Posted 2006-04-06 11:42 AM (#40025) Subject: trailer brake controller
New User
Posts: 4
Location: NC
I need any ideas on brand/type of brake controller I should buy. I have only used one brand and wasn't really happy with it. I'll be pulling a 3 horse gooseneck trailer with a '03 F250.
Posted 2006-04-06 12:37 PM (#40028 - in reply to #40025) Subject: RE: trailer brake controller
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366
Location: Albany, Oregon
Originally written by drumrunr on 2006-04-06 9:42 AM
I need any ideas on brand/type of brake controller I should buy. I have only used one brand and wasn't really happy with it. I'll be pulling a 3 horse gooseneck trailer with a '03 F250.
Posted 2006-04-06 12:58 PM (#40029 - in reply to #40025) Subject: RE: trailer brake controller
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Tampa, FL
I sprung for the Brakemaster. Although it is costly, I absolutely love it and I know I won;t have to buy one again. I also like I can mout it anywhere at any angle...I am a little lady and I wanted to be able to reach it!
Posted 2006-04-10 12:10 PM (#40189 - in reply to #40025) Subject: RE: trailer brake controller
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160
Location: Denver Colorado
Been trying for years to schedule a trailer brake test were we can measure performance. Eventually it will happen. I'm a fan of hydraulic disc brakes. I've towed on too many gravel roads and magnets didn't last. With the new actuators it's easier than ever to get electic over hydraulic systems and you don't have to have a brake controler made for hydraulic brakes. From all the controllers I use in truck and trailer reviews, using feel and performance as my personal measuring device, my top three are #1 BrakeSmart (yes it's back), #2 Prodigy, #3 Valley Odessy (new) they also make the Husky Excursion. They are all good and of course they are also numbered for their price, highest to lowest. I like them all but you can feel a braking difference. Just an observation not a debate.
Posted 2006-04-11 1:11 PM (#40258 - in reply to #40025) Subject: RE: trailer brake controller
Member
Posts: 26
Location: NC
Mr Truck I have heard numerous good things about the brakesmart controller. I am looking to get rid of the current controller that I have, just because I have never really liked it. If I am not mistaken the price for the brakesmart was in the $400 range. Is it worth spending the money for the brakesmart vs saving a couple hundred and going with a prodigy? I currently have hydraulic over electric brakes and haul on average, 2-3 days a week, anywhere from 300-1000 miles. Do you have a review of the controllers with the good, bad and ugly?
Posted 2006-04-11 1:23 PM (#40261 - in reply to #40025) Subject: RE: trailer brake controller
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160
Location: Denver Colorado
I want to do that, it's number 60 in my article list. If you have the opportunity to tow your trailer with a Brakesmart and Prodigy, you'll see what I mean. The price issue is a fair concern. If I was towing in a lot of mountains, I would put out the extra money for the Brakesmart and hydraulic disc trailer brakes. Towing on level ground occasionally would point me toward the Prodigy. Here is a good summary of the features of Brakesmart, click http://trailerwest.com/ and on the right upper side you'll see a Brakesmart, click on the picture.