What is a good brake controller??? - Diesel Forum

F250crazy · 09-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Looking to buy a brake controller for my F250. I will be towing a dual axle car trailer. It only has brakes on one axle. I want to buy a good controller. Any ideas?

Wren · 09-07-2009, 05:53 PM

Tekonsha P3. Self-levelling - truly the easiest controller you can get. Buy the plug-n-play pigtail for it and you don't even have to splice any wire.

Put brakes on the other trailer axle.

wittmeba · 09-07-2009, 07:16 PM

Here is some information on most. P3 is a good choice. If you are a bit more serious, you may want to consider the BrakeSmart or MaxBrake.

BrakeControllerSelection

Here are links to many good online stores for pricing.

Collection of links related to RVing

F250crazy · 09-07-2009, 07:46 PM

Appreciate all the advise.

Rick M · 09-08-2009, 01:33 PM

I finally spent the money and bought a MaxBrake, one of the smartest moves I have made, the difference is night and day compared to the Prodigy for me.

Now I have to get the brakes installed on my second axle since per MS law it is required that any trailer with a GVW rating over "one ton" must have brakes on all wheels and get a breakaway system installed to comply with the Fed DOT regulations. What I do not understand is how these trailer manufacturers are allowed to sell trailers that are not in compliance with state and federal laws.

Wren · 09-10-2009, 11:23 PM

you can sell anything you want. But it's buyer-beware as to the legality.

**Believer45** · 09-11-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick M

What I do not understand is how these trailer manufacturers are allowed to sell trailers that are not in compliance with state and federal laws.

Different states have different requirements. For example, in Massachusetts you are not required to have brakes on a trailer unless trailer and load weighs 10,000 lbs (GVW) or more (not a typo, law reads ten thousand pounds towed weight). In New York the figure is 1,000 lbs. and in Missouri there is no law regarding trailer brakes.

Manufacturers build what they want, as Wren stated it is up to the buyer to meet the requirements for states they will be operating in.

F250crazy · 09-11-2009, 04:30 AM

Well guys I went with the p3. It will be here any day. I also took the advise and got the plug and play harness. I paid 133.00 out the door including shipping. I will post and let you know how it goes. It might be a few days due to install. Thanks again.

F250crazy · 09-11-2009, 04:33 AM

Also in Virginia the trailer has to be 3000 lbs or over for brakes to be needed. I also agree why does the goverment allow trailer sales like these. My trailer only has one set of rear brakes. I am told this is not legal in most states. Also it was sold without a breakaway set up which is required in my state.

Rick M · 10-05-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F250crazy

Also in Virginia the trailer has to be 3000 lbs or over for brakes to be needed. I also agree why does the goverment allow trailer sales like these. My trailer only has one set of rear brakes. I am told this is not legal in most states. Also it was sold without a breakaway set up which is required in my state.

In reality as best as I can tell the breakaway setup is a Federal DOT requirement, if you have brakes you are supposed to have a breakaway setup.

As to them selling what they want, they are not allowed to sell non-compliant new vehicles. There are certain standards that have to be met.

Duzitall · 10-05-2009, 02:08 PM

So who is using a P3 or Prodigy with good success? My daughter is going to start towing her own horse trailer and it appears I can't get hold of a Jordan 2020 like I use on my truck.

Will I be disappointed with the Prodigy for use on her Expedition with a reasonably light 2 horse trailer?

EDIT: Found the answer to my question a little farther down the page in the thread titled "Trailer Brakes". I'll be giving the Prodigy a go.

Thanks y'all

wittmeba · 10-05-2009, 05:50 PM

Duzitall,

It is unfortunate that Jordan sold his business and those who bought it apparently elected not to continue with it. It was the best controller I had. I still have it and it works, but we have sold our SunnyBrook (Apr 2009).

We anticipate getting another 5th wheel but when I do, Ill likely update to either MaxBrake or BrakeSmart. This is not because Jordan is bad or worn out, but it has been in service 8 years and I suspect the cable will go sometime and I dont want to be hooked up when it does.

There is lots of success stories with Prodigy and P3. There are issues too, but I think they seem frequent due to their popularity.

Duzitall · 10-05-2009, 06:09 PM

Thanks Bruce. I always figure the odds when I hear stories, both happy and sad. With a huge portion of the brake controllers being used Tekonsha seems to have a pretty good history with the Prodigy.

Someone needs to make another Jordan Ultima. Other than wearing out a cable sheath, mine has been working perfectly since November 2001. I remember seeing a member here using a bicycle cable sheath to repair his. That's what I will do when mine wears out next time.

Duzitall · 10-07-2009, 09:39 PM

I went with the P3 mostly because of the adjustable boost feature. It's still a couple days out in the mail. I have high hopes that it'll serve and protect my youngest and her horses.

wittmeba · 10-09-2009, 11:10 AM

Duzitall,

Want a small project? If you are going to keep yours, you might be interested.

When you mentioned the bicycle sheath, it reminded me of a change I made on the bracket on the dashboard.

This is what Jordan provided. Mine slipped sometimes and when I called Jordan he said they tested the clamp assembly for 100# pull.

This is how I fixed the slip. I checked a couple local bicycle shops, but I couldnt find a nylon bicycle adjustment (only steel and brass). So I got a 1/4" x 1" nylon screw at a local hdwe store. Drilled the center with a 1/16" dia bit. Replaced the bracket with some thin scrap plate I had and double nutted the adjustment screw. It has worked great since about 2002. This way I didnt have to make any adjustments at the cable and brake pedal end.