Trailer Brake Controller ?'s

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by Rick Book, Jul 14, 2006.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Rick Book

    Rick Book Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    5,744
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    197
    Location:
    Thailand
    Vehicle:
    Missing my old '70 Maverick
    I've got to get one installed in the Durango before I head out (can you tell I'm "thrashing" now? :eek: )

    Any "do's" or "dont's" from you experinced guys out there?

    ref:
    The trailer is the 18' "Big Tex 70DM" (LINK)
    It weighs ~2,000 lbs itself. The car weighs ~2800.
    I'll be pulling it with a 2002 Dodge Durango with the 5.9 Liter engine and has Anti-lock Braking System. 7,550lb towing capacity.

    I looked on mysimon.com and found the following choices (not that there aren't more choices) :

    HERE

    Thanks your input.
     
    Rick Book, Jul 14, 2006
    #1
  2. Hawkco

    Hawkco Genuine Car Nut

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2004
    Messages:
    5,281
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    135
    Location:
    Rex, Georgia (GA)
    Vehicle:
    77 Maverick
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2006
    Hawkco, Jul 14, 2006
    #2
  3. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    18,300
    Likes Received:
    1,362
    Trophy Points:
    878
    Location:
    Albany, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    Just make sure and "set" the brake controller as per instuctions.
     
    Craig Selvey, Jul 14, 2006
    #3
  4. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    5,235
    Likes Received:
    52
    Trophy Points:
    146
    Location:
    West Central IL
    Vehicle:
    Stallion, 72 Grabber, Sprint, 77 4dr Maverick
    Rick, I have 3 controllers.
    The Kelsey Hayes 60's style unit is my favorite. I have it in my 66 chevy pickup.
    I also have an 80's style Kelsey Hayes unit in my suburban, hate it. It never seems to be the same. Always figgiting with it.
    The Journey model in the link you provided is exactly like the one the Ford dealer installed in my new F250. I like it just fine and would recommend it.
    Do yourself a big favor, and do not leave home without a trailer brake setup. Do install it where you can keep it away from your knees and stuff but keep it close enough that you can use it when things get hairy. Sometimes the big rigs can get you going a little whacky. By using the trailer brake only, it will straighten the trailer out instantly, heart rate returns and all is well. Also helps in going down mountain curves when the trailer decides to pass the tow vehicle and if I remember correctly it does julienne fries too. Now if they were only made by RONCO!!!!!!!!!!
    Dan
     
    Dan Starnes, Jul 14, 2006
    #4
  5. blugene

    blugene Senior member Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2004
    Messages:
    10,768
    Likes Received:
    79
    Trophy Points:
    283
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Marietta, OK
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT, 72 Comet GT, 2008 "Comet" (our boxer, who is now in the galaxies)
    Excelant advise Dan.
     
    blugene, Jul 14, 2006
    #5
  6. fan2488

    fan2488 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2004
    Messages:
    3,254
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    spring,TX
    Vehicle:
    1969.5 maverick, 1972 grabber

    then all you would have to do is "set it and forget it"
     
    fan2488, Jul 14, 2006
    #6
  7. Rick Book

    Rick Book Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    5,744
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    197
    Location:
    Thailand
    Vehicle:
    Missing my old '70 Maverick
    All great info guys. Thanks!


    (& I likes julienne fries! (y))
     
    Rick Book, Jul 14, 2006
    #7
  8. Hawkco

    Hawkco Genuine Car Nut

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2004
    Messages:
    5,281
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    135
    Location:
    Rex, Georgia (GA)
    Vehicle:
    77 Maverick
    Aw shucks. Tweren't nuthin'.
     
    Hawkco, Jul 14, 2006
    #8
  9. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    15,800
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    302
    Location:
    arizona city, az.
    Vehicle:
    70 mav, 71 grabber, 73 Comet, 2004 f-250 crew cab diesel, 2001 f-250, 2004 explorer, 2007 Gold Wing trike.
    i've got the prodigy. i let the dealer install it for me for $125 total cost. figured with my luck it was safer that way. i'd blow the computer and void my warranty in less than a week. like they say just set it than forget it. works great.:)
     
    don graham, Jul 14, 2006
    #9
  10. Jamie Miles

    Jamie Miles the road warrior

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2005
    Messages:
    12,098
    Likes Received:
    29
    Trophy Points:
    383
    Location:
    Lawrenceville, GA
    Vehicle:
    13 Mavericks
    You guys are to much. :biglaugh:
     
    Jamie Miles, Jul 14, 2006
    #10
  11. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2004
    Messages:
    6,511
    Likes Received:
    950
    Trophy Points:
    426
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    70 Maverick Grabber, 72 Maverick Grabber Restomod
    I have a Tekonsha Commander. I don't know if they make that model anymore, but there are many other Tekonsha controlers. the thing I like the best is it has a series of 10 LED lights that glow from green to orange to red, and more of them light up as more braking power is sent to the brakes. Touch pad to activate for hills and to get a swaying trailer back under control. It is the second one I've owned in 15 years.

    Also, make sure you turn off the OD while towing and I would advise an external tranny cooler if you don't already have one. Dodge transmissions are not the greatest (especially the 518-618 series, and I believe that is what is in your Durango.)
     
    Acornridgeman, Jul 14, 2006
    #11
  12. Mavaholic

    Mavaholic Growing older but not up!

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    14,992
    Likes Received:
    209
    Trophy Points:
    258
    Location:
    Live Oak, FL
    Vehicle:
    Original 72 Sprint Owner, 71 Comet GT, 57 Ranchwagon, 57 4 dr Wagon
    I've had about half a dozen over the years and always bought what ever the trailer parts place was pushing. Only had a problem with one and the manufacture sent me a new one for free. I think they are all pretty good. Anybody remember the olden days when you had to tap into the brake line?
     
    Mavaholic, Jul 14, 2006
    #12
  13. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2002
    Messages:
    5,235
    Likes Received:
    52
    Trophy Points:
    146
    Location:
    West Central IL
    Vehicle:
    Stallion, 72 Grabber, Sprint, 77 4dr Maverick
    Yup,, my 66 chevy has the one tapped into the brake line.
    Dan
     
    Dan Starnes, Jul 14, 2006
    #13
  14. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    18,300
    Likes Received:
    1,362
    Trophy Points:
    878
    Location:
    Albany, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    My Station Wagon had one like that as well.
     
    Craig Selvey, Jul 14, 2006
    #14
  15. Rick Book

    Rick Book Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    5,744
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    197
    Location:
    Thailand
    Vehicle:
    Missing my old '70 Maverick
    I looked for the tranny cooler (which usually comes on a "Towing Package" I believe). This Durango does not have one :( - that's on my list of things to do tomorrow (along with changing the transmission "fluid" and motor "oil" (a debate for another thread on nomenclature) and filters, tires balanced/rotated).

    I'm also inclined to have someone install the controller too - I'd feel better about it (translated: "I have no earthly idea where to begin").
     
    Rick Book, Jul 14, 2006
    #15
Page 1 of 3

Share This Page