Max Brake trailer brake controller?

[gbraden]

I read the article on page 126 of TDR Issue #66 about the Max Brake. Sounds like a winner to me. Only thing I don't like about it, and I may be wrong, is that the sensor is not hard-connected to the Tee at the master cylinder, but instead, they are connected via a short piece of tubing.

I now have the Prodigy controller (2003 version) and it works fine, but for those occasional panic stops, maybe I should get something like the Max Brake. What do you think.

Glenn

 

[jelag]

I have both a Max Brake and a Brake Smart on two different trucks... 04 and 05... . I like them both... . in both cases the sensor mounts on a short hose... . don't have a clue why they do that... . maybe because of the location of the Master... ... .

I moved to this style because I wanted something that was more sensitive based on how hard the brake pedal was pressed in a panic stop..... and they work well...

In both cases when towing a work trailer, we have to change the controller when we change the load much... . but on my 5er its ""set it and forget it""

 

[Dutch & Di]

The piece of tubing you're referring to is there so you can bend it for easier installation to your particular set up.

We have been using our Max Brake for over 2 years. We are fulltime RV'ers so we put many miles on our truck and Carriage each year. We haven't had any trouble with our MB.

We switch drivers every 2 hours and do not have to adjust the gain. When going from highway to city or back, again no gain adjustment is needed.

I agree it's 100% set it and forget it. Diana

 

[CKelley1]

the maxbrake and the smartbrake are the only two good controlers on the market. we also run both in our fleet. once you try one you will never use anything else

 

[HBarlow]

the maxbrake and the smartbrake are the only two good controlers on the market. we also run both in our fleet. once you try one you will never use anything else

Yep, that's the bottom line.

I don't know, I haven't talked with anyone who manufactured them, but the flexible brake line may have been intentional to avoid vibration and potential metal fatigue as well. It certainly makes installation easier and avoids the brake lines coming into contact with each other.

 

[seafish]

On my BrakeSmart , the I did not have to use the provided 6" line. The T-fitting threaded directly into the master cylinder front brake line, the pressure sensor threaded into the top of the T fitting and the oem brake line threaded into the side of the T, all without any tweaking or force. While it is hard to see in the photo, the pressure sensor does not actually touch the master cylinder reservoir. It was also a very easy and clean installation.

 

[mpaulson]

I installed mine without the line also. The line that came with mine was a solid piece of typical brake line and if anything, in this case, it would exaggerate the vibration. Mine cleared the reservoir also.

I will never use any thing but one of these two controlers also again.

 

[tempforce]

my 't' fitting didn't end up in the proper position. so i had to use the short line. couldn't get all of the air purged without it...

i'll never go back to a pendulum brake controller.

 

[odinjunior]

I have a Max Brake also and when I burned it out because of cockpit error :-laf the manufacturer rebuilt it for no charge.

Being a first time RV'er I'm not familiar with the other brands named here but this controller does everything that's claimed and the customer service can't be beat. .

 

[JCrockett]

Seafish, can you provide a part # or link to a vendor site where I can buy that T fitting. I have searched and cannot find one with the correct threads on it.

I love my MaxBrake, only complaint I have is the sensor mount via the brake line, I wish they would just give you a T fitting for a cleaner, better install. I gross 24k with my moose buggy in tow loaded for a long weekend and this controller is best thing I have ever had hands down, definitly worth the money.

 

[seafish]

JC, I do not have a part# for the T-fitting, as it came with my BrakeSmart. However, I know for a fact that someone here on TDR posted a thread where several people posted info on the size of and where to buy the fitting. If I remember right, It is available at McmasterCarr.com, but I do not know the thread sizes. I'll see if I can search for the thread.



OK. . found it--start reading here at post #69, based on the info given later, here is a link to brass T with what SHOULD be the proper dimensions. The dimensions are listed at post#82.





Brass Fittings - Hydraulic Brake Fittings - Pointe Products - Distributor of Bolts, Nuts, Fasteners & Parts



Look at fitting #7921, the 3rd one down--

I can't guarentee this will work since mine came with the BrakeSmart controller, but for $15. 00 you could try it if you wanted to.

 

[lawdog]

I bought a max Brake and I replaced the piece of hard metal brake line with a longer piece of Earls braided stainless steel brake line and mounted to the firewall. I haven't gotten to tow with it yet, but my Brother-in-law used the truck to tow his trailer and said it is awesome.

 

[Grizzly]

I installed mine without the line also. The line that came with mine was a solid piece of typical brake line and if anything, in this case, it would exaggerate the vibration. Mine cleared the reservoir also.

I will never use any thing but one of these two controlers also again.

... X 3. I too installed my BrakeSmart without the provided 6" line. I love my BrakeSmart and will never go back to brand P.

 

[seafish]

Oops ... forgot to post the link to the TDR thread that had the Fitting info. Here it is--

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/towing-hauling-rv-forum/219689-maxbrake-install-4.html

Look at posts #69 and #82, though it is all good reading for these controllers.

 

[DennyDay]

My MaxBrake is kinda' like my pistol - - the only way you can get it is over my dead body- - - it is the first brake control I've been completely comfortable with since I had to give up my Kelsey-Hayes in about 1975

 

[Dutch & Di]

My MaxBrake is kinda' like my pistol - - the only way you can get it is over my dead body ------Now That's Funny!!!!!!

Don't have a gun but we feel the same way about our MaxBrake. Diana

 

[Dutch & Di]

C. D. Day;2174846]My MaxBrake is kinda' like my pistol - - the only way you can get it is over my dead body ------Now That's Funny!!!!!!

Don't have a gun but we feel the same way about our MaxBrake. Diana