I pulled a big *** load the other day... pulled ok, but stopping was a different story. Needless to say I need to get a brake controller? I'm not sure what I'm talking about, it is all new to me. The truck came with what I think is a wireing harness to connect a brake controller? So I guess now I just need some people to tell me what kind of controller to get. Can't you get one as an option on these trucks? If so can I just get the factory one so it goes right into the dash, or maybe the factory one isn't any good anyway?

Please help quick, I don't want to have to pull that thing again without having electric brakes (it was kinda scary ).

 

I use the "Voyger HD" by Valley industries. good unit

 

As far as inertia type brake systems the Tekonsha "Prodigy" seems to be by far the most used around by those hauling rv trailers and the like. Tekonsha has now come out with a new "P3" which can also handle "Electric over Hydraulic brakes" (I believe that is the term...hydraulic brakes operated electrically).
I purchased the P3, installation was simple, maybe five minutes....took me longer to figure out where in the hell to put it. You can buy a wiring harness that plugs right into the truck and right into the controller for 10-12 bucks and dont even have to fuss with putting wires together the old fashioned way. (It was worth the ten bucks to me, anyway).
I am still trying to get the adjustment to the gnats *** to suit me, but thus far it works fine and seems to do its job.

 

I have a Brake Force no problems so far. But if you do a lot of pulling look into getting jake brake because it is worth the money.

 

bks, didn't your 6.7L come with an jake (exhaust) brake or is that just on the automatics?

 

It came with one and I love it 6% down grades with a 35' trailer never have to hit the brakes.

 

whoa, looks like there is ALOT more types of choices than I thought. I was under the impression that the trailersmay allhave different ways of operating their various types of brakes, but the connection from the truck was aways electricthrough the 5 pin plug, unless you have surge brakes on the trailer and don't even use electric brakes?? And as far as brake controlers go, I thought there was only about two types (I'm sure there are tons of manufactures though), one operates with some sort of pendulum inside a box that has to sit level so when you stop it swings to determine the amount of brake needed to apply on the trailer, and the other was some how attached to your brake pedal to determine the amount of braking to apply?? I think I need some one to just plain old explain it to me before I start trying to decide what to buy. The "load" I was refering to was a hitch mount trailer with a high lift sitting on it (it is like a small bull dozer, but it has a scoop and can lift the dirt), anyway probably will not pull anything regulary, but I am planning on getting a camping trailer. As soon as I get the camping trailer I may pull it every other weekend throughout the summer months if I am lucky, this is what I am trying to prepare for with the brake controller. I would imagine the trailer may way 6,000 at best (very minimal compared to the high lift) but I still would rather not have the wear on my trucks brakes. thanks guys.

 

I use a Tekonsha controller, can't remember model but it's been on my last 3 trucks.

 

I believe all the tekonsha controllers are pedulum style, the Prodigy and P3 I believe have some type of "electronic pedulum" they do not have to be "level" I believe they will work up to almost verticle mounting ( I would have to consult my manual, for exact numbers). These are the cheapest (40-150 bucks depending on brand and style) and easiest install.
There is a company that makes a brake controller that hooks to the brake pedal, can't remember the name right off the top of my head. installation requires some mechanical linkage into the brake pedal so a little more work to install and I think they run about 300-400 dollars.
Then there is the Brakesmart controller which goes inline with the hydraulic lines to the brakes, this is probably the best, most consistant system, at least it would seem so because of the way it works, but they are around 500 dollars, and obviously require the most amount of labor due to the fact that you would have to disconnect brake lines install then bleed the system, etc.

In my searching around for a controller for my new fifth wheel, I decided on the best of the cheapest and easiest to install.

Go look around some of the rv forums on the net and you can get an idea of just how many people use these electronic pedulum style controllers, I would guess probably 99 percent.

 

Don't get a pendulum one, go with all solid state (no moving parts) they are a lot more reliable. They all save the same purpose, some just have more features. Mine is a drawtiti activator II, got brand new on eBay for $60.