brake controller

[vanguy]

Anybody try the Tuson DirecLink brake controller?

 

Anybody try the Curt TriFlex controller?

 

I'm looking to get away from anything sold by Cequent: Tekonsha, Reese, DrawTite, etc

[ASD Dad]

Tekonsha P3. One of the best rated controllers for years. Easy setup with more settings you could hope for.

 

Why are you not wanting to use them? Those are some of top brands out. My in laws use a Curt basic model but they have a super light camper.

Edited January 23, 2016 by ASD Dad

[vanguy]

I have owned no less than 5 Tekonsha controllers in the last 13 years. (2) P2 and (3) P3

None last more than 2-3 years and promptly die.

 

Yes I know they have a lifetime warranty. Their return policy is a hassle now.

 

Tekonsha used to make a decent controller that lasted awhile. I'm just guessing but I've seen this scenario many times before. A company is bought out by a large corporation and then the bottom line profit is its only motivation. I would bet Cequent doesn't pay more than $7.00 to $8.00 for these units from its overseas supplier. They make so much profit they just send you another when it bites the dust. No big deal to them.

 

Well guess what, it is a big deal to me!  I VALUE MY LIFE a whole lot more than they do. I would never buy another Cequent product. I'm tired of changing out controllers and am looking for something more reliable.

[ASD Dad]

I've had my P3 for over 5 years and never had a single issue. First used it on a Pop Up and still using it now on my Toy Hauler. What kind of problems were you having? I tow a few thousand miles per year with a new camper and family along so I'm genuinely curious. I haven't seen many complaints on the towing forums but haven't had to look either.

[vanguy]

Do a search on Google. Many camper mfg forums, cummins diesel forum, airstream forum, there are plenty of folks not satisfied with Tekonsha. Especially folks who tow larger rigs.

4 out of the 5 controllers I've had were warranty issues. One i left on the last van I sold, but I'm sure its dead by now.

The controllers start giving no connection errors, then they suddenly start working again for no apparent reason.. The controller will say no connection and I can use the manual slide handle on the controller while coasting and the trailer brakes will work. Each time I've tested the controller and contacted Tekonsha tech support and they say send it back cause its defective.

Just totally unreliable.

[ASD Dad]

I did search and found a bunch of random complaints but no pattern to them.  If they're the top selling controller which according to many sites that sell them, they are, then there are many more out there vs. a small brand or model.

 

Curious what you end up with or find out.  I assume you posted this question on RV.net and similar sites.  They'll have 100 times the traffic we get.

[vanguy]

There isn't really a pattern to the failures. One I ordered came in DOA. One bit the dust completely. And the other 2 did as described above. Many of the complaints I've read are from folks who say that the braking force from Tekonsha's controllers are not predictable. Too hard sometimes and not hard enough at others. Going over bumpy roads can play games with sensor based controllers.

 

The best controllers work from info from hydraulic pressure like BrakeSmart and Max Brake. Both unfortunately are no longer made.

 

The DirecLink I referred to above uses data from the vehicle's computer. It plugs into the OBDCII connection to get the info. How you mount it does not make any difference.

 

From all the reviews I've read so far, both the above controllers work very well without any drama.

 

Just because your the biggest doesn't mean your the best. There are a whole lot more Chevy and Ford vans out there compared to Nissan, Sprinter, etc.

 

I've not been to RV.net in awhile, probably 3-4 years. Used to browse that forum 3-4 times a week for a number of years.

It got too political over there. Got tired of hearing people with small minds spout off about things of which they knew little about.

Edited January 25, 2016 by vanguy

[ASD Dad]

My point about posting on RV.net is they have thousands of views per day by people towing vs. here which has maybe a couple dozen owners who tow anything at best.  I know RV gets out of hand a lot.  I've learned to skim read and just flat out ignore some members.  There's plenty of other camper sites and towing sites.

 

I never inferred that bigger equals better.  My point was that if there are 20,000 Tekonsha's being used vs. 5000 Curt's you're going to see more reviews and postings about the Tekonsha.  Most people also dont post if they're happy, they post when they're pissed off or something is broken to vent frustrations or find a fix.  

 

Just look at this forum vs. another brand with larger market share.  We have a few posts per day.  On the old Tundra forums I was on there were so many posts that hitting the "new posts" button would load several pages per day.  

 

The Directlink sounds interesting.  I wouldnt be able to use it as I have my Bully Dog plugged in to my OBD port for monitoring purposes bit it sounds like a good idea.  I'm guessing that is now the new integrated controllers work from the OEM's like Ford, Dodge, etc.  

 

If you buy something new please post a review.

[vanguy]

 

 

I never inferred that bigger equals better.  My point was that if there are 20,000 Tekonsha's being used vs. 5000 Curt's you're going to see more reviews and postings about the Tekonsha.  Most people also dont post if they're happy, they post when they're pissed off or something is broken to vent frustrations or find a fix.  

 

Just look at this forum vs. another brand with larger market share.  We have a few posts per day.  On the old Tundra forums I was on there were so many posts that hitting the "new posts" button would load several pages per day.  

 

 

 

You make a good point. I agree, more units sold equal more chances of failure. And most people don't say anything if things are working properly.

However, I do think larger corporations are ruining what used to be good businesses. I've personally experienced it many times. 25-30 years ago I had a Tekonsha voyager controller that lasted a long time. Cequent is trying to gain complete control of this market. When profit is your only motive, everything goes downhill from there.

Didn't think I would get much of a response on this forum, but thought it would be worth a try..

I believe I will give the DirecLink a try & see how it goes. I'll report back after I get it and have a chance to tow with it.

 

BTW: Several folks have said they put a piggyback connector on the OBDC port and run their tuner and the brake controller at the same time.

[ASD Dad]

Thanks for the tip on the piggyback connector, I didnt know they made one!  I need to look them up.  I dont want it sticking too far down into my shin area, that is my only concern.  My tuner flashes the ECU so now it is a fancy scan gauge.  It is nice to see what the actual transmission and coolant temps are as well as other features.

 

Please do review the DirecLink.  I dont mind swapping parts out if something proves itself better over the long run.  Last thing I want is a controller failure while heading down a 8% grade!