Trailer brake controller options

[Kirwin]

Found a truck (out of state) without the factory installed trailer brake controller. Can I add the factory trailer brake controller if it didn't come with it from the factory? If not, does it still have the plug/wiring harness under the dash to install an after market controller? Thanks Ken Irwin

 

[craiggo]

I think the answer is yes. I was just reading about this on another forum (yes, my eyes wonder every once in a while). They "claim" on the 2010's, you can just plug them in. I'm not promoting another forum, but in the spirit of sharing information and helping other members, here it is: Integrated trailer brake controller? - Dodge Ram Forum - Forums and Owners Club! - Dodge Truck Forum

Craig

 

[Grizzly]

Whether or not the truck has a built-in Brake Controller, I would still install a MaxBrake Controller. It is far superior because it ties into the trucks hydraulic system.



I have the BrakeSmart, which preceded the MaxBrake, which are the same. I've had other brands before and I can say that the hydraulic interface is a much better system.



george

 

[HBarlow]

I can't imagine why anyone would want to retrofit the POS factory integrated inertial controller.

Buy and install a MaxBrake. Chances are it will cost much less and work 10 times as well.

 

[Larry Willard]

Harvey is right, the Maxbrake is the only way to go.

Larry

 

[THerber]

Maxbrake all the way, you will never be sorry, I have a Brakesmart like Grizz, it was in the truck when I bought it and I could not believe how great it works compared to an inertia based controller.

 

[DennyDay]

Don't even consider anything else but a Maxbrake I guarantee you'll not be unhappy with it

 

[SPucillo]

I must disagree!

I have a 2010 with the factory controller and it is not an inertial controller.



It uses brake pressure, vehicle speed, and gain to apply the correct braking force.

I planned on using a Maxbrake but after using the factory controller I am completely satisfied. It couldn't work better.

 

[craiggo]

I must disagree!

I have a 2010 with the factory controller and it is not an inertial controller.



It uses brake pressure, vehicle speed, and gain to apply the correct braking force.

I planned on using a Maxbrake but after using the factory controller I am completely satisfied. It couldn't work better.

Second that!! Can't compare it to the MaxBrake cuz I've never used one (but I would based on what everyone has said about it here). The factory BC works great and I am very happy with it.



Craig

 

[LBARTLETT]

I read somewhere there's a problem with trying to add the factory controller to a truck that didn't come with one



something in the computer and wiring they weren't working real well



might have been on another forum

 

[HBarlow]

Where does the new Dodge factory brake controller obtain hydraulic brake line pressure?

 

[SPucillo]

From the ABS via the computer.

 

[BurlesonR]

I had the factory optioned "intergraded trailer brake control" in my 05 Ford F350 and it was about the only thing that worked well in the whole truck.



It will be on the 2011 CTD I'm ordering.

I might be missing out on the MaxBrake, but I want to keep this next truck as stock as possible and I hear the brake controller is standard now on the Laramies anyway...

 

[HBarlow]

From the ABS via the computer.

Does a component in the ABS system actually sense hydraulic brake line pressure?

 

[craiggo]

I had the factory optioned "intergraded trailer brake control" in my 05 Ford F350 and it was about the only thing that worked well in the whole truck.



It will be on the 2011 CTD I'm ordering.

I might be missing out on the MaxBrake, but I want to keep this next truck as stock as possible and I hear the brake controller is standard now on the Laramies anyway...

I had the same thing on my 2006 F250 PowerChoke. I don't think the one on the Ram is as good as the one Ford (I read someplace that the Ford was a Teknokisha and the Ram was made by Continental). But it works fine when I turn it way up. Maybe I didn't have it adjusted correctly from the beginning?



Craig

 

[SPucillo]

Does a component in the ABS system actually sense hydraulic brake line pressure?

I know some ABS systems have pressure sensors but I have not looked in to the Rams system.



So I should have said "I think it is from the ABS". But it is getting it from somewhere.

 

[HBarlow]

TPucillo,

Our side discussion is genuinely interesting to me. I am a bit skeptical that Dodge's new OEM brake controller actually senses direct hydraulic line pressure but willing to believe if it can be determined that it does.

If it does sense hydraulic line pressure, and if it works as well as the BrakeSmart and MaxBrake controllers I will change my tune and become a serious advocate.

It would make my admiration for Dodge grow also!

 

[stick]

I'm with Harvey on this one. I would like conformation on whether the brake controler is an inertia type or not.



Stick

 

[craiggo]

I'm with Harvey on this one. I would like conformation on whether the brake controller is an inertia type or not.

Stick

Well I emailed Continental to see if they could give me ANY additional information about their brake controller but, they sent me to Dodge. This would be a great question for "Ask the engineer" or a special article for TDR Magazine if we could find anyone with any knowledge.

On a side note, I know it is the same system that is used in the GM vehicles, maybe we could research the ones in those and see what comes up.

Craig

 

[HBarlow]

I have learned on more than one occasion it would be more useful to ask a homeless addict on the street a technical question like this than ask Dodge. The ask Dodge function is simply useless, to be kind.

I would really like to know the answer to this question.