Trailer brake controller?

[Darel]

'97 Ram 2500. Did these trucks come with a factory electric trailer brake option? I bought mine used, so it's entirely possible that it was added afterwards, but the controller I have is a Kelsey (who makes Ram ABS systems, I know) that doesn't look like any of the Kelsey models I've seen shopping for a new one. Also, there isn't any cutting/splicing of wires, just an electrical-connection-type plug that looks like it was plumbed into the brake circuit from the factory.

The reason I ask is I'd like to find another of this same model of controller. Mine started out with the red light coming on when you stepped on the brake. It may or may not have worked, I realized too late the sensitivity was turned way down. Now the only way it works (red light and brakes) is if you're already pushing the brake pedal AND you finger the controller manually.

Since it looks like a fairly easy swap with no wire splicing, I want another of this same model. Anyone know anything about it?

Darel

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The factory connector is near the swing pedals and is white plastic, about 0. 7" by 1. 5" at the face. It holds 4 wires, brake signal (white and tan), electric brakes (blue), power, and ground.

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

Do yourself a favor, get a Prodigy, see AG Supply at:



http://www.ag-supply.com/catmain/5000003.htm

 

[Darel]

Any particular reason one is better than the other?

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

I replaced the Kelsey-Hayes with the Prodigy. The KH controller uses a mechanical pendulum to control the trailer brakes, no braking until the PU brakes slow the combinatiion down, the pendulum can start swinging some times and jerk you around (cattle guards). The Prodigy has an electronic accelerometer and does not require leveling. The Prodigy also has 3 levels of user selectable trailer lead braking that comes on for 2 seconds once the brake light switch comes on.



The Prodigy is the best brake controller I have used since they quit making the hydraulic controllers. With the KH I was manually controlling the trailer brakes, not necessary with the Prodigy. I would let my wife pull the trailer with this controller, its that good.

 

[RThompson]

Found the Jordan 2020 to be everthing they advertised it to be. They are about $150 with shipping, but well worth the money. No more concerns about braking coming in late or pendulum sticking and causing severe brake application. When the amp gauge reading on controller drops down (3 amps per wheel when fully applied) you can start looking for troubles at the brake end. Best controller since we had electric/hydraulic controllers (pre ABS). For smooth, consistant, easily adjustable braking this WORKS,,, I have no patience with controllers that have to be adjusted for right angle, slow speed application and delayed firm application. I enjoy having my wife drive at least half the time when we are towing. Since I put on the new controller she feels more at ease driving in heavy traffic.



found the site.

http://www.jordanbrake.com

 

[Darel]

Any more info on the Prodigy? Is the model listed on Ag Supply a four-wire hookup? Did a search on Yahoo but didn't turn up much. The price seems OK.

Darel

 

[C Schomer]

I'm still vacilating over Prodigy or Jordan. Either one would be MUCH better than the POS Voyager. Been hearing problems lately about the crucial cable adjustment on the Jordan and I've been wondering how proportional it really can be - especially in a panic stop. The Prodigy has some nice features but it's so dorky looking! The wife doesn't drive anyway - she falls asleep too much and I'm tired of waking up screaming and having to steer us around mail boxes, posts and bridge abuttments. I drove a right hand steering car once and ran over everything but I'm fine as long as the wheel is on the left and I'm on the right! Craig