maxbrake questions

Charlesaf3 · Mar 15, 2011

Is it fair to say that it's the best controller currently out there? I'm going to be loading the tundra up a bit, so I don't mind spending on a brake controller, especially since I've only pulled trailers without brakes before.

tlbuser · Mar 15, 2011

Yes, don't forget to order through Southwest Wheel and get the TBN discounted price.

Diamondpilot · Mar 15, 2011

Best thing since in the aftermarket. Only thing that beats it is the factory installed ones like on my Ford F-350.

Chris

Charlesaf3 · Mar 15, 2011

Though the mechanicals seem reasonably simple, I'm not comfortable working on my own truck brakes. Is this the sort of thing a good brake shop could put on for me?

Charlesaf3 · Mar 15, 2011

Oh, and how long has the maxbrake been around for? I know a couple of others have gone out of business, don't want to be a beta tester.

And not really a tractor question, but anyone have any idea what it would do to my factory extended warranty?

Diamondpilot · Mar 15, 2011

If you can change a brake line you could put the max brake on. Nothing to it. It self bleeds. They have been around for about 5 years now with this product so they should be here to stay but you never know with any company now days. Any of the other controllers manufactures could go belly up at any point in time also.

I am not sure about the warranty? Toyota was trying to prevent warranty claims on aftermarket floor mats being installed. They will try at any point to deny a warranty. I do not see how installing a "T" fitting in a brake line could affect anything.

Chris

Charlesaf3 · Mar 15, 2011

thanks never replaced a brake line - my line replacement has all been on tractors! Kind of hesitant to experiment on the daily driver, even though it doesn't sound too complex.

tlbuser · Mar 16, 2011

The instructions included are good. Locating a good place to mount the controller and feeding the wires is, IMO, more difficult than tapping the brake line. You will need a helper (or power brake bleeder) when installing the brake line tee. Shouldn't take more than 1 beverage for install time

Diamondpilot · Mar 16, 2011

Charlesaf3 said:
thanks never replaced a brake line - my line replacement has all been on tractors! Kind of hesitant to experiment on the daily driver, even though it doesn't sound too complex.

Just get a buddy who has done brake work to help you. Like said before, its a quick job.

Chris

Charlesaf3 · May 8, 2011

didn't end up doing it myself, but helped the guy - I'd do the next one myself. As per above, hardest thing was getting ethernet cable through the firewall.

Have never towed with any other controller, but have to say the maxbrake is just EASY. Don't know trailer is back there, everything works the same, only truck stops faster now. (8 wheels braking v 4 I guess).

Will post review, but so far, its everything diamond pilot said it was. Well worth the extra money from word of mouth comparisons.