First run with the Ultima 2020

[Tagalong]

Our first haul with our 5er using the Ultima brake controller was met with frustration and disappointment. Let me start out by saying that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE ULTIMA AND THE JORDAN BRAKE COMPANY PRODUCTS.

The Ultima worked perfectly, smooth and positive. I managed to route the brake cable so that the installation was excellent. The only problem was that the unit would not release totally when I took my foot off the brake pedal. Consequently, . 3 amps showing on the controller meant the 5er brakes did not release. I drove the 400mile trip repeatedly taping the brake pedal to release the cable. I tried to realign the cable when we got to our destination but that only made it hang up even more. I called Jordan the next work day to ask him about this and, let me say, he is truly concerned with his customer happiness and his outstanding reputation for caring about his customers. We talked about the routing of the cable and how to sovlve the problem. That afternoon I tried desperately to route the cable so that it would be free of any additional friction caused by the gentle bends needed to route the cable behind the knee bolster to the pedal bracket. I succeeded! But, when I buttoned everything up and put everything away, I tried the pedal again... the cable did not release. I tried for almost 4 hours to run the cable so that it was free of all friction. At this point my concern was that the cable routing was too "tempermental" and it might work properly intermittenly . Once again I called Jordan and we talked about various methods to correct the problem, but in the end I asked him if I could return the unit for a refund. This is what this post is all about... Jordan is trully a man of his word and I'm saddened that I couldn't get the Ultima to work. He completely understood my concerns with the unit and is graciously refunding my costs.

I wish his company manufactured more products because I'd be buying them from him. He eagerly listened to my suggestions about changes that may make for better installations with various vehicles.

If my installation allowed a shorter and straighter cable placement, I wouldn't be writing this post. I just needed to let all of you know that the Ultima WORKS and having so much excellent support is rare these days.

Thanks for reading this,

Tagalong

 

[dremelts]

Tagalong,



Just curious where you had the display unit mounted. I posted about a week ago with a similar problem. Mine would release OK but felt kinda herky-jerky when pressing the pedal. I had mine mounted to the right of the ash tray and I was using almost the whole length of the cable housing.



Based on some responses I got to my post I moved the display unit. It is now almost in the middle of the knee bolster; the cable is directly in line with the pedal and I made a mounting bracket that holds the bottom of the display unit out away from the panel it is mounted to so that the display unit is more vertical. This allows me to have one continuous, gentle radius in the cable housing. This setup seems to work much smoother, but the downside is that it is more difficult to see the display unit. Once it is set up and adjusted though I really shouldn't have much need to see the display.



Now, does anyone have any suggestions on yow to fill in all the unused screw holes in dash panels?

 

[klenger]

I mounted mine in the ashtray on two trucks and had no problems with any cable binding. I wonder if the unit you had is defective. You might ask Jordan to check it when they get it back, and if it is defective, maybe you should try a different one. I wonder if some type of silicone spray inside the cable houseing might have helped.



Thanks for you feedback on the Jordan customer service.

 

[Tagalong]

More on my Ultima installation

dremelts,

I mounted the controller on the lower left side of the knee bolster. I ran the cable in a big loop over some of the wire harness up and behind the dash and then in front of the steering column and down to the cable bracket in front of the brake pedal. I used the entire length of the cable outer casing. The key to smooth cable operation is to run the cable as straight and as short as you can. When you pull on the cable by hand and then release it you can feel about 1/8" of free play. My cable seemed to have enough casing friction on it that the last 1 or 2mm of free play would not release, consequently, I wound up tapping the pedal to free it up. Jordan and I talked about it and we both agreed that it really was not a problem with the unit but more so with the cable.

Jordan said that he may take a look at my unit and it may help him to "rethink" how the cable can be altered for even more diverse installations.



FYI, I want to maintain the controller mount position (for whatever brake controller I have) because all my controllers (since '83) have been on the left of the steering wheel. My CB is mounted on the right side of the knee bolster. Additionally, if I want to sell or trade my Ram, I can easily replace the knee bolster and I don't have to be concerned about all the holes I've made trying to place everything!



klenger,

Thanks for your cable suggestion. Jordan and I talked about cable "tweaking" but both of us came to realize that with the cable being that "sensitive" to touch and positioning, I'd be constantly anticipating having to re-run or play with the cable.



After my frustration with my first long tow with the Ultima I've become abit "gunshy" and because we need a controller for another (longer) trip I am purchasing another unit. I'll wait awhile before I post anything on my new controller because I want everyone reading this to fully appreciate how concerned Jordan is to go out of his way to work with each of his customers and stand behind his product... as I said, the Ultima is and does an outstanding job, Jordan is terrific to deal with. The problem is clearly with with my particular installation, and Jordan is STILL going to refund my $$. I can't say enough good things about Jordan Research Corporation.



Tagalong

 

[HEYBOSS]

Tagalong, Sorry to hear about your problem with the Jordan controller. We were on another tread on this topic when the tread was lost.



Anyway I think your problem is with the routing of the cable. I mounted my controller to the right on the knee bolster next to the ash tray. My cable has lazy "s" curves to it and is very short. I originally had problems setting up the adjustments for the trailer to lock up, also when the brake was released the amp would show about . 002 on the meter and I would have to tap on the brake pedal to shut it off. I had my cable adjustment very sensitive but I liked that way because as soon I tapped the brake pedal the trailer brakes come in right away. Drove the truck around for a couple weeks keeping an eye on the controller and it is all fine now, I guess everything is settled in place.



You are right Jordan has great support and he will listen to you and help you as much as he can. I called him a couple of times and his service is superior. My brake controller works great and I'm very happy with it, I haven't towed long distances yet but in a couple weeks I'll be towing 900 miles and that will be a good test.



I'll report back when I come back but for now it seems ok.



Good luck with the controller you're getting and let's know which one.



Fred.

 

[Tagalong]

Nice hearing from you HEYBOSS

I also tried to get the pedal "sensitive" to the touch and realized the controller would not be off, so I set it just as the instructions said.

It was the long curve of the cable causing the hangup to the controller. I just couldn't get over how light a "touch" I needed to shut it off. That's why I termed the cable "tempermental. "

But I must say the Ultima works just like your own service brakes. I've been used to the time-based controllers and they get really annoying after a while.

As for the new controller, I'll post my experience after our 800+ mile trip in a week or so... . but just in case, I'm packing my old "Draw-Tite" time-based controller

Dave

 

[HEYBOSS]

I think you've mentioned on the lost post that the Ram would slow down on hills with the Cardinal.



Have you tried the Edge Ez? I know you may want to keep your truck stock for a while and this is not about BOMbing.



The only mods done to my truck other than appearance items was the 4" exhaust (just for sound) and the Edge box.



You would be impressed what that little box will do for you towing, I think the Edge Ez was design with the tow in mind.

I was totally amazed at the added torque and power, the truck will keep up at just about any hill and egts did not change a bit. I spent some time testing this thing empty and hauling the trailer and compared all egt readings and there was no change. If you have a chance to try one out, do it, it will be you best investment for the money.

I believe they will give you a trial time and if your not satisfied they'll give your money back. I sold mine at Massdiesel's show to move up to the comp but I'm having second thoughts and may just go back to the Ez.



Worth a shot.



Fred.

 

[Tagalong]

Interesting!

HEYBOSS,

Hmmmmm, that sounds very interesting! I think I'll look into the Edge Box. What does it do to your Auto

Thanks,

Dave

 

[HEYBOSS]

You're transmission will be OK. As long you're not racing or beating on your truck you'll be fine, heck even if you're hard on your trans stock you'll cause damages... ... ... .common sense.



You'll be very impressed with the box and it will not hurt anything, even my wife could tell the difference when we towed.



I'm seriously thinking of going back to the Ez.



E-mail me if you have any questions.



Fred.

 

[Tagalong]

Another toy for the RAM!

Thanks HEYBOSS,

I'll have some fun researching this when we return.

Dave

 

[DuallyDean]

brake controler suggestion

tagalong--

try one of the "inertia" type controlers, such as the Tekonsia Sentinel or Kelsey-Hayes units. I have a Tekonsia Comander XP in one truck and a Kelsey-Hayes in the other (see signature). They will vary the amperage to the trailer based on deceleration g-force, not time which will make it feel more like the Ultima. Most of this style of controller needs to be "zeroed out" after the install, but it is easy to do when you follow the instructions. I can almost guarantee that you will like this style over the Draw-tite.



As for me, Vac. or Elect. over hydraulic DISC is the top shelf way to go. Smooth, porportional application, with easier mantinence.



Good luck with what ever decision you make.