Integrated Brake Controller

[BlackSilver]

I see Chev has an option for an integrated brake controller, RPO code "JL1". on the new 2500HD. Can someone point me to a good description of this controller? Is it a smart controller like the "BrakeSmart" or a dumb controller like the "Prodigy"?

[LuvMyZ71]

I see Chev has an option for an integrated brake controller, RPO code "JL1". on the new 2500HD. Can someone point me to a good description of this controller? Is it a smart controller like the "BrakeSmart" or a dumb controller like the "Prodigy"?

 

I have no info on it other than first hand use, it is definately a smart system, I love the way it works compared to my old brake controller.

[Ranger]

From what I've heard it's not like your typical controller in that rather than sensing the inertia of the vehicle slowing down, it controls the trailer based on how much pressure you're putting on your brake pedal. There's supposedly a setting to increase or decrease the "initial" slowdown.

[LuvMyZ71]

From what I've heard it's not like your typical controller in that rather than sensing the inertia of the vehicle slowing down, it controls the trailer based on how much pressure you're putting on your brake pedal. There's supposedly a setting to increase or decrease the "initial" slowdown.

 

That's exactly how it works, it almost feels like my trailer has anti-lock brakes now. The amount of pressure on the brake pedal is what goes to the trailer. There is a gauge in the instrument panel that tells you your gain, and a meter that tells you how much brake power is going to the trailer, the trailer only gets full brakes if you slam the brakes on, or have the gain set really high. I like the way it works.

[2017HD]

I thought my old Prodigy was good - this controller is 10x better. It actually reminds me of my first controller - the ones that tapped into the rear brake line and were indeed potportional to the applied brakes.

 

I have also found that the tap down grade brakes also minimize the use of the brakes. A simple tap on the brakes and the tranny downshifts a gear - continued pressure results in more downshifting. While pulling my TT in town I just gently apply the brakes and let the transmission do the rest.

[txdutt]

Pulled my Eagle home for the first time with the new truck from storage so I could prep it for our last "before school starts" for the summer trip next weekend. I initially had the IBC set at 8 volts max gain as that is what I had my prodigy set on my 05, had to dial it down to 7 volts to get it just right. I definitely liked having the info on the DIC display, worked very smooth-I was impressed.

[whitesnake01]

That's exactly how it works, it almost feels like my trailer has anti-lock brakes now. The amount of pressure on the brake pedal is what goes to the trailer.

I'm glad to hear this. I dumped my Prodigy years ago and switched both my tow trucks to the Ultima 2020, which works like that. As a matter of fact, it even has a spring loaded wire that is mounted directly on the brake arm of the truck. So as you press the brake pedal it adjusts the power to the trailer in direct proportion. This allows you back off at the stop light to near nothing. I presume the integrated solution from GM is a bit cleaner than that.

 

Good job GM!