roadie1389
Well-Known Member
I am busting out of my pants.. My RIP shipped and will be here Thursday. Can't wait to finally get this dog barking again.
RIP On It's Way
- Thread starter roadie1389
- Start date
badyellowvette
Active Member
Nice, I'm trying to make this decision right now. What made you decide to go with the RIP over the ESC?
roadie1389
Well-Known Member
I originally was concerned about the RIP then I called Matt at KMW and we talked for a good 45 mins about Big Dog's electrical system and it's issues and why they were issues EHC, PDM/HCI, etc.... . Then we talked about the RIP and the history of it. I was not going to go RIP until I found out that it had been updated and all the original functions work (run/stop, high/low beams, cancel turn signals....). So 2 major items for me:
1) Matt and those guys are dedicated to keeping Big Dogs alive. This right there reason enough to support theses guys. Face it we need guys to step up and have a passion to help the current owners. And between Matt, his team and Curtis, I like the support I am getting.
2) From what I can tell the ESC has a headlamp harness that runs the full length (correct me if I am wrong) from the bucket to the battery without a connector in the middle. While in practice this is good but if you have to remove the headlamp or the trees to do mtc then you are going to be a bit pissy. Its hard to find photos of these kits so I am going by bits of info I have been able to collect in my searching.
Both systems use the Thunder Heart micro controller so it is just a matter of how the harness is built and the little extra things that are done to make it unique.
RON WHITLEY
Member
I see a lot of discussions on here about different electrical systems and I really don't know if one is better than the other, I do know I helped a good friend install the new rip system on his 04 chopper bout 2 weeks ago it was very simple and worked perfectly.i was more than happy with it from start to finish.and I just got done reading this post and the fact that matt does take his time and talk to us all and the fact that all the people with him are commited to keeping big dog alive.so I personally thank anyone that buys from them as with any business you have to have sales so they depend on us to purchase their products thank you just saying just my opinion
cdogg556
Guru
I just installed the ESC in my 09 Mastiff and couldn't be happier! And just so you know Jim, there is a connector in the harness in the same location as the original, it's just shrink wrapped for you so you don't have to deal with doing it yourself! DOC's ESC is super easy to install and having all the functions work like the stock EHC is awesome! And if you have air ride you can't beat the ESC! The RIP doesn't even offer it! Also the electrical system fault light is great for only an additional $75! If you look at both, and look at there track record, the ESC is the better choice in my opinion! That being said, They are both good and both far better than the original EHC so I don't think you can loose no matter which way you go! Just personal preference I guess.