Forum Discussion

path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
May 17, 2016

Newer brake controllers question

My controller in my 2001 Dodge was rescued from my 1984 Ford. Old Kilbsy hays or Roberts I think. Still works but notice that I have it set all the way to max but is working like it used to when set 1/2 way to max at freeway speeds. (Brakes and wires and running gear all in good shape other than one drum needs brake eased up couple notches). I forgot to turn it down after getting off freeway today, when going thru town I made a quick stop for a light changing and wife ended up with spilt drink again. Neighbors Ram (2013) at our full time place has something that adjusts while he is motion and knows how much pressure to apply to braking system.

Questions...

Would a newer controllers know how fast I'm going and be more user friendly? Maybe thru the Tow vehicles computer? If so, would my 2001 computer (15 years old) be as good as newer computer on vehicles or even recognize it? Would hate to spend the money on new controller have the same problem.

(I can't respond back right away, going to be off grid for couple days, but thanks in advance for any responses).
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2016
    path1 wrote:
    Would a newer controllers know how fast I'm going and be more user friendly? Maybe thru the Tow vehicles computer? If so, would my 2001 computer (15 years old) be as good as newer computer on vehicles or even recognize it? Would hate to spend the money on new controller have the same problem.

    (I can't respond back right away, going to be off grid for couple days, but thanks in advance for any responses).


    I will start with the "How fast I'm going" question: NO, there is no speed sensor in the newer controllers.

    What there is is an inertital sensor (Think plumb bob) The simpliest of these sensors is the easiest to describe, but of course the controllers use something more complex.

    Take a common rotary volume control.. hang a weight on the shaft so the weight hangs down.. As you slow down using the brakes the weight will move toward the front of the vehicle, turning the shaft (he is mounted crosswise of course)

    As I said, this is the easiest one to describe.. What is used is far more complex now day but... that's how

    So the harder you brake, the harder it brakes.. That simple.

    If you want more info google Tekonsha Engineering and contact their customer support... After all.. They have been doing it a long time.

    NOTE: You want the listing in Teknosha, not dallas.

    Though Bloomburg does not list a CEO for that company, at one time it was one of my Highschool classmates and captain of the backetball team I played on.
  • boshog's avatar
    boshog
    Explorer
    May 20, 2016
    path1 wrote:
    Neighbors Ram (2013) at our full time place has something that adjusts while he is motion and knows how much pressure to apply to braking system.

    Questions...

    Would a newer controllers know how fast I'm going and be more user friendly? Maybe thru the Tow vehicles computer? If so, would my 2001 computer (15 years old) be as good as newer computer on vehicles or even recognize it? Would hate to spend the money on new controller have the same problem.


    Your neighbor likely has an integrated brake controller from the factory. The factory controllers are privy to the vehicle's data bus, it is hard to beat the performance of the factory brake controller.

    Next is the Prodigy controllers, most seem happy with them are they are affordable usually around $125 or less.

    I don't think you can find the brake controllers that tap in to the hydraulic brake line, seemed to be too much of a liability for them.
  • Dandy_Dan's avatar
    Dandy_Dan
    Explorer
    May 18, 2016
    path1 wrote:
    My controller in my 2001 Dodge was rescued from my 1984 Ford. Old Kilbsy hays or Roberts I think. Still works but notice that I have it set all the way to max but is working like it used to when set 1/2 way to max at freeway speeds. (Brakes and wires and running gear all in good shape other than one drum needs brake eased up couple notches). I forgot to turn it down after getting off freeway today, when going thru town I made a quick stop for a light changing and wife ended up with spilt drink again. Neighbors Ram (2013) at our full time place has something that adjusts while he is motion and knows how much pressure to apply to braking system.

    Questions...

    Would a newer controllers know how fast I'm going and be more user friendly? Maybe thru the Tow vehicles computer? If so, would my 2001 computer (15 years old) be as good as newer computer on vehicles or even recognize it? Would hate to spend the money on new controller have the same problem.

    (I can't respond back right away, going to be off grid for couple days, but thanks in advance for any responses).


    I thought the older Kelsey Hayes were the ones that were hooked into the the brake line. I think you would be just fine with a newer controller. Good Luck and Happy Camping.
  • hone_eagle's avatar
    hone_eagle
    Explorer
    May 17, 2016
    Direct link gets data from the vehicle OBD port,might want to check them out.

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