Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

Has anyone used this item -- Kelsey Hayes #81740 on a squarebody?

It seems to be the ultimate of brake controllers. A tee is installed in the brake line and is routed to the dash. The brake controller varies the braking force based on the pressure in the brake lines. It's no longer made, but they're available for under $100 used.

Any experience?

Re: Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

i have heard for a long time now these are the bad boy on the block for universal . 1 guy i know use to be a semi truck driver and he said he will only use this style . prodigy series by tekonsha

Re: Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

I have one in my 85 from the original owner. I have yet to use it for towing. It drives me nuts! Every time you touch the brakes it clicks or taps because that little lever moves side to side. It's coming out when I put the hydroboost in. Just don't feel like cracking the line to remove it.

Re: Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

They still make those???
All the new stuff is inertia electronic.

Re: Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

They don't make them anymore. There were a lot of rumors of them not playing nice with fancy ABS braking systems. There are still a number of used ones available.

Someone is making a new electronic version of the same thing. It has a sensor mounted in a brake line and then simply a computer box inside the cab. I found a price of several hundred, and decided it's not for me.

Re: Kelsey Hayes brake controller?
 

Kipps,

I have that style on a 1988 Suburban. It is wired/used to pull a vintage Airstream trailer via a 7-pin standard trailer plug for electric brakes. I've used it to pulled through the hills of PA/NY with no problems. Just make sure all connections are tight, set the controller according via the adjustment knob and go.

Enjoy,