Good Sam Club Open Roads Forum: OEM brake controller as a dealer-added option


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trailernovice

Mission TX

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Posted: 03/18/22 06:36am

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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

Glenn and Toni
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MFL

Midwest

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Posted: 03/18/22 07:22am

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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

Cummins12V98

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Posted: 03/18/22 09:06am

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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.

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MFL

Midwest

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Posted: 03/18/22 09:23am

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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

Lwiddis

Southern California :(

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Posted: 03/18/22 09:47am

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

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BurbMan

Indianapolis, IN

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Posted: 03/18/22 10:38am

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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.

MFL

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Posted: 03/18/22 11:54am

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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.

dodge guy

Bartlett IL

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Posted: 03/18/22 12:16pm

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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.

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Cummins12V98

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Posted: 03/18/22 02:54pm

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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.

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