Tuson DirecLink Trailer Brake Controller anyone have one?

[Kent Kuykendall]

So I have ben using a max Brake Controller on my 3rd gen. I loved it until it died. Too bad they went out of business. I think it needs another new sensor wire. But anyway does anyone on tdr have one or have any experience with Tuscon Directlink Controllers? They look like they would be a better choice than the standard controllers.

Thanks for any info

 

[SnoKing]

Post, #27 here has detail of the cable the I created for another member. SnoKing

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...e-exchange-and-knowledge-thread.251384/page-2

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Post, #27 here has detail of the cable the I created for another member. SnoKing

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...e-exchange-and-knowledge-thread.251384/page-2

Thank you for the reply. would you consider making another cable?

 

[SnoKing]

Thank you for the reply. would you consider making another cable?

What makes you think you have a bad cable. Have you check the continuity of the three required wires? You can buy a RJ45 patch cable and cut off one end and then the end for the sensor on the original cable leaving about six inches and splice it to the new RJ45 cable.

Where do you live? SnoKing

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

I just checked controller again and instead of normal just saying CHECK TRAILER WIRING . It switches back and forth saying SELF TEST FAIL so I think my cable is ok. Do you know what SELF TEST FAIL is?

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

I’m near Asheboro NC.

I think my cable is ok now that I read up a little. So it’s saying on the screen SELF TEST FAIL.does that mean the unit is bad?

thanks Kent

 

[SnoKing]

I’m near Asheboro NC.

I think my cable is ok now that I read up a little. So it’s saying on the screen SELF TEST FAIL.does that mean the unit is bad?

thanks Kent

That is what Di said in the link I provided! She and Dutch were the sales reps for the product.
If someone wants to donate one to the cause, I will take a look at it to see if I can figure out what failed. I was trained in electronics in the USCG and at NCR back in the day of component level repair. Also maintained NCR POS terminals with LSI circuit components inhouse for 5 years at a department chain in the NW. SnoKing

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

That is what Di said in the link I provided! She and Dutch were the sales reps for the product.
If someone wants to donate one to the cause, I will take a look at it to see if I can figure out what failed. I was trained in electronics in the USCG and at NCR back in the day of component level repair. Also maintained NCR POS terminals with LSI circuit components inhouse for 5 years at a department chain in the NW. SnoKing

Think it’s fixable?

 

[SnoKing]

Sitting 2000 miles away I have no idea. There are no guarantees in life. Direct Link is you best bet for a high quality proportional controller. SnoKing

 

[GCroyle]

SnoKing,

I’d send you mine if it was broke but it ain’t.

I’m sold on mine. If someone was to reissue these the only software change I’d suggest is option to set it to turn off brakes if vehicle is not moving like why apply brakes at a stop light.

Gary

 

[SnoKing]

SnoKing,

I’d send you mine if it was broke but it ain’t.

I’m sold on mine. If someone was to reissue these the only software change I’d suggest is option to set it to turn off brakes if vehicle is not moving like why apply brakes at a stop light.

Gary

What about on a steep hill?

I do miss mine, and should have keep it when I sold the 2001.5. I had a Prodigy I could have swapped in. SnoKing

 

[GCroyle]

Good point. My test would be how it holds with just truck brake only and see how it feels. My rig is EOH so at a light the pump is just churning away. Maybe the dream would be a switch full on or on only if in motion.

I did a quick check on a few newer trucks last year and did not see a signal from ITBC when stationary.

On Airforums I pay close attn to brake threads. IMHO the average RV’r is not as well versed in electric brake operation and any basic troubleshooting associated with them. Controller setup consists of asking folks what setting should I be on with this combo, adjustment what’s that, function testing?, the fact that working brakes make HEAT or they’re not brakes. Not all but too many. Lots of folks are on 10 (max) on their controller I might ask if they are concerned cause there ain’t no 11 setting.

My Dexter four piston per wheel disc brakes are I’ll start with robust for describing their braking performance. That’s 16 pistons on the trailer alone.

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Think it’s fixable?

Sitting 2000 miles away I have no idea. There are no guarantees in life. Direct Link is you best bet for a high quality proportional controller. SnoKing

Thank you for the advice and if I decide to send it to you I’ll let you know. It would be nice to know why it failed. Is it possible to install factory brake controller on 09 trucks my son’s 16’s oem Control works great.

has anyone tried recently to install an older plumb in cab Kelsey Hayes Controller? Would these push enough voltage for today’s trailers you think?

my trailers are
1- goose neck with 2 axels drum 2.25” 7000 lbs
2 encoded 2axel brakes
3 3axel 5th wheel toy hauler 43’

 

[Cummins12V98]

"My rig is EOH so at a light the pump is just churning away."

Personally don't see this as a problem. I have the Hydrastar on my RV and Boat trailer and don't worry about it running while stopped with brakes applied.

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Sitting 2000 miles away I have no idea. There are no guarantees in life. Direct Link is you best bet for a high quality proportional controller. SnoKing

I found a new old stock Vtg Kelsey Electric Brake Controller 81740A It’s old school, you plumb it into the cab. I’m going to try it. I used them back in the day.

If I send you my max break and you are able to fix it. And I pay you for your time. Would you send it back to me?

 

[SnoKing]

I found a new old stock Vtg Kelsey Electric Brake Controller 81740A It’s old school, you plumb it into the cab. I’m going to try it. I used them back in the day.

If I send you my max break and you are able to fix it. And I pay you for your time. Would you send it back to me?

Won't work on a modern vehicle. To much fluid volume is required. It will mess up a modern brake system that requires a load cell sensor to operate that just senses pressure. If money is an issue go by a Prodigy P3 or spend the money for a Direct link.

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Won't work on a modern vehicle. To much fluid volume is required. It will mess up a modern brake system that requires a load cell sensor to operate that just senses pressure. If money is an issue go by a Prodigy P3 or spend the money for a Direct link.

How messed up? Unusable?

How are direct links compared to the max break?

 

[SnoKing]

How messed up? Unusable?

REALLY! YES!

I have tried to help you, however feel like I am doing this.

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

REALLY! YES!

I have tried to help you, however feel like I am doing this.

View attachment 119124

Must be the Dutch German blood in me. Lol. I do appreciate the help. Will it work on a 98.5 2nd gen?or still too new?

 

[SnoKing]

Must be the Dutch German blood in me. Lol. I do appreciate the help. Will it work on a 98.5 2nd gen?or still too new?

Any system with separate master cylinder chambers for front and rear brakes will have an issue with it. Systems with anti lock brakes even more so. I am done with this thread!