Comparing Time Delay and Proportional Brake Controllers.

Question:

Why would a person want a time delayed controller? And if not what would be a part number

asked by: Rickey B

Expert Reply:

A Time Delayed brake controller, like part # 39523, a Tekonsha controller, are generally used for drivers that prefer a consistent brake output. No matter what, the time-delay controller will always output the same braking strength. This can be good if you have a predictable route that's driven frequently. Additionally, these can be mounted anywhere in the cab at any angle, and tend to be cheaper than Proportionals. However, a time delay will have to be constantly adjusted to road conditions as you drive, because the level of intensity may not always be appropriate.

However, with the advent of more affordable proportional controllers like the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195, they are a flatly preferable option. They apply a proportional amount of brake power based on your vehicle's forward movement and slowing (inertia) to figure out how much brake power to apply. This takes the load of adjusting the brake power off of the driver and puts it onto the controller.

The disadvantage of proportional controllers is that they have to be mounted with the rear of the controller facing the direction of travel and within a certain range of angles, which means that they can sometimes be awkward to install.

I've included a video install of both of these controllers on a 2017 Ram 3500 so you can see the difference in the installation process.

expert reply by: Jacob W