brake controllers
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From: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Seriously tho, thanks. I'm not well schooled on the finer points of diesel tech, but I know a bit about trailers and towing, so I like to keep my eye on this forum just in the odd chance I can actually add something useful to it!
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From: Nova Scotia , Canada
Guys I bought the MaxBreak because of a near miss with a small boy on his bike. I just had come off the 100 series highway and had set my controller so if I needed just a little break just to slow down. i had forgot to reset it for in town where I might have to stop sooner. Well the boy came out of a drive and I did not have the break set to give me the braking I needed. It was a close call and one I will not soon forget. I can now push on the break petal and lock up the fiver if needed. I feel much safer not have to constantly be adjusting the break controller. I read what MaxBreak says on there site and decided the theory sounded correct and I bought it. My life and my family are worth more to me than $350.00 . Had I run over the boy I know that do so would haunt me for the rest of my life ! I do believe that all break controllers should work as well as MaxBreak or not be sold . Shipping and brokerage fees and the exchange to US $ ,Made the cost well over $400.00 . I did install the unit myself and I feel much safer hauling my fiver. Thanks for your time. later Don T
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From: Wolfforth, Tx.
I use a Tekonsha Voyager controller and am very happy w/ it. But I only tow a 5,000lbs travel trailer maybe once a month if that much. I had a P3 (loved using it) but sold it w/ my 2005 Toyota Tacoma and whished I kept it! I now use the Voyager that I took from my past 2007.5 Ram 2500 and put it my (new to me) used 2006 Ram 2500.
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From: The Gas Patch
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From: Jacksonville Fl, currently Brick NJ
I have a P3, works fine with 14K. Had a Jordan and that was good, but the P3 actually worked better. No doubt the other more expensive are probably the best, but the P3 works, no regrets
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From: Wolfforth, Tx.
I think you should only get what you can afford. I can't afford a $350 brake controller and see no reason to get one that pricey for as little towing as I do (in my op-ion). But if you tow H-E-A-V-Y equipment and do tow several times a week or month then maybe a $350 controller is what you need. Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase.
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From: North West Jorsey
No need for a sarcastic comment. You asked for opinions on brake controllers and got them.
Both units you specifically asked for are very good controllers and will work adequately. I'd go with whichever one is less expensive at the time of purchase. But to say you can't 'justify' $350 to stop a trailer reliably each and every time you need it to stop is rather callous. I have had the Prodigy fail to be adequate in several circumstances. I've had the cheaper units just plain not work. While I'm sure the Max Brake and Smart Brake are capable of malfunctioning and/or not working, I think the possibility of this circumstance is greatly reduced. Add to that the fact that they make the stopping of a trailer feel like it has its' own integrated hydraulic or air system and the safety factor goes up ten-fold. I know from first hand experience that even a 7 or 10 thousand pound trailer can be hard to stop or control in a panic stop. I like to minimize that effect as much as possible in order to be responsible and safe. When I need my trailer to stop NOW, I like the peace of mind I get from knowing that it will! I used the cheap controllers for years, then the Prodigy for another good length of time before I got a Max Brake. I also used to tow heavy loads with a 1967 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up. Just because I used to have this equipment and didn't die because, (or in spite!), of it doesn't mean I'm still willing to use it. There are safer things out there now.
Both units you specifically asked for are very good controllers and will work adequately. I'd go with whichever one is less expensive at the time of purchase. But to say you can't 'justify' $350 to stop a trailer reliably each and every time you need it to stop is rather callous. I have had the Prodigy fail to be adequate in several circumstances. I've had the cheaper units just plain not work. While I'm sure the Max Brake and Smart Brake are capable of malfunctioning and/or not working, I think the possibility of this circumstance is greatly reduced. Add to that the fact that they make the stopping of a trailer feel like it has its' own integrated hydraulic or air system and the safety factor goes up ten-fold. I know from first hand experience that even a 7 or 10 thousand pound trailer can be hard to stop or control in a panic stop. I like to minimize that effect as much as possible in order to be responsible and safe. When I need my trailer to stop NOW, I like the peace of mind I get from knowing that it will! I used the cheap controllers for years, then the Prodigy for another good length of time before I got a Max Brake. I also used to tow heavy loads with a 1967 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up. Just because I used to have this equipment and didn't die because, (or in spite!), of it doesn't mean I'm still willing to use it. There are safer things out there now.
But the oldster is right. However I don't totally agree. You can get good controllers for less money.Any Gyro Brake controller will work OK for you. You also want to look at the maximum angle you can mount it. Most of them will self adjust for you. Or some you need a preset and go.
I got one as I described for arounmd 110.00. Don't forget to get a adaptor harness for your truck. Then it's just a plug in.
I can't remember where I got it or the maker. But I ran through the rockies with 11K last year with no trouble at all
Lemme put my teeth in and I'll get the make and model I got.
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From: North West Jorsey
I have a Prodigy. I think I got it as a discontinued model.
You have to shop around.
It's the best one I've ever bought.
I do 10 to 12K a year with the wagon. I can tell you it performed well in a panic situation down in Florida last year. That was a YeeHaw ride and the wagon stayed right where it was supposed too. The load? Well le't just say it's a good thing I use binder chains and J-hooks
You have to shop around.
It's the best one I've ever bought.
I do 10 to 12K a year with the wagon. I can tell you it performed well in a panic situation down in Florida last year. That was a YeeHaw ride and the wagon stayed right where it was supposed too. The load? Well le't just say it's a good thing I use binder chains and J-hooks
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From: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Old Mopar Aficionado Extraordinaire
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From: North West Jorsey
I guess it's all how you look at it.
I bought 8 pistons on line for $17.00 a piece when they were supposed to be 57. After they sold about 6 sets they figured it out.
I made some real good money on those pistons.
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What it REALLY all comes down to is this.......Until you actually try a Maxbrake, you just don't realize how bad those other controllers are.
People used to say Color TV was just a passing fad and that black and white was just fine as well...those were the people who were too stubborn to admit that something better was out there
With a Maxbrake your trailer brakes act as an extension of you truck brakes, the other style controllers just never come close to it...period.
People used to say Color TV was just a passing fad and that black and white was just fine as well...those were the people who were too stubborn to admit that something better was out there
With a Maxbrake your trailer brakes act as an extension of you truck brakes, the other style controllers just never come close to it...period.