Trailer Brake info needed

[JLafferty]

I bought a 2010 Dually with the 6. 7 cummins.

It has a trailer brake but I can not find any literature for it.

I never had a trailer brake before but I have plans for it in the future

I have asked the dealer and dodge but nobody can give me any info.



Thanks

Jim Lafferty

-- email address removed --

 

[HBarlow]

Give us a clue here. Is the trailer brake controller the OEM unit installed by Dodge or an aftermarket unit? If aftermarket, what brand?

The Ram OEM brake controller is not very effective because it relies on measuring inertia which is initially created by the truck's service brakes. Many owners have been very disappointed with them and disabled the controller to install an aftermarket MaxBrake controller.

Some owners claim the '12 OEM brake controllers are improved but the controller is still inertia-activated.

If you plan to tow a large and heavy trailer save yourself a lot of disappointment and frustration. Buy and install a MaxBrake controller. MaxBrake and it's forerunner, the BrakeSmart tap into the truck's hydraulic brake line and operate off line pressure created by the driver's right foot input on the brake. A much more effective braking system.

 

[CKelley1]

x2 harvey. the maxbrake is the only way to go.

 

[Grizzly]

About three months ago I helped a friend and TDR Member installed a MaxBrake on his 2nd gen Dodge truck. He and his wife set off on a very long trip pulling their 5th wheel. I heard from him yesterday from Florida. This is what he said about the MaxBrake; "The MaxBrake is GREAT, wow what a nice upgrade. Thanks again for your help. "

That says it all. Get the MaxBrake. I like Harvey have the predecessor, BrakeSmart.

george

 

[george]

x2 harvey. the maxbrake is the only way to go.

The brake smart isn't a bad way to go either hehe

 

[george]

x2 harvey. the maxbrake is the only way to go.

The brake smart isn't a bad way to go either hehe

 

[Missouri Mule]

Trailer Brake Controller or exhaust brake? MaxBrake I have read is the best.

But I have ready a few threads where members have been able to set the factory brake controller to get maxium braking from the trailer brakes.

Try doing a search on brake controller. (You should be able to bring up on the menu the brake controller on your monitor. )

 

[Missouri Mule]

Trailer Brake Controller or exhaust brake? MaxBrake I have read is the best trailer brake controller.

But I have ready a few threads where members have been able to set the factory brake controller to get maxium braking from the trailer brakes.

Try doing a search on brake controller. (You should be able to bring up on the menu the brake controller on your monitor. )

 

[Slow Six]

Trailer Brake Controller or exhaust brake? Max Brake I have read is the best trailer brake controller.

But I have ready a few threads where members have been able to set the factory brake controller to get maxium braking from the trailer brakes.

Try doing a search on brake controller. (You should be able to bring up on the menu the brake controller on your monitor. )

Max Brake is best. I am satisfied with the integrated controller on the 2012 which was improved from the earlier trucks. I had the Max brake on my 03 and I was going to transfer it to the 2012 but after towing with the 2012 I sold my Max Brake.

 

[JLafferty]

Thanks to everybody that got back to me.
It's a dodge trailer brake that came with the truck but I dot not info on how to use it.
And were would I get the wire to connect the truck to the trailer.
I am going to use to mybe tow a 25 ft boat

 

[Oil Stain]

I have no problems with the factory setup. You need to make sure you have it setup correctly using the EVIC to select the proper setting to match the brake setup on the trailer i. e. "Light Electric", "Heavy Electric" and "Hydraulic". Then playing the power setting below on the dash by your left knee.



This is my first setup ever towing and it seems to work good once you get it dialed in. I have no clue what the aftermarket units are like compared to the factory setup. That's where the other members chime with their findings.



I would love to know from the op what makes the aftermarket better over stock? Wish I was able to try a before and after.



I have my settings on "Light Electric" and the power setting on 7. I'm towing approx 11k and all the brake system on the trailer is new. The other thing, is you need to have your brakes properly adjusted.

 

[RonD]

The OP has a 2010, I don't think the 10 has the EVIC setting selections like the 2012 has

 

[HBarlow]

I have no problems with the factory setup. You need to make sure you have it setup correctly using the EVIC to select the proper setting to match the brake setup on the trailer i. e. "Light Electric", "Heavy Electric" and "Hydraulic". Then playing the power setting below on the dash by your left knee.

This is my first setup ever towing and it seems to work good once you get it dialed in. I have no clue what the aftermarket units are like compared to the factory setup. That's where the other members chime with their findings.

I would love to know from the op what makes the aftermarket better over stock? Wish I was able to try a before and after.

I have my settings on "Light Electric" and the power setting on 7. I'm towing approx 11k and all the brake system on the trailer is new. The other thing, is you need to have your brakes properly adjusted.

It's hard to explain and harder to convince someone who has never towed with a hyraulic over electric brake controller how much better they are than the inertia-activated crap like Tekonsha and even the OEM Ram.

The two best controllers manufactured for modern trucks are(were) the BrakeSmart and MaxBrake because the input for these two units is hydraulic line pressure. When the driver presses his right foot on the service brake pedal that input is instantly converted to an electrical signal applied to trailer brakes. The result is perfectly matched smooth and proportional braking. Truck and trailer brake as a unit. The trailer neither pushes against the truck or tries to jerk it back.

The inertia-actived controllers basically do nothing until they sense deceleration which has to be created by the truck brakes. If the truck is pulling an extremely heavy trailer it lacks sufficient braking power to create much deceleration and even when it does, there is a lag because truck brakes initiate braking before trailer braking follows.

 

[Oil Stain]

Thanks Harvey!