hav
have you used an Echo brake controller?
Not personally, but I rode shotgun on a camping trip where one was used. It worked. However, I don't see a reason to buy / use one over the factory TBC. Here's a quick analysis compared to OEM, from engineering and functionality standpoint:
- it introduces to the system an external device that adds an extra mode of mechanical failure. It is designed as a cylindrical adapter that plugs directly into your 7-wire trailer connector. It is 3-4 times longer than a regular plug and the connector is not designed for the additional forces created by such "lever". The connection is much more likely to become loose or even break off, especially in the long run.
- the device itself is a removable electronic module installed externally, exposed to elements and all the dynamic forces related to vehicle movement and travel. This adds a mode of possible electronic / electric failure.
- it bases a mission-critical component (emergency manual braking) on a wireless Bluetooth connection, which is not designed and shouldn't be under any circumstances used for such purposes. It was designed for non-critical audio and digital signal transportation. It is prone to interference and its reliability is strongly affected by many factors (short range, "steel cage" effect etc)
- it introduces a smartphone to the system, which is a totally wild variable and a risk of infinite modes of failure. The app can crash. The phone can freeze momentarily or die on you or fail in any other possible way, like they do. The Bluetooth connection can fail at any time. You could drop and break your phone at a gas station and thus be left without manual brake controller in the middle of the mountains. Your mother in law can call your phone when you need your brake the most. Should I go on?
- it is an exact opposite of ergonomy and convenience of the OEM brake controller. You need to firmly mount your phone in an easy accessible location and route your cable, usually obstructing visibility or access to your truck equipment or controls. You need to keep the phone on all the time - sucks when it shines in your face all night long. You have to look at it every time you need to use it, which creates an additional distraction in critical moments. It does not provide haptic feedback or proportional regulation of the braking force like OEM "sliders" do.
- it does not integrate seamlessly with your truck like the OEM, which provides additional settings and info on your dashboard.
- it can be stolen, forgotten / left behind, driven over, you name it.
- it is more expensive than the OEM controller kit
So, to sum it up - what's the point?
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