Re: [A/S] Brake Controller ??

["James Greene" <drgreene@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chas, that's correct. I initially used the controller that was supplied when
I picked up the trailer to transport it back to Atlanta.

When I started Airstreaming back in the early '70s I was using the Kelsey
Hayes hydraulic-electric proportional controller that tapped into the tow
vehicle's hydraulic brake line. Those controllers are not compatible with
the current ABS braking systems found on most vehicles these days and
generally, the Kelsey Hayes units are no longer available. The Jordan Ultima
controller is also a proportional controller which applies trailer braking
force directly in proportion to how much breaking force is being applied to
the tow vehicles brakes. This is accomplished by a mechanical connection of
the Jordan Ultima controller to how much pressure is being applied to the
tow vehicle's brakes in the form of a cable attached to the truck's brake
pedal arm.

I'm told the Tekonsha Prodigy model accomplishes the same proportional
breaking force by some other (non mechanical) means. I understand the
principle of how the Jordan Ultima works and became aware of it before much
(anything?) was known about the Prodigy. Most (if not all) other Tekonsha
and other brand controllers regulate trailer braking force based on a
swinging pendulum moving forward when the tow vehicles brakes are applied or
on timed electronic "ramping up" of braking force based on how long the tow
vehicle's brakes have been applied. Both technologies have limitations
depending on terrain and driving conditions. In my opinion, the value of
getting proportional trailer braking far exceeds the additional cost of the
Jordan Ultima and the Tekonsha Prodigy controllers compared to less
expensive controllers that don't have this characteristic. I know you are
aware of the differences but some of the newer subscribers here may not be.

Jim Greene
' 68 Tradewind