Brake Controller Recommendations Please
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: San Diego, CA
Brake Controller Recommendations Please
Hey Guys,
I would like your opinions on the various Electric Brake Controllers on the market. It has been 20 years since I've purchased and installed one and I value your opinions a lot more than the salesman at the local Pep Boys or kragan. Thanks.
I would like your opinions on the various Electric Brake Controllers on the market. It has been 20 years since I've purchased and installed one and I value your opinions a lot more than the salesman at the local Pep Boys or kragan. Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Cypress, TX
Having run both the ramped time-based and inertial controllers over the years, I wouldn't go with anything but a true proportional controller. A true proportional controller takes its input directly from the truck brakes and applies trailer brakes proportionally. Probably the best is the BrakeSmart, but it's a little pricey, and availability is a problem. Running a close second is the Jordan Ultima 2020, available over the Internet for less than $100.
Rusty
Rusty
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Irvine
I went with the Prodigy controler, and it works great. I will be upgrading to something better, probably the Breaksmart controler. No matter how well I set up the Prodigy it just does not seem perfect. I believe that the way the Breaksmart works makes much better sence.
But the Prodigy works and it works well.
But the Prodigy works and it works well.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: L.A. (Lower Arkansas)
I have the Jordan 2020 Ultima and love it. You can find it at bestbrakecontroller.com and it is $106 delivered. Best thing about it is that it hooks directly to the brake peddle via a cable. It is also very easy to disconnect when not in use and not lose your settings. I just got back from a trip through the mountains and it was super smooth. I set it once and that was it whether I was going though towns are hills. I strongly recommend this one as I don't have any experience with Prodigy but have heard good things about that one.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Oregon
I would really recommend the Brakesmart, if the high cost and likely delay in delivery is not too big of a concern.
It T's in a solid state pressure sensor into the brake system. Since it doesn't displace fluid, it is compatable with ABS.
Even without touching the default settings, it stops my rig smoothly whether in a panic stop, or easing up to a stoplight.
It T's in a solid state pressure sensor into the brake system. Since it doesn't displace fluid, it is compatable with ABS.
Even without touching the default settings, it stops my rig smoothly whether in a panic stop, or easing up to a stoplight.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Cypress, TX
With no intention of starting a firestorm or criticizing anyone's selection, what you will see is that the Tekonsha Prodigy is the Big Mac of brake controllers. Because, like McDonalds, Tekonsha is quite astute at marketing and has a lot of sales outlets, they sell more Prodigys than any other brake controller manufacturer. To say the Prodigy is the best controller is like saying the Big Mac is the best hamburger just because more are sold than any other. It's probably OK if you've never eaten anything else or (in the case of a brake controller) used anything better. Been there - done that - got the t-shirt to prove it.
OK, flame suit on. Fire away!
Rusty
OK, flame suit on. Fire away!
Rusty
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Seattle
Rusty, I don't see where anyone said that the Prodigy was the best. It's more like it's good or great or works good enough for me. Although there are better controllers available... the prodigy is simply to install and does work great.
