integrated brake controller dislike replace
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integrated brake controller dislike replace
i have found after many years for towwing with a tekonsha brake controller and now haveing a integrated controller i do not like the new controller it alway feel like my trailer brake are not working so can i get a different switch more powerful or can i unhook the integrated switch and wire in a tekonsha
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I'm sure it's possible to disable your IBC and wire in a Prodigy, but you wouldn't be doing yourself any favors. I've towed with both, and I understand what you're saying about how you can feel the brakes come on sooner with the Prodigy.
But the problem with aftermarket controllers is that they are trying to make an educated guess as to what your braking intentions are, whereas the factory integrated brake controller knows because it's directly measuring your brake pressure. I've had a couple of scary moments with both Prodigies that I've had where I've tried a panic stop and the Prodigy misunderstood. The end result was the truck's wheels locking up, the trailer wasn't braking nearly enough, and bad things almost happened.
That will never happen with the IBC, as it will ramp up to 100% stopping power before the truck bakes lock every single time. It's a much more reliable and safe system even if you can't feel it as well.
But the problem with aftermarket controllers is that they are trying to make an educated guess as to what your braking intentions are, whereas the factory integrated brake controller knows because it's directly measuring your brake pressure. I've had a couple of scary moments with both Prodigies that I've had where I've tried a panic stop and the Prodigy misunderstood. The end result was the truck's wheels locking up, the trailer wasn't braking nearly enough, and bad things almost happened.
That will never happen with the IBC, as it will ramp up to 100% stopping power before the truck bakes lock every single time. It's a much more reliable and safe system even if you can't feel it as well.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Usually when someone indicates that the trailer is not braking like they would like it...then the trailer brakes need adjusted or not all of them are working.
Not saying that is the case here.
The IBC integration with the truck and trailer it is just so smooth.
Not saying that is the case here.
The IBC integration with the truck and trailer it is just so smooth.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
Also the TBC will "pulse" the RV brakes in tandem with the truck's anti-lock brakes. That is probably why you don't think they are working correctly.....- along with the possible need to manually adjust the RV brakes.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,524
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From: Home Base Nebraska
I think what you are felling is the difference between a proportional controller and one that relies on the truck braking to activate the trailer brakes. When I went form a Tekonsha to my Brakesmart (works like the IBC) I didn't feel like it was working either because it works off of the master cylinder pressure to activate the trailer brakes not the deceleration caused by the truck brakes. Give it a chance and you may like the smooth way it works.
Denny
Denny
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
Odd man out on this one. I one of each in my two trucks and can not tell the difference. I love my aftermarket Hayes G2 in terms of stopping and the built-in diagnostics are miles ahead of the built-in.
To each his own.
Steve
To each his own.
Steve
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Pa
i have found after many years for towwing with a tekonsha brake controller and now haveing a integrated controller i do not like the new controller it alway feel like my trailer brake are not working so can i get a different switch more powerful or can i unhook the integrated switch and wire in a tekonsha
My cousin just bought a goose neck equipment trailer, and ended up installing a different brake box, because the built in one wouldn't work it.
(I am not sure if the GM version is the same setup as the Ford, but his truck is a 2010 Dmax.)
The brakes work fine with the after market box.
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