This question is not about Corvettes, but rather electronic brake controllers. I am in the process of purchasing a car hauler and would like some advice from those members who tow vehicles. An suggetions about which electronic brake controllers are the simplest, most reliable to use? Appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks. Jim
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
if the tow vehicle has ABS, ya gotta go with an electronci controller--kelsey hayes is the brand i've used in my last 3 or 4 tow pickups. none worked as well as the old controller on my 78 pickup that tapped into the hydraulic brake line. they don't make em like they used to--or so the oldtimers say.mike -
Mikie, I agree, the one that...
...tapped into the master cylinder and operated from brake fluid hydraulic pressure was by far the best method to control trailer brakes. Too bad progress isn't always better.Comment
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Re: Mikie, I agree, the one that...
Tekonsha is another popular brand controler. I have used them for over 15 years with no problemsDick WhittingtonComment
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
Not sure how big a trailer they can be used on, but I always liked surge brakes. Built right into the trailer hitch. The harder you brake, the harder the MC in the hitch pushes on the trailer brakes. None of the grabbing that I have frequently experienced with electrics. Down side is you can't brake the trailer independently. These probably won't work satisfactorily on a large heavy trailer, but they sure are nice and pain free on small to medium trailers.Comment
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
ed: i pulled a surge brake equipped trail once-----bumpy interstate at 70 mph. the bumps created an oscillation between the truck and trailer resulting in intermittant braking of the trailer. would rather drive a ford. regards, mikeComment
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
Mike, never experienced that problem, but I would agree that it would be a great aggrivation.Comment
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
Teconsha Prodigy controller is very relable and smooth in operation. Use one with my 5th wheel 12,000#s Pulled the trailer to Alaska and back last summerComment
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Re: Tow Vehicle Brake Controllers
I agree on the Prodigy controller. It is without a doubt, the finest brake controller on the the market today, and priced reasonably to boot! It is a Hall-effect type controller that senses de-accleration and applys a braking output that is proportional to the ammount of braking applied. It constantly adjusts itself for level, and will not apply brakes going downhill like some of the cheaper units. It has easy controls to apply brakes manually, and to adjust the level of braking to accomodate differing weight loads. I had an idiot pull out in front of me on the Interstate last year, and I had to lock the brakes up. The trailer stopped straight and true without any inclination to try and pass the tow vehicle. A lot of inexpensive units, just put out a small braking signal, and then increase it more and more the longer the pedal is held down. This controller will not give much braking in a panic stop, and will allow the trailer to push the tow vehicle. I have used at least 10 different brake controllers over the last 30 years, and the Prodigy controller is head and shoulders above the next best unit I have ever used! In my opinion, You should not even consider any other brand of controller. If it was 3 times the current going price, I still would not even consider another brand.
Regards, John McGrawComment
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