Brake Controller (which one )

[poorboycjs]

Hi I have a 1970 Airstream ( regular electric brakes ) & a 1978 with disc brakes (vacumn over hydraulic ) Which brake controller can I use to tow these units. ? I dont want to buy two controllers. Tow vehicle is a Dodge Ram Diesel . with factory towing package. Thanks for any help .Carl

[drboyd]

...for both trailers.

You've really got your choice of a Jordan or a Tekonsha Prodigy. Don't waste a dime on anything else. The Jordan connects a proportionally activated cable to your brake pedal, whereas the Prodigy senses brake activation and deceleration, and controls the trailer brakes accordingly. Both get rave reviews; the prodigy is a little easier to install, but only by 20 minutes or so.

but...

You will have to come up with a vacuum source for the disc brakes on the 1978, as the diesel doesn't produce vacuum. Do a search on here, and you'll find some recommendations for inexpensive electric vacuum pumps which have been used for that purpose.

[DPeakMD]

I will make a strong personal endorsement of the Jordan Ultima 2020 brake control. It is a quantum leap ahead of the older Tekonsha ramped controller I used to use. It will require a little longer to install, but it's worth the effort.

My 1972 has electric brakes. Recently, I've been intersted in acquiring a 1979 Excella 500 which still retains the factory Excella-Vac brake system. I also tow with a diesel...2000 Ford F350 PowerStroke.

My truck has a standard factory installed 12V vacuum pump to supply vacuum to operate HVAC controls, the front hubs, etc.

My question, however, is this sufficient for operating the Vacuum over hydraulic brake controller?

Should I retain the stock set-up on the 1978 (if it is still working)? OR, should I switch to a 12V powered vacuum pump on the trailer? OR, should I replace the vacuum over hydraulic setup with a new electric/hydraulic unit such as the Master Brake System's ElecDraulic unit? www.masterbrake.com

Any help appreciated!!!

[Silvertwinkie]

From what is posted on the forum and my own personal exp with the Prodigy, I feel you can't go wrong with either the Prodigy or the Jordan.

Go to the search button and time in brakes or brake controllers, I am sure you will find dozens of conversations:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/search.php

Eric