Electric brake controller - which is best?

[Texas Diesel]

We are purchasing a 38' 5th wheel and need to know what is the best brake controller. We have a Reese one now but it is just on / off type. Thanks

 

[Archive]

I imagine there will be a difference of opinions, but I use the Tekonsha Voyager. I had the same brand on my last Cummins. They work well.

 

[RustyJC]

If you're looking for an inertial controller, the Tekonsha Sentinel or soon-to-be-released Prodigy are good values for the money.



If you want a truly proportional controller, the Jordan Ultima is getting rave reviews from its owners. It uses a cable that attaches to the brake pedal arm - trailer brake output is directly proportional to brake pedal position.



We currently use the Tekonsha Sentinel but will probably go to the Jordan Ultima on the new truck.



Rusty

 

[Texas Diesel]

I'll look into both of those, the Jordan Ultima sounds pretty good.

Thanks.

 

[DennyDay]

Texas Diesel - -- Have used Tekonsha (sp) since Kelsey quit making hydraulic operated units. Had all kinds of problems but Tekonsha always replaced them.

Had a failure on the road, and could only get a Draw Tite Activator II at the time, and after 2 years It's been the best one I've had of the new generation (non hydraulic) simple to set up with a LED digital read out of braking power.

 

[WCrovo]

I have only used the Drawtite activator II and have loved it. It has 2 diff adjustments and has no limit on the number of axles.

 

[Ted Constantine]

Well I just put a Tekonsha Voyager in my truck today and got the moron award while doing it. A friend was helping and ignorantly we assumed that the wire colors from the dodge harness that came with the truck coresponded with the wires on the controler as they had in his ford. All exactly the same colors but three out of four of the wires did not line up. just thought I would mention it to save people fuses and the embarassment I now feel. PS the under hood fuses in the 2001's are not avalable from anyone but the dodge dealer.

Anyway my friend has been happy with his Tekonsha Voyager and I can say that mine was easy to hook up and set up and it did apply the trailer brakes once hooked up correctly.

 

[DHatfield]

I have a Drawtite electric brake controller as well and have been very happy with it.

 

[JJW_ND]

Tekonsha Sentinel!

We have tried lots. I personally hate the time delay type. The newer ineria models are very good. We have several dozen trucks with Sentinels and all the drivers love them. First brake controler that I have used that when you come to stop but keep your foot on the brake the controler stops powering the trailer brakes. It is setup for 6 - 8 brakes.



I sure there are others that are very good controlers, but you will not be disapointed with a Tekonsha Sentinel!



jjw

ND

 

[Texas Diesel]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Patriot Diesel]

I really like the Tekonsha Sentinel. I have one that is only 2 months old, that is for sale in the classified (accessories), if anyone is looking for one !

 

[TowPro]

i think mine is Kesley Hayes, the problem I have is when comming to a stop, the trailer brakes feel like there out of round just before I stop. I think its the controller bouncing, because when I apply them by hand the problem will go away. This is not caused by road bumps (although bumps makes it worse). do you guys with the Sentental ever experence this?



TowPro

Originally posted by Texas Diesel

We are purchasing a 38' 5th wheel and need to know what is the best brake controller. We have a Reese one now but it is just on / off type. Thanks

 

[Bob Stephens]

Goodbye Kelsey Hayes

TowPro, I had a Kelsey Hayes on my last truck. Had the same problem your experiencing. I replaced it with a Tekonsha Sentinel and the problem went away. The other problem I had with the Kelsey was coming down the steep hill from my house. The brake controller would lock the brakes on the trailer because it did not like being out of level. The Tekonsha just applies the brakes a little harder (which is cool on a steep downgrade) but does not lock them up (once adjusted correctly). I really like the Tekonsha and it was at a pretty good price at Camping World last month. Have not checked this month's price.



PS I might try a Jordan Ultima some day but if I am going to have an inertia controller, it will say Tekonsha on the label.

 

[John]

Rusty and Texas Diesel, I have had the Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller on my Ram for over two years now. They have since updated the internal portion of the unit and made a few inprovements to the actuating cable assembly. You are correct, it has THE MOST ACCURATE proportioning of ANY trailer brake controller on the market because of the trick actuating system.



Recently, I had an internal problem with my Ultima 2020 and talked with Jordan Research about this. Even though I believe it was out of warranty they sent me out a brand new (complete) Ultima 2020! Apparently they were upgrading any of the earlier units with the latest version to those experiencing problems. I guess I could safely add Jordan Research to my list of outstanding vendors!



The Ultima 2020 has a real high quality black anodized aluminum case that requires no mounting bracket (you screw directly through the case in the holes provided). In addition, there is a large red LED readout and a green LED continuity light, and of course, a manual gain button. Also noteworthy is the unit does not have to be mounted directly on centerline with the brake pedal and can me mounted at any angle (no pendulum).



What I like best about the unit is (after it's setup properly), you don't even know the trailer is behind you..... no tell tale bumps from the trailer until the pendulum kicks in (i. e. , lag) or strange stopping characteristics associated with some electronic (only) type controllers.



The Tekonsha controllers are very popular and very reliable... I just thought I would add another choice and an explanation for a little known controller.