints with my Jordan in my 01. 5 truck, but when I saw the BrakeSmart controller, the installation using a brake pressure sensor intrested me. It's really a slick installation, but more pricey than the Jordan. BrakeSmart is working on the ability to display boost and EGT, which would really help off-set the price of the unit.



IMHO, if you have a Jordan installed, and you are happy with it, I wouldn't trade, but for a new installation, the BrakeSmart deserves a look.

 

[RWS]

Just a warning for Brake Smart owners. If your trailer brake wiring isn't heavy gauge (12 or better) you might experience a premature tire lock-up on the first brake wired. My (empty) 18' tilt deck auto transport will lock up even with the controller all the way down. When loaded it's great. I will be rewiring my BRAND NEW H&H trailer come spring.



Even with the poor quality H&H wiring the Brake Smart Controller is smooth and seamless, IMHO the very best on the market period! My . 02

 

[mmi]

RWS

Please post more on the locking-up issue

We just ordered several control units,and would like to know what to look for.

Was anything in your paperwork about heavy wire???

Maybe Steve can jump in with a response from the factory on this also.

Have 2 new trailers waiting to run the Brakesmart unit.

We may need to spec. Quality U. S. parts on any new trailers.

 

[Paul Somers]

How do they do that?

Have been pulling campers since the mid 70s. Back then almost all brake controllers taped into the brake line for sensing braking. Then along came ABS and it was understood you could no longer use brake pressure to sense braking. What's different with this unit that it can tape the line?

 

[klenger]

Here's a pretty good explanation on ABS compatability from the BrakeSmart website.



http://www.brakesmart.net/article1.htm

 

[draymorris]

That article from Brake smart is interesting. The old hydraulic electric controllers that I installed actually had a little cylinder of sorts that moved a lever that was also a rheostat type control, that sent more voltage to your brakes as the lever was moved. I am sure those old systems cuased more displacement and thus could affect your ABS, They sure were good though. - and cheap just a pain to install - running the tube into the cab was a pain.

 

[Matt400]

What about that big red brake light?

I understand it comes on every-time you apply the brakes.

I was thinking the cubby on the 3rd gen might be a nice spot for the controller but that red lamp might be annoying.



Can it be turned off in the menu? I think a small led would have been enough.

 

[klenger]

Matt: If you are referring to the red button on the right side of the contoller, it is not a light, just the manual brake button. The only indication on the controller that the brakes are being applied is on the display. The only big red light that comes on with the brakes are the ones on the back of the truck.



As to mounting the controller in the cubby, it does fit, but I didn't want to go to that much work to figure out how to mount it in there so I just mounted it to the knee bolster. The cubby installation would be very nice if done correctly.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by klenger

Matt: If you are referring to the red button on the right side of the contoller, it is not a light, just the manual brake button.

Oh! way better, I must have mis read something on that. I did email them on the EGT/Boost module and they said not yet but working on it. It will be both functions in one module even if you only need one.

 

[Turbo600]

I installed mine in the cd slot / cubby in front of the shifter, It looks good there and easy to read you just have to figure out a little mounting

 

[RNash]

Hey gang, how do you remove the bezel around the radio? Does it just pop off? I don't want break it.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by RNash

Hey gang, how do you remove the bezel around the radio? Does it just pop off? I don't want break it.

Remove the screw that is next to the trash bag hook and the rest of the dash just snaps off.

 

[muddyduck]

I was sitting here wondering if anyone has tried to put the controller in the center console under the radio. don't have my truck here to measure it, but it looks about the same size. That would be a great location for it IMHO. my truck is in the accessories shop getting the bremen boards put on and a draw tite fifth wheel hitch put on. If anybody has tried this, please put up some pictures and install ideas. . the duck

 

[Ramtough]

After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to order the BrakeSmart. The installation was a breeze. I did not have to bleed the brakes after installing the tee - the bleed was to the brake pressure sensor, no air got into the brake lines.



This controller is OUTSTANDING. More precise control and better operator feedback than anything I know of. The modulation is UNBELIEVEABLE Particularly on brake release. Oo. Better than the good old days when we had hydraulic controllers and hydraulic lines running back through the fire wall.



Now for the down side. BrakeSmart has experienced a problem in manufacturing that they have identified and believe they have resolved. This problem causes the unit to fail by showing light braking even when there is none. This causes all of the brake lights on the truck & trailer to be illuminated constantly. It may also cause dragging of the trailer brakes. My first unit failed within the first 50 miles of operation and the second failed in the first 15 miles of operation.



The good news - when you call BrakeSmart, you get a human being on the phone. More importantly, they know what they are talking about :--) .



Their responsiveness to my problems and their commitment to getting this problem rectified is unparalleled.



To summarize, this is a great company with a product that is in a class by itself. They are standing behind it and I have perfect confidence that they will get caught up with the demand they are experiencing and get the manufacturing bugs worked out. Shortly after that heppens, my prediction is that they will take the entire electronic brake market over. I believe their product is that good.

 

[RTuvell]

To summarize, this is a great company with a product that is in a class by itself. They are standing behind it and I have perfect confidence that they will get caught up with the demand they are experiencing and get the manufacturing bugs worked out. Shortly after that heppens, my prediction is that they will take the entire electronic brake market over. I believe their product is that good.

The product and the people behind it may be good but Brakesmart has had numerous and frequently recurring manufacturing and parts delays unlike any company I have ever known. It seems as if every other month their web site announces another delay in shipping and blames yet another supplier. In addition it has been over eight months since they first announced an EGT and boost module and it appears to be nowhere near production and no explanation is forthcoming.



I'm very optimistic about the Brakesmart technology but not the company. My speculation is that a major company with the manufacturing wherewithall can take ahold of this technology and dependably and consistently meet market demand leaving Brakesmart the company in the dust.

 

[JimBob24]

I had to wait a couple of weeks because of the manufacturing delay but it was worth it. I thought my Prodigy was good, but this thing is GREAT. Just got back from 2500 mi trip towing 9500# fifth-wheel and was amazed how smooth the braking was. Most of the time I could not tell the trailer was back there.



I mounted mine behind the transfer case shifter angled almost vertically. Easy to see and reach, but out of the way. You can run the wires under the snap-in panel under the dash below the ashtray.

 

[mseitz]

whats with Brakesmart web page? They won't let me order anything, are they belly up?



Mike

 

[dhill]

I was told today that orders are still several weeks out. The only thing you can do is to call or email them and get on the waiting list.



Dave

 

[mpwalker]

I have been using the Brakesmart controller on my 2005,3500, cummins, dually, LB for 10 months now and it is by far the best brakeing system for towing I have ever used. You will like it very much!

 

[J D Moore]

Kayaker on the Arctic Fox forum posted this on June 1, 2005:



"When I called for the brakesmart controler, the company stated they can not ship for at least 8-10 weeks. After calling around many RV parts dealers one of them said the company is going chapter 11 and that the leeding two tech personal jump ship and are going to work for Hensley Arrow company. Then the Hensley Arrow will then produce a competing model but it will not be for some time. In the mean time one of next most recomended brake controler is the Jordan 2020 Ultima Brake Controller I was told. Any comments as what to do?"



I guess I'll continue using my very satisfactory Jordan.

Jim