RE: [A/S] New brake controller

["David & Bret" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

I second Patti's endorsement.  The Jordon works as a true proportional
controller.  It does NOT depend on accelerometers, brake-light
activation, ramp adjustments etc, but rather a small cable linked to the
brake pedal provides the Jordon with the amount of brake pedal travel
and that in turn is used by the Jordon to control the trailer brakes
proportionately. I also like the fact that it displays the CURRENT being
drawn by the trailer brakes vs the VOLTAGE being applied.  Even with
both brakes disconnected, the VOLTAGE that any controller applies will
indicate the same, BUT the CURRENT is a true indicator and should you
loose the wiring to one or more brakes you can see it by the drop in
typical CURRENT.  Also, the Jordon keeps the trailer brakes applied as
long as you maintain brake pedal pressure whereas some controllers that
rely on inertia shut off the brakes once the rig is stopped (ie no
inertia).  The installation is not overly complex and a good mechanical
DIYer can install it.  I would not trade my
Jordon....except...........there is one other brake controller that can
claim to be a TRUE proportional controller.  It is the one the Hensley
is now selling (you can also buy direct from MasterBrake).  This unit is
over twice the cost of the Jordon, but it does have some technical
advantages.  Whether these advantages are justified by the added cost is
open for debate.  This unit has a solid state pressure transducer that
mounts on the Brake Master Cylinder.  The transducer sends a signal,
based on actual brake hydraulic pressure, to the microprocessor-based
controller that in turn sends a pulse width modulated current either
directly to the electric brakes or to a electric-to-hydraulic controller
for those rigs with hydraulic disc brakes (BTW, you can convert electric
drum brakes to hydraulic disc for about $1500).  By sensing the actual
brake pressure, this unit can control the trailer brakes even more
accurately than the Jordon, but there is the cost factor.

David