Max-Brake Controller

[ed9824v]

my boy would like to buy someones old working P2 ED

 

[crispyboy]

A few questions on the Maxbrake:

- what is the maximum amount of Amps can this brake controller send to the the brake magnets?

- What type of information does the Maxbrake display on the screen?

- Does it show how many amps or volts are being sent to the magnets?

 

[HBarlow]

http://www.maxbrake.com/

 

[Wertles]

Wondering if I am doing something wrong with my settings. I do have to adjust the gain for all my trailers. My 5er gets set to 90, snowmobile trailer to 40 and my utility trailer to between 15 and 45 depending on load. All trailer brakes are clean/adjusted properly but it is easy to lock up the trailer brakes under light load conditions with a normal stop. Not a big deal adjusting it for each load but everyone says they never have to adjust theirs. What am I doing wrong?

Btw, I would never give up my Max Brake. Ever.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Hi Wertles, Something is definitely not right. To start: Nothing should ever be set to 90. The easiest thing would be to call me at 941-416-918 10 am to 10 pm [pacific time right now] -today or tonight if possible as we might be out of range tomorrow---we're going "remote" for a day' and dutch can go over all your settings and setup so we can get you back up in running. If you did not order from me, don't worry about that, I just want you to be a set it and forget it MB customer. Di

Wondering if I am doing something wrong with my settings. I do have to adjust the gain for all my trailers. My 5er gets set to 90, snowmobile trailer to 40 and my utility trailer to between 15 and 45 depending on load. All trailer brakes are clean/adjusted properly but it is easy to lock up the trailer brakes under light load conditions with a normal stop. Not a big deal adjusting it for each load but everyone says they never have to adjust theirs. What am I doing wrong?

Btw, I would never give up my Max Brake. Ever.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Crispypoy,
I
I'll be happy to do a bit of research for you and I'll post what I find. Di

A few questions on the Maxbrake:

- what is the maximum amount of Amps can this brake controller send to the the brake magnets?

- What type of information does the Maxbrake display on the screen?

- Does it show how many amps or volts are being sent to the magnets?

 

[Dutch & Di]

Here are the answers I believe you are looking for. Di
A few questions on the Maxbrake:

- what is the maximum amount of Amps can this brake controller send to the the brake magnets?
30 Amps maximum output.

- What type of information does the Maxbrake display on the screen?
MaxBrake will display "High Current" error message above 28 Amps and attempt to keep the output current below 30 Amps, but will still allow output *unless* the output current exceeds 40 Amps, then MaxBrake will disallow output and display "Dead Short" error message to help prevent electrical damage. Over Current Protection with a 30 Amp fuse or circuit breaker between the battery and brake controller is strongly suggested. Also, trailer disconnected, open circuit, or any stray unexpected (miswired) Voltage applied to brake magnets will display "Check Trailer Wiring" error message.


- Does it show how many amps or volts are being sent to the magnets?
Yes, MaxBrake displays how many Amps 1-99 to the magnets at the bottom right corner.

A few questions on the Maxbrake:

- what is the maximum amount of Amps can this brake controller send to the the brake magnets?

- What type of information does the Maxbrake display on the screen?

- Does it show how many amps or volts are being sent to the magnets?

 

[jhenderson]

I have had a Max Brake for about 2 years. My GN dump weighs 5500lbs empty and 18,500lbs loaded. I run the gain on 7 empty and 17 loaded. I canpt imagine having to run the gain as high as you do. There must be a problem somewhere. By the way, I could run the gain on either setting all of the time, I just prefer stronger performance when loaded heavy on the secondary roads I travel.

 

[JMetzger]

I installed my Max Brake about 4-5 months ago & only used it for about 50-100 miles & really was impressed. Well I just returned from a 1000 mile trip & I really got to enjoy how well brakes could work, Thank Harvey for informing my on the Max Brake. After two Prodigy's I was really fed up with what was available after my old Kelsy Hayes hyd - electric. There is no more adjusting for either to much brake in town or not enough brake on the highway. When I installed it I set it like the instructions said without the trailer & in all the driving we did I never had to make an adjustment. I bought mine from Dutch & Di who are TDR members. They are more expensive but to me what price for safety. My wife made mention today that we have been camping this year for 40 years, been across, up & down & around the US 10 times. GREAT CONTROLLER.

 

[HBarlow]

Jack,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm pleased that you are satisfied with the MaxBrake. Now you know what thousands of us have also learned. I hope your testimony results in 100 more satisfied owners.

 

[JMetzger]

I am convinced that they are the best on the market !!!

 

[BSeyler]

I installed my new MaxBrake a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to put it to the test until today. I previously have used both inertia and a timed controllers. As Harvey says, "The best thing to do with them is line the bottom of the trashcan. "

I hooked my little two horse trailer and took it for a spin, empty. It only weighs around 2000#, but everything worked fine. Next, I hooked my gooseneck flatbed up and towed it empty. I had to turn the gain down a little from the setting for the horse trailer. I then loaded my tractor and went for a spin. No further adjustment was needed and the trailer brakes were extremely smooth. I didn't go to the scale, but am around 12,500# empty. According to the weight listed for my tractor on tractordata.com and figuring the weight of the blade, cab, and front ballast, I was right around 21,000# loaded. The next time I need to go through town, I'll weigh.

It worked like a champ. If you have never used an old Kelsey-Hayes controller, there's just no way to explain how great the MaxBrake works. I wouldn't use anything else. Diana and Dutch were top-notch to work with.

Bud

 

[HBarlow]

I installed my new MaxBrake a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to put it to the test until today. I previously have used both inertia and a timed controllers. As Harvey says, "The best thing to do with them is line the bottom of the trashcan. "

I hooked my little two horse trailer and took it for a spin, empty. It only weighs around 2000#, but everything worked fine. Next, I hooked my gooseneck flatbed up and towed it empty. I had to turn the gain down a little from the setting for the horse trailer. I then loaded my tractor and went for a spin. No further adjustment was needed and the trailer the brakes were extremely smooth. I didn't go to the scale, but am around 12,500# empty. According to the weight listed for my tractor on tractordata.com and figuring the weight of the blade, cab, and front ballast, I was right around 21,000# loaded. The next time I need to go through town, I'll weigh.

It worked like a champ. If you have never used an old Kelsey-Hayes controller, there's just no way to explain how great the MaxBrake works. I wouldn't use anything else. Diana and Dutch were top-notch to work with.

Bud

Bud,

Thanks for the feedback report. I'm always pleased to see another happy owner. My goal is for every TDR member who tows a trailer to enjoy a safe, reliable, effective brake controller. My secondary goal is for all Tekonsha inertia controllers to be properly installed in trash cans.

 

[AH64ID]

I emailed Max Brake with a few questions about 2-3 weeks ago, and have yet to hear back.

I think my P2 is dying, and will probably replace it with a Max Brake, but had some questions for the manufacturer.

 

[JMetzger]

I found it easier just to call MaxBrake.

 

[Dutch & Di]

It's pretty rare for them not to reply but if you will either e-mail me your questions or call me at 941-416-0918 10 am to 10 pm 7 days a week, I'll be happy to help you. Di

I emailed Max Brake with a few questions about 2-3 weeks ago, and have yet to hear back.



I think my P2 is dying, and will probably replace it with a Max Brake, but had some questions for the manufacturer.

 

[TWood]

The maxbrake is an amazing unit. I towed for several years with a tekonsha p3. When I got my new truck I was so excited about the in dash factory unit until I started towing with it. The p3 is better than the 2010 factory brake control in my truck. I bought the maxbrake and could not believe the difference. It is uncomparably better than the p3 and the factory unit. They aren't even in the same league with the maxbrake. The safety I feel in the ability to stop my rig is worth far more than the price of the maxbrake. GET ONE you won't be disappointed. I have towed two different trailers with my maxbrake. the first was a 8k tongue pull travel trailer and the second is a 13k empty 16k loaded fifth wheel toyhauler. and I have never had to adjust the gain for any towing.
I have contacted Dutch and Di and maxbrake in the past and I got excellent customer service from both. My dealings with maxbrake has been great. They have exceptional customer service.
__________________

 

[HBarlow]

Good post TWood. Such a report from someone who has recent hands on experience with a Tekonsha P-3, a 2010 Ram OEM controller, and now a MaxBrake is hard to cast aside as nothing more than someone's opinion.

 

[AClayton]

I have always owned an inertia type controller. The P3 when new was hard to beat but after only a few yrs, it jerked my 5th wheel violently and did not modulate properly. I just thought that was the best performance one could expect... ... despite reading on TDR about how well the Max-Brake performs. My personal reason for not purchasing one was the price... . smugly and proudly declaring that I would never pay that much for a brake controller. My P3 locked up my brand new $2000 dollar Michelin XPS Ribs on my 5th Wheel and I decided to try this new Max Brake.

I ordered from Dutch and Di and received outstanding customer service and even shared a little Pennsylvania history... . I talked to Diana for about an hour before finally ordering the controller. She knew her product and answered every question and concern.

Over the last 6 weeks, I have towed both of my trailers repeatedly. One is my 40' Toyhauler and the other, a 12' cargo trailer that weighs about 5k. I never require an adjustment between the two. The truck out-weighs the cargo trailer so it is not much of a concern but after using the Max Brake, I noticed that I have electric brakes that don't lock up. I would always have to set the gain very low with the P3 to prevent the light trailer from locking its wheels. With the Max Brake, I just hit the brakes and it modulates perfectly! Towing a very heavy trailer is where the Max Brake shines!! It does not jerk like the P3 did! As hard as I hit the truck brakes, it sends the proper modulated signal to the trailer. I always thought that my 5th wheel brakes were under-sized!! Nope!... ... the P3 never modulated properly. Going down hills and needing to stop at a light at the bottom is another area where the Max Brake excels over an inertia type... . With the nose down on your truck, that sends even more current to your trailer brakes and I would always have to carefully apply brakes in an effort to reduce tire drag.

I love my new Max brake and whenever a member asks a question about controller options... . It will be a race between myself and Harvey to praise the quality and performance of the MaxBrake!

 

[HBarlow]

The most powerful and convincing reports come from those who previously used and believed in inertia-activated controllers but have now tried a brake line pressure sensing controller.

I sit here at my keyboard and grin every time a recent convert posts his experience. My goal is to have everyone who tows heavy trailers using a safe and effective hydraulic over electric MaxBrake. It's too bad (for me) I don't own stock in the company but MaxBrake is probably not even a publicly traded corporation.