Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

[Dryrot]

I need to install a new electric brake controller on my truck to work the trailer brakes. I would like a proportional type. Any suggestions?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Most electronic controllers are proportional. If they weren't the brakes would either be on or off. Brake force is adjustable after installation. Some controllers tap into the hydraulic system but you really don't need to get that type.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

The one I just bought is called a "Syncronizer" and is different from other controllers. When you hit the brakes, is eases on the brakes instead of just slamming them on. So, if you adjust the controller for the trailer, it doesn't "hit" when you tap the brakes. You can adjust it for different weights and force and it works great. <br /> The DrawTite digital units work great and I would recommend them as well. Very nice unit- we use them here on our service trucks to haul machinery with- they work extremely well. <br /><br /> I would not buy any controller that uses a pendulum for the braking force. Leveling the unit each time is tedious and you will soon stop doing it, leaving you with less than perfect braking performance. <br /><br />UFM82

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

You won't be disappointed with this one. My observations are based on our recent trip to Alaska (12,000 mi) towing a travel trailer w/ our F-150.<br /><br />I bought mine on eBay, but you can get them at RV places or Camping World, or...<br /><br /> http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Tekonsha is a premium brand. My voyager XL is rated for up to 3-4 axles. Overkill to be sure, but the heavy duty unit won't fail me when I need it most. To my knowledge it is a pendulum unit. I disagree with UFM82. I've not only used this type of unit but have installed numerous units in customers' vehicles without complaint. Once installed in the tow unit, the controller's pendulum is "levelled" but adjusting the LEVEL knob. Once levelled to the tow unit's posture with the trailer connected you don't need to adjust the level again. Unless the brake controller has someway of measuring inertia, there is no way the controller can modulate the trailer brakes with the tow vehicle. As for the progressive application or modulation of the brakes, with the Voyager/Voyager XL, the harder the the tow vehicle stops, the harder the trailer brakes operate.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Originally posted by Nick in Spartanburg, SC:<br /> You won't be disappointed with this one. My observations are based on our recent trip to Alaska (12,000 mi) towing a travel trailer w/ our F-150.<br /><br />I bought mine on eBay, but you can get them at RV places or Camping World, or...<br /><br /> http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html

After closer inspection, I'm replacing my Voyager with a Prodigy. All the great capabilities and greater convenience/safety/performance.

 

[kcole683]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

I have read many people praise the Tekonsha prodigy but people who tow all the time and heavy trailers seem to like the Masterbrake unit better.<br /><br />This unit senses the tow vehicle rear brake pressure and adjusts trailer brakes proportionally. Masterbrake BrakeSmart <br /><br />I dont have any experience myself but the concept seems good to me.<br />I understand the original brake controllers operated like this.<br /><br />A little more pricy than others though.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Most electronic brake controllers are proportional. It they weren't they would be either full on (squealing the tires) or off. They work on a number of different principles and they have a bias adjustment to limit initial braking.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

I have the lower priced Tekonsha Envoy and love it. I tow 3-4k lbs on a tandem axle with brakes on the fron axle only.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

I thought tapping into the hydraulic system was outlawed years ago. Guess I was told wrong. Anyway, unless you are skilled at hydraulic brake repairs DO NOT ATTEMPT!!! <br />My big problem with this braking system is what if you blow a brake line? I realize this is a remote possibility. But humor me.<br />In reality when you are towing your braking pressures are higher to stop, even with trailer brake assist. Therefore there is higher stress on the brake hydraulic lines and hoses. Hypothetically you have this system. You blow a brake line. Now you only have one circuit braking your vehicle. Since you blew the brake line that triggered your brake controller, it doesn't activate the trailer brakes. You have the trailer to stop too, with what is now less than 1/3 of your system's designed power. <br />I know this is a worst case scenario, with a low likelihood of occurrence. But as I've said and others have said too, when it comes to safety, there's no room for maybe. There's no room to cheap out or take chances.<br />At least with the brake controllers that operate off the brake light switch, if that goes out, you still have full vehicle braking. Unless you're really having a bad day and coincidentally blow a brake line. Now that would be a BAD day!

 

[JasonB]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

David, also, at least with my Envoy, if the switch fails to apply the brakes, I have a manual override I can use to apply the brakes (if in that emergency, I can remember/be able to hit it). Fortunately, my 4klb load is controllable without brakes behind my F-150, but stopping distance would be significantly longer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Most manufacturers have a minimum brake fluid volumn that can be displaced when adding a hydraulic brake controller. The brake line to controller only operates a pressure transducer in the controller. The remainder of the system is essentially the same as an all electronic unit. I agree though, the complexity and possibility of leaks offsets not worth the installation effort.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Electric Brake Controllers...what type?

Luv my Prodigy.