Valley Trailer Brake Controller - Opinions?

[Jay4200]

I'd appreciate some opinions on the dual-control trailer brake controller from Valley.

Specifically, this model:
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/news/2003_07/valley.html

I know everybody likes the other two controllers, but I need some real-world input for one of these - pros/cons, etc.

Thanks much - Jay

 

[jimainiac]

Is this for your tractor or truck? It doesn't look weatherproof. I couldn't tell by the ad, but it seems like that one is a time activating unit, as opposed to an inertia unit. The inertia units are better in real world conditions, they respond to the deceleration force. With the time activating units you could run into something before it builds up the proper braking force.

 

[Jay4200]

Truck - this is an electronic brake controller that goes inside the cab. And yes, it is a time-control design. Reaction time/ramp time to full braking power is adjustable, as is total braking power (gain), and there is also a manual override (which I think is pretty standard). From what I can tell, it looks like the the majority of solid-state electronic brake controllers are time controlled, though there is no reaction-time adjustment for most. OTOH, they may contain solid-state accellerometers, I don't know.

Jay

 

[jimainiac]

If you are going to do very much towing I'd recommend using an inertia unit over a strictly time activating unit. To be effective, you need it to apply more force in a panic stop, or when going downhill. A time activating unit does not correspond to real world situations. We happen to use Teconsha controlers, a Commander and a Prodigy. The Prodigy is the new and improved version, both perform acceptably.