I have always used the draw tite activator controllers, no complaints. But it is time to buy a new one and just wondering if there was anything better out there. I do not like the controllers the use the pendulum, but I remember hearing about one that either attatched to the brake pedal arm itself or tied into the brake line . That seems like that would be the best type, I'd just like to her from some folks using them. Thanks

 

brake smart you wont ever go back it is the best .

 

I thought the brakesmart had been discontinued I could not find one when I looked but it has been a while maybe they ar eback in production. I ended up going with maxbrake. Same concept ties into the brake line at the master cylinder with a pressure transducer. Far and away the best controller I have used. I had a Jordan 2020 (connected to the brake pedal) and liked it but alas they went out of busniness several years ago and I couldnt get a replacement part I needed for it. Hence the search for a new one and maxbrake was it for me.

http://maxbrake.com/index.php

 

looks like a great idea. Any where they sell them any cheaper?

 

I think Berry is right the new one is the Maxbrake

 

Max Brake is probably the best one out there in my opinion.

 

Max Brake is the bomb!

 

Have had the best luck with Tekonsha brake controllers.

Personal favorite: Voyager.

After having a digital brake controller for one month had to chuck it and switch back to the old one. They just don't engage the same...piece of junk in my opinon.

Maxbrake also have heard many good things about.

 

Maxbrake is amazing if you do any amount of towing. Even if you don't tow much, they are the best. No jerky stops, no flat spotted tires and they work when its icy as well. Not that hard to install, I've installed 5 myself and no issues.

 

You know, I bought my truck used and it came with a Tekonsha Voyager "el-cheapo" controller already installed... I read all these posts about brake controllers and I keep convincing myself that I need to replace it.

But I tow with it, and it works... it works well. I just upgraded my trailer to a 10k lbs unit, and it works great...

I clearly don't know what I'm missing with the fancier units, or these things just work..

 

Going back 20 years and more, before ABS was on our vehicles, the order would have been (going forward in time)

1] Kelsey-Hayes
2] Jordan Ultima 2020
3] Smartbrake
4] Maxbrake
5] Direclink

Anything other than these (such as P3) wasn't all that great in comparison. While the P3 is good, don't ever go less than one of those.

And keep the trailer brakes & bearings adjusted, wheels balanced, tire pressure at maximum, and axles aligned. Add shocks, too, IMO. Dial in the weight-distribution hitch. There's plenty that goes into hard braking performance. Even the best controller cant' compensate for poor trailer condition or poor hitch rigging.

Disc brakes on all axles, truck and trailer, and a top brake controller will put you through the windshield. And stop faster than the truck by itself.

The best brake controller is cheap compared to a rig that nice. But it's a definite help even on a normal crappy drum brake rig.

.

 

the direclink is a farce, all hype. the maxbrake is the only one out there. the maxbrake makes the p3 look like a junk toy

 

I tow a light travel trailer I'm sure compared to most of you (about 4,300lbs. empty) and all that time I've enjoyed my P3. I only tow maybe 3 to 5 times a year. Good Luck w/ your choice.

 

Love my BrakeSmart..... Got it while the getting was good. The Maxbrake would be the next one to get IMHO.

 

I'm running a p3. I have a stock controller, but it just plain sucks. The p3 is by far a better towing controller.