Brakesmart or Jordan?

[JimBob24]

I am using the Prodigy brake controller which works fairly well, but I really like the directly proportional controllers. I also like the fact that the display unit on the Brakesmart and Jordan can be mounted flat on the bolster panel without having to be level.



I realize that the Brakesmart is about 3X the price of the Jordan but I want to purchase the best one. It seems like the Brakesmart is not available right now because of lack of availability from the manufacturer.



I also wonder if there could possibly be a warranty issue using Brakesmart since it involves placing an adapter inline with a brake line. (I realize there should be no effect at all on the service brakes since the fluid amount displaced is negligible, but with all the horror stories about warranty issues one has to be concerned).



Sooooo, do I wait for Brakesmart or do I go with the Jordan? Seems like those who have either like them very well. All advice greatly appreciated. Thanks



Jim

 

[Casey Balvert]

I cannot comment on the Jordan, However I must say the BrakeSmart will be worth the wait and considering the investment that most people have in their rigs, it is worth every penny.



I would be interested to hear from people who have used both the Jordan AND the BrakeSmart units.



FWIW



Casey

 

[klenger]

I've had both, and had problems with neither. The BrakeSmart is a superior system IMHO, and easier to install since you don't have to mess with the cable. I don't think there is any warranty issue with the BrakeSmart. See http://www.klenger.net/dodge/brakesmart/slide01.html for my installation comments.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Ken, How could I have forgotten.

 

[JimBob24]

I was hoping you would respond, Klenger. I had already reviewed them on your website. I think you did a great job with the info. I most likely will go with the BrakeSmart. I had heard that there was some consideration as to adding EGT and boost readouts to the BrakeSmart display. Still do not know when they will be available again. I have emailed them with these questions and am waiting for their reply.



Thank y'all for the help.



Jim

 

[jelag]

I ordered the brake smart 3 weeks ago... for my new 05. . called him last week... . all I got for 3 days was a message machine and no return call... when he answered the phone he said he had no clue how long before he could ship... 2 or 3 or 4 weeks...



Its like this guy is working out of his back yard and has no communication with his vendor,,, or has so much business he doesn't care... .



Please share with me the web sight for the jordan...



Jim

 

[RMcCulloch]

I wonder - in view of the extreme similarity between the "factory" controller on the 2005 Fords and the BrakeSmart - could it be that they're one and the same?

 

[klenger]

I wonder - in view of the extreme similarity between the "factory" controller on the 2005 Fords and the BrakeSmart - could it be that they're one and the same?

That's my guess. It would explain the sudden increase in demand.

 

[JimBob24]

jelag, I sent an email to BrakeSmart today and they replied promptly. Stated that they could not give a firm shipping date because they have not received several components they need before production begins.



They also stated that there is an EGT and boost module in the works that will interface with the controller but "have additional work to be completed before the module can be released. "



Some info about the Jordan controller at http://www.bestbrakecontroller.com/index.html .



The main difference between the two is the Jordan uses a cable from the brake pedal arm to the controller to sense braking pressure, while the BrakeSmart uses actual hydraulic line pressure from the master cylinder. The BrakeSmart should be more accurate but the Jordan seems to be a very good system too. (Not sure about "home business" but the Jordan website states if you use PayPal it goes to his wife's account!) Several people have stated that Jordan has excellent customer service though.



I also had the same thoughts as RMcCulloch. I think I may wait a little longer to see if BrakeSmart gets their act together. I like the idea of the integrated EGT and boost module. Even if that does not pan out I like the hydraulic pressure sensor and my Prodigy still works fine right now.



The Jordan website is http://www.go.to/jordanresearch



Jim

 

[SandyHelton]

I ordered my Brakesmart back in mid September and it finally came after a few weeks of waiting. It installed cleanly - thanks Ken... - and works very well. I do not have a lot of miles on it yet, but it sure makes towing a breeze.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I wonder - in view of the extreme similarity between the "factory" controller on the 2005 Fords and the BrakeSmart - could it be that they're one and the same?

No they are not the same thing. Some of the Ford guys are not the happy with the new integrated unit.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I ordered the brake smart 3 weeks ago... for my new 05. . called him last week... . all I got for 3 days was a message machine and no return call... when he answered the phone he said he had no clue how long before he could ship... 2 or 3 or 4 weeks...



Its like this guy is working out of his back yard and has no communication with his vendor,,, or has so much business he doesn't care... .



Please share with me the web sight for the jordan...



Jim

The BrakeSmart has been out for several years but in air and hydraulic applications. If this is a back yard project, it is a first class back yard project. After using it I really think it was worth the wait IMHO.



Casey

 

[mikel]

I own both, the BrakeSmart is hooked up and used almost every weekend and the Jordan is sitting on a shelf in my garage "just in case" I ever have trouble with the BrakeSmart. The BrakeSmart is a better setup IMHO and unless it gives me trouble, I won't be reinstalling the Jordan.



Mike

 

[RustyJC]

I wonder - in view of the extreme similarity between the "factory" controller on the 2005 Fords and the BrakeSmart - could it be that they're one and the same?

According to Trailer Life magazine, Ford worked with Tekonsha to develop their integrated controller.



If I were equipping a new truck or upgrading the present one, I'd probably go with the BrakeSmart (if I could get one ). Until then, the Jordan I'm using is probably the best, most cost effective alternative. It's head and shoulders above the time-based and inertial controllers I've used in the past.



Rusty

 

[Loren]

Jim,



You said you want to get the best one. If you mean it, you'll have to wait for the BrakeSmart.



I've used mine for about 2500 trailer miles so far, and there is no comparison to any other controller I've ever used. When stopping, it's like the trailer isn't even there. (When you start up again, you'll remember the trailer. )



By the way, I ordered mine during their out-of-stock time frame and it arrived a few weeks ago. Are they out of stock again?



Loren

 

[JimBob24]

Thanks for the info Loren, and for all the comments from everyone else. I have already placed an order for the BrakeSmart. I will just wait them out!



Yes, Loren, they are out of them at this time. They tell me they are waiting for components to arrive so they can start production again. I have a Prodigy installed now which works ok and will hold me over until I can get the BrakeSmart.



I hope they get the EGT/boost module going too. It is supposed to interface with the controller display and can be added later.



Jim