I was wondering what type of electric brake controller everyone is using. How well it does it's job and how it may compare to other brake controller's you have used.

I'm still using the old style Kelsey-Hayes hydraulic/electric controller. I also have the KH resistor installed inline between the controller and the trailer.

 

Currently using the Tekonsha Sentinel and love it!

-Rich

 

Rich, please tell us more.

Is the Tekonsha Sentinel a pendulum controller or is it connected to the master cylinder?

What is the gross weight of your trailer and how many axles are doing the brakeing?

Can you brake hard without locking up the trailer?

Scott

 

I have the Draw Tite Activater II in two of my trucks. Its a digital unit with adjustable amperage and duration (how fast it comes up to the preset amperage). It also has a self diagnostic digital readout. Very nice unit, I think about $110 but well worth it.

Nathan

 

The Sentinel is a pendulum type controller. My 5er weighs in at 10,800 empty, loaded is about 12,000. It has two axles with brakes on each wheel. I've never had any problems with the controller, the only problem I had was the trailer brakes were out of adjustment when we picked it up off the lot. This problem is now fixed and it drives like a dream.

Some guys swear by the pendulum type, while others swear by digital controllers, and yet others are hooked on the Jordan Research controller, which get's it's input from brake pedal position. You can find info on the Jordan at http://www.jordanbrake.com You can find user testimonies for the Jordan at http://www.ford-diesel.com in the towing forum.

-Rich

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 18-Sep-01 AT 12:00 PM (EST)[/font][p]Rich, thanks for the info and the links.

I understand that the pendulum type controller is inertia controlled by the braking of the tow vehicle. Do you know if the digital controller's are tied into the hydraulic brake system? The outdated system I'm using now must be hydraulic/analog.

Here's a link to: [link:tekonsha.com|Tekonsha]

The Prodigy model looks apealing. It says it can be mounted in any position and automatically leveled continually to adjust for terrain. It also says "The only inertial control that works proportionally in reverse - great for backing into tough spots".

 

I recently replaced a Drawtite Activator with the new Tekonsha Prodigy. It's much better. I never was able to adjust the other one for a real smooth stop. The Prodigy is very smooth. You adjust it once for the maximum force it will apply & that's it. It applies trailer braking in proportion to how hard you press the brake pedal. Another good feature is that once stopped for a few seconds, it lessens power to the trailer brakes to save wear & tear on the braking magnets. I pull a 6500# dual axle travel trailer. The Prodigy is worth the extra $.

 

gotv10, thanks for the good review on the Prodigy.

 

I have been using the Tekonsha Sentinel, too. I have had excellent results. The factory contact person helped me to fine tune the adjustments and it has been very dependable since.

Should it ever disappoint me, however, I have my eye on the Tekonsha Prodigy and the Jordan Ultima which are enjoying some good press.

Dino

 

I just won a new Tekonsha Prodigy at an Ebay auction! Your good reviews of Tekonsha products gave me the confidence to get it sight unseen. None of my local suppliers had the Prodigy in stock.

 

Definitely the Tekonsha Prodigy or Jordan Ultima 2020, I have the Prodigy in both my vehicles and cannot imagine anything better. Ease of use and smoothness of braking, cannot wait to pull something now...

 

 

If anyone is interested, I have the following ad posted at hitchtrader.com...

Tekonsha Sentinel (model #9055), inertia activated, proportional braking system brake controller for trailers. Sensor applies trailer brakes at the rate of deceleration of tow vehicle. Controls up to 4 axels (8 brakes). All instructions, brackets, and original box. Used gently for one season. $45 plus $4 shipping. Dino at 856-424-3836 or blueskywhiteclouds(No Email Addresses In Posts!)