OEM brake controller as a dealer-added option

[trailernovice]

Got the idea for this thread after seeing a 'I just got a new truck and I'm going to put a brake controller on my it' posting

Truck in signature did NOT have a brake controller from the factory...but, having dealt with aftermarket controllers, I knew I really wanted to go OEM

In talking with the selling dealership, found out that an OEM brake controller could be dealer-installed....so that became part of the 'deal' for the purchase

To me, the OEM unit is much preferred over an aftermarket brake controller....it's much smoother, and integrates with the electronics such that the towing miles and braking power can be shown on the dashboard

I'm not sure if getting an OEM controller dealer-installed is possible in all makes, but it was for this current-generation Ram pickup....might be something to look into before resorting to an aftermarket unit

[Cummins12V98]

deltabravo wrote:
I had a BrakeSmart brake controller. It was a similar system to the MaxBrake.
I kicked myself for not removing the pressure transducer from the truck when I sold the truck and upgraded to the truck I currently still have. That little transducer stopped being manufactured.

The BrakeSmart was also seamless in operation, just like and IBC/ITBC. There was no herky-jerky operation of the trailer brakes, no lag between application of truck brakes and trailer brakes. At the time, I had a heavy toy hauler. THe braking action was so much better with the BrakeSmart than the Prodigy brake controller I replaced.

100% agree as I was not happy with the Prodigy. I need to do a hard reset on my MaxBrake as the last time I used it as soon as I connected to the trailer you could hear the electric over hydraulic pump running and it gave some sort of trailer issue on the controller. So I unplugged and re connected my OE.

[deltabravo]

I had a BrakeSmart brake controller. It was a similar system to the MaxBrake.
I kicked myself for not removing the pressure transducer from the truck when I sold the truck and upgraded to the truck I currently still have. That little transducer stopped being manufactured.

The BrakeSmart was also seamless in operation, just like and IBC/ITBC. There was no herky-jerky operation of the trailer brakes, no lag between application of truck brakes and trailer brakes. At the time, I had a heavy toy hauler. THe braking action was so much better with the BrakeSmart than the Prodigy brake controller I replaced.

[MFL]

That's the one

[Cummins12V98]

MFL wrote:
My first controller was tied into the brake line, and worked perfectly. I think they were later thought to be an unsafe addition, and disappeared.

Jerry

You are probably thinking about the Kelsey Hayes that actually had a brake line coming into the cab to the controller.

The MaxBrake was simply a brass "T" with the Honeywell sensor. VERY safe but too many were freaked out having to unscrew a break line from the Master Cylinder. BraksSmart was another good won like MaxBrake.

[dodge_guy]

I work at Ram dealership and have installed them before. So much better than the add on dash mounted one. Although e Prodigy is the best if one isn’t offered from the manuf.

It’s pricey but we’ll worth it.

[MFL]

Lwiddis wrote:
MFL, wasn’t the concern draining the brake fluid with those oldies?

Loss of fluid, proper bleeding of the lines, all adds to the risk, especially in the event that a person maybe not qualified, is doing the install.

[BurbMan]

All manufacturers now say not to tie anything into the hydraulics because it has the potential to affect the ABS operation. You wouldn't think that adding a pressure sensor between the master cylinder and ABS module would make a difference, so I'm not sure if this is an actual issue or just a CYA by the vehicle mfrs.

[Lwiddis]

MFL, wasn’t the concern draining the brake fluid with those oldies?

[MFL]

My first controller was tied into the brake line, and worked perfectly. I think they were later thought to be an unsafe addition, and disappeared.

Jerry

[Cummins12V98]

The ONLY brake controller better than OE IMHO is the long gone MaxBrake that tied into the brake line with a Honeywell pressure module. Truly seamless braking.

[MFL]

I have used various types of brake controllers, and IMO it is hard to best the newer IBCs, such as my Ford has.

It seems to me, that in most cases, with newer trucks, getting the complete towing pkg, should include the IBC, as well as other needed components for added stress of towing.

Jerry