What Brake Controller Are You Using On Hydraulic Brake Classics?

[KJRitchie]

I'm thinking of upgrading my brake controller for my Classic. My Classic has the Dexter hydraulic actuator instead of the Actibrake.

I currently own the Prodigy P2. I didn't know until today there is a setting on this controller to switch it to Electric Hydraulic mode. I'll switch it over the next time we go out but in the meantime I would like to know what other Classic owners with hydraulic brakes are using for their brake controller.

Kelvin

[gwmc]

I've used both a Prodigy P2 and currently a Direclink: Home

I quite like the Direclink, nice display and less lag on braking. But the Prodigy works fine too.

[tailpipe]

I use a P3 good adjustability and generally easy to use, understand and install

[dznf0g]

Very happy with this one:

DirecLink

If you ever think you may want ABS, get the NE model.

Seems most raves here are Prodigy, Maxbrake or Direclink.

[GCinSC2]

MaxBrake.

If something happened to it, I'd replace with same w/o hesitation.

Installation is not difficult if you have some basic vehicle knowledge and how to open a brake line and insert the T fitting and bleed. Me and better half bled it in less than 1 minute after hooked up.

[KJRitchie]

Doesn't the Max Brake require you to connect it to the TV brake master cylinder or am I thinking of another controller.

Kelvin

[m.hony]

Hayes Brake Controller Company Medium/Heavy Duty Brake Controller Energize III Now Featuring Quick-Connect Installation with an icon of an Airstream trailer on the package...
Toyota Tundra came with pigtail for brake controller. Works great. Had it before I had the Airstream.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Doesn't the Max Brake require you to connect it to the TV brake master cylinder or am I thinking of another controller.

Kelvin

Kelvin,

You remove one brake line connection at the M/C and insert a T into the M/C port, reconnect the line and add the transducer to the T fitting. I think depending on your TV it comes with a selection of adaptors to match the TV.

I could get a pic, but I'd have to use Ipad to do it. Me not too schooled with Eye Pad.

Gary

[KJRitchie]

Went to storage yesterday with the truck and I was able to enable the Prodigy P2 for Electric over Hydraulic mode. We are going out this weekend so I'll be able to see if there is any difference.

Kelvin

[KJRitchie]

We drove about 60 miles to the campground and the brake controller seems better. I don't feel the TV is braking as hard now and there doesn't seem to be that delay in the trailer brakes.

Kelvin

[Secguru]

After Prodigy P3, I set my new truck up with the DirecLink Brake Controller and the Anderson WD Hitch. It's the best towing experience I can imagine.

The DirecLink has NO LAG at all, and true proportional braking (brake a little or brake a lot and the trailer does exactly the same with electric brakes).

And the Anderson hitch provides a towing experience with NO BUMP whatsoever.

It's a dream to tow with this combination.

[KJRitchie]

I used to follow the Anderson Hitch thread and there seems to be issues with this hitch and the heavier trailers with a certain coupler. I'm not all that excited about my Equalizer because its noisy but it came with the trailer.

Kelvin

[flynmike]

MaxBrake....LOVE it! Works amazing with my electro/hydraulic disc brakes. Braking is seamless. It's almost like you're not towing a trailer. I'm extremely happy with the set up.

[m.hony]

Here it is...

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Here it is...

Question.


Does your trailer have electric over hydraulic disc brakes?

Thanks,

Gary

[m.hony]

Nope. Electric drum brakes as far as I know. Is there an advantage to upgrading? Would the fluid reservoir be on the A-frame?

[GCinSC2]

Just checking, the OP's question was about controller choice with hydraulic brakes.

[goldwing1]

I have the P3 and find my elec/Hyd brakes are very sensitive and I feel like the trailer is doing all the braking, I have it set to Hyd and have set it down to 0.3 and it still jerks when brakes are applied? This is my first AS with elec/ Hyd brakes, is this normal?
2008 classic 30
Thanks
Bob


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[GCinSC2]

Bob,

Sorry can't speak for the P3. I have a Maxbrake and braking is smooth, in unison and controlled. Disc brakes are strong but I suggest if possible a test drive with a TV with a different controller.

Gary

[SteveH]

I have the P3 with the Dexter actuator, and I have too much delay, but I suspect it is because of the hydraulic brakes, not because of the P3. It is also my understanding that the only difference between the P2 and the P3 is the latter has the option of different files for different trailers.