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Trailer Brake Controlers

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wdTom

09-16-2004 18:31:02

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I am looking into trailer brake controlers and find there are two different types. One type works by senseing how how hard you are stopping and based on where you have it set, increase the stopping power to the trailer as you increase the stopping power to the tow vehicle. The other type doesn't sense how hard you are stopping and sends out a fixed level (based on how you have it set) that increases with time. What type do you folks use and what do you think of the two types? I have been looking around a bit on line and I think I want a digital readout of the braking level and manual override so the trailer brakes can be applied independant of the tow vehicle brakes. I don't know which type of controler I want though , I see there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

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JHesler

09-20-2004 08:31:02

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

Question on just about any CDL test: When is it correct to use trailer brakes only? Answer: Never

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wdTom

09-17-2004 17:44:16

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

Wow!!! Didn't mean to start all that about ABS!! But thanks for all the imput on controlers. I will print it out and reread all you have said. Thanks again. Tom

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Can't even use my name

09-17-2004 14:56:00

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

Just curious as to why you guys who use the manual switch do so. On both my controllers all you have to do to get them to come on is barely apply the truck brakes... just enough to get the lights to come on, not even apply the actual brakes. Sounds much safer that playing with a slide bar to apply the brakes.

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BrokenFences

09-19-2004 14:37:26

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Can't even use my name, 09-17-2004 14:56:00

Downhill, trailer sways, braking can make it worse; manually apply trailer for a second, stops swaying.

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Kendall

09-17-2004 15:09:11

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Can't even use my name, 09-17-2004 14:56:00

The instructions say its to help in initial set up of trailer braking without the truck brakes intefering with the claibration. I suppose one could fine other times it might come in handy.

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Can't even use my name

09-17-2004 14:53:46

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I have a Reese digital controller as well as a Tekonsha controller. I suggest the digital type. Much easier to reset to a number rather that a dial position and easier to fine tune. My Reese has a power setting for the brakes from 1-10 and also a delay feature that is adjustable to regulate how fast the brakes go from 0 to the power setting. Too fast and you hit your head on the windshield too slow and in a need to stop now situation you can't. But it is really easy to set! With this type you don't have to readjust your level setting which needs to be done on the pendilum type to make them work correctly after loading or unloading since the truck level changes.

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Kendall

09-17-2004 15:01:03

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Can't even use my name, 09-17-2004 14:53:46

I took a look and the Reese is yet another brand name for the Activator II. I like mine.

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Kendall

09-17-2004 12:30:57

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I have one sold by U-haul. It has their brand name on it but I know they dont make it because I've seen it under its real name (having a senior moment- cant remember brand name). It has 2 adjustments. One is total braking power applied and the other is rate at which it is applied. It works great. I can fine tune the rate so that total brake power is achieved at about the same time I come to a complete stop. I tow a 24' travel trailer, weighs 4,500-4,800 lbs.

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Kendall

09-17-2004 14:54:19

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Kendall, 09-17-2004 12:30:57

I should have included that the Activator II has digital read out of level and rate and manual over ride switch. All the things you're looking for.

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Kendall

09-17-2004 13:37:09

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Kendall, 09-17-2004 12:30:57

I think a lot of companies are marketing it with their name on it but if you do a google search on "Activator II brake controller" you can learn more about it. Good for up to 4 axels with brakes.

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Red Dave

09-17-2004 05:16:32

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I have two vehicles I tow with. One has the pendulum type, the other is time based.
I like the pendulum type better. Both have manual overide. Both have a sensitivity setting.
Both work OK, I just like the pendulum one better.

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DuaneWKKC

09-17-2004 04:32:39

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I looked very hard into this, several things you must consider. Are you going to tow in hills or mountians where you might use the brakes lightly for longer periods of time? This is very difficult for time based controllers as the trailer will eventually try to out-brake the truck. Controllers that are inertia sensing need braking to work, if sliding you will NOT have trailer brakes. Also, backing uphill 'can' cause a faulty braking signal, causing the controler to activate the trailer brakes even though you are not braking. I do beleive that prodigy has this problem licked by sensing the brake lights on the truck though.
Myself, I chose a Jorden brake controller. Works more like the old style, the harder you hit the pedal the harder it brakes. This is done by attatching a cable to the brake pedal. Very pleased with it so far. I have had 13.5K on a bumper pull trailer with no issues on braking in south-eastern Ohio. Second choice would have been the Prodigy. You can go cheep, but why?

DuaneWKKC

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Kendall

09-17-2004 12:38:00

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to DuaneWKKC, 09-17-2004 04:32:39

D
see my post above. If my trailer tries to out-break my truck, I just turn down the dial a little so the total power is reduced to match the truck.

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TheRealRon

09-17-2004 03:02:04

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I've used a Tekonsha Prodigy for years. It works well under all conditions. Would not even consider anything else.

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jCarroll

09-16-2004 18:59:58

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to wdTom, 09-16-2004 18:31:02

I installed a Techonsha (wrong spelling) model Prodigy a couple years ago. It works well. I like the digital readout, and REALLY like the manual switch; ex if you are going downhill and just want to slow a little you can use just the trailer brakes. The Boost feature lets me change the amount of braking for different trailer loads.

I have no experience with any other controller, but am very pleased with this one.

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Davis In SC

09-16-2004 21:37:18

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to jCarroll, 09-16-2004 18:59:58

I agree on Tekonsha Prodigy..... got it abou 2 years ago. Well worth the money. The boost feature works well, I can feel the trailer helping the truck stop. Regards, Davis

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OGGIE

09-16-2004 19:26:24

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to jCarroll, 09-16-2004 18:59:58

I HAVE AN OLDER (6OR 7 YEARS) ELECTRONIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON MY TRUCK AND I HATE THE STUPID THING. MOST OF THE TIME I TURN THE GAIN ALL THE WAY OFF AND USE IT MANUALLY.IT WORKS OK FOR STOPPING ON A LEVEL ROAD BUT GOING DOWNHILL IT WILL APPLY TOO MUCH BRAKE JUST WHEN I DON'T EXPECT IT. I'M GOING TO GET THE OLD TYPE WITH THE BRAKE LINE TEED TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THEY SAY IT WON'T WORK WITH ABS BRAKES BUT I KNOW BETTER.
BESIDES I HAVE DISABLED THE ABS ON MY TRUCK BECAUSE I DIDN'T LIKE IT EITHER. ABS WAS DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DRIVE.

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Can't even use my name

09-17-2004 14:44:09

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to OGGIE, 09-16-2004 19:26:24

There should be two adjustments on your controller. One is gain and one is level. If you don't have the level feature set correctly you will get the problem you have, going down hill and applying too much brake.

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Ray,IN

09-16-2004 21:01:11

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to OGGIE, 09-16-2004 19:26:24

The Prodegey is one of the best for the money; more expensive(much!) controllers are sold that performe as well as the old hyd over elect too.

Right on oggie! Auto mfgrs have studied the effectivness of ABS in panic braking situations and have petitioned the FHTSA to offer ABS as an option(to no avail) saying there is no evidence of saving lives. The old style hyd over elect controllers will work satisfactorily on new vehicles, the problem is finding them. The ABS controlls the rear brakes on a pickup, and usually the old controller was spliced into the front brakes. I wish Kelsey-Hayes still manufactured the hyd over elect controllers.

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TheRealRon

09-17-2004 03:10:52

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Ray,IN, 09-16-2004 21:01:11

Your info is at least 10 years old.

1) ABS does save lives. ABS requires proper use by the driver, most of whom never read the Owner's Manual.

2) Four wheel ABS has be standard since at least '95. Before then, some pickups had RWAL only.

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Cosmo

09-17-2004 15:45:09

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to TheRealRon, 09-17-2004 03:10:52

Non-ABS brakes also require proper use by the driver, most of whom never read the Owner's Manual.:) My pickup had RWAL only. My pedal would slowly sink to the floor. So I replaced the master cylinder. Same thing. I asked around and got quoted from 200 to 400 to fix the real problem. I looked at the plumbing and bypassed the cussed RWAL with about five dollars worth of fittings. Now good brakes.

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Mike M

09-17-2004 18:32:42

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Cosmo, 09-17-2004 15:45:09

What year and model truck was this ? I am asking because on my 1996 dodge I sort of think the pedal drifts down a little sometimes.

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Cosmo

09-18-2004 02:54:11

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Mike M, 09-17-2004 18:32:42

Mike, this is an '88 full size Chevy. I saw how the rear brakes were routed into and out of the anti-lock crap and just got a couple of fittings and bypassed it. This was about two years ago and I haven't had any brake trouble since.

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Mike M

09-18-2004 05:11:31

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Cosmo, 09-18-2004 02:54:11

Since I allready have the control module unhooked so they work I may as well reroute it just incase it is bleeding down in there.

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Cosmo

09-18-2004 05:34:27

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Mike M, 09-18-2004 05:11:31

Mike, I didn't unhook any electronics, just bypassed the hyd. lines. On mine this didn't cause any idiot lights or other problems. I can slide all four tires or not as the occasion warrants. In my humble opinion the way it should be. Good luck.

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Ray,IN

09-17-2004 22:03:38

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Mike M, 09-17-2004 18:32:42

My '96 Dodge(RWAL only per owners manual) did the same while traveling. I visited a chrysler(Dodge) dealership and they found pin holes in the brake line between the fuel tank and frame. They removed the fuel tank, replaced the line, reinstalled everything and charged me, ready? $365 to replace the line and power bleed the system. Anyone want to help me get this hook out of my mouth- humph~ They did fix it though. I could have bought brake line from NAPA, slid the new line through the frame channel and been back on the road for less than $50.

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Mike M

09-17-2004 04:44:34

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to TheRealRon, 09-17-2004 03:10:52

Four wheel ABS is not standard today. I have a 1996 truck with the very dangerous RWAL as this disengages ALL your rear brakes. I have also seen this on a 2000 model also.

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TheRealRon

09-17-2004 05:12:19

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Mike M, 09-17-2004 04:44:34

All cars/trucks since '95 have 4W ABS. The old RWAL systems are not dangerous, nor do they disengage your rear brakes. They modulate (pulse) them. I will admit that 4W ABS is far superior to RWAL as most of the braking is done by the front brakes and this is where modulation is most helpful in preventing loss of control.

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John M

09-17-2004 12:24:16

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to TheRealRon, 09-17-2004 05:12:19

Im sorry to disagree with the almighty powerful Ron,but they are not standard equipment on ALL cars/trucks since 1995.Go ahead,blast me like you do everyone else!Have a 1995 Caprice,not standard-optional,1997 Dodoge Dakota,RWAL ONLY.

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Mike M

09-17-2004 07:42:21

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to TheRealRon, 09-17-2004 05:12:19

Ron; I have one of these 1996 and drive it every day so I know for a fact it does not pulse and is not made to as it does not have an ABS motor.Once your rear axle sensor senses a speed differance as in wet roads and rear brakes try to grab or even when brakeing on an off ramp and hit a bump in a 3/4 ton rear end bounces (empty)it WILL shut off all fluid going to the rear brakes makeing your front brakes only try to stop. VERY exciting first time it happens and you slide into an intersection. I'm sorry but when I gotta get out and wipe I want to see 4 black marks not 2 and as such I unhooked this VERY DANGEROUS 2 channel system do not confuse this with the 4 channel system used on most high end cars that controls each wheel seperately and does contain a motor to pump your brakes for you.

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txblu

09-17-2004 10:49:23

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Mike M, 09-17-2004 07:42:21

Don't like to get in the middle of these flailing discussions, but I had to panic stop my '98 Dodge p/u on one occasion and I felt da da da da da da in very rapid (much more than I was expecting) succession. Felt like the rear, not the front doing "the old hand jive".

Mark

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Mike M

09-17-2004 12:38:31

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to txblu, 09-17-2004 10:49:23

Your truck more than likely has an electric motor and pump in the circuit. It was maybe some sort of option as my 1996 dodge has an optional and unused place in the relay center for an abs pump relay. That system sounds a little better than mine. My rear brakes will only apply again once you let up on the pedal,but once you push it again if it still senses lock up it will shut off the rear or disengage them. This is a very dangerous set up. I'll bet someone is being sued over these.

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T_Bone

09-17-2004 01:43:05

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Ray,IN, 09-16-2004 21:01:11

Hi Tom,

Depends on how you want to use your trailer brakes.

I like manualy applying my trailer brakes so I bought a no frills controler ($39) and mounted it on my gear shift. This one can be mounted in any position as most can only handle 70� verticle.

This keeps my truck brakes fresh and it is cheaper to repair the trailer brakes than the truck brakes, yet in a panic stop the trailer will stay behind me from the controler auto feature.

Controlers are rated on the number of brakes per axle so I buy a 6 to 8 brake controler for a tandum axle trailer as they seam to last longer. Most have a adjustment wheel that you can turn down for less brake axles but you can't turn them up if you need more braking like buying the 4 brake axle controler.

The newest BC goes back to being like the old Kelsy-Hayes as it also ties into the truck brake hydraulics. $400 smackers with the install kit.

T_Bone

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Jerry Cent. Mi.

09-17-2004 04:42:03

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to T_Bone, 09-17-2004 01:43:05

Mine is adjustable. If I don't adjust it for an empty trailer it skids the wheels. Lots of smoke on dry payment.

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OGGIE

09-17-2004 15:20:49

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to Jerry Cent. Mi., 09-17-2004 04:42:03

BOY YOU GUYS LOVE TO ARGUE,SO DO I,AS FAR AS ABS ALMOST EVERYONE IS RIGHT IN SOME WAY. I AM A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECH AND HAVE WORKED ON ABS SINCE THE MID 80'S BEFORE MOST PEOPLE EVER HEARD OF IT. IT'S A GOOD THING FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T HELP PANICING AND LOCKING THEIR BRAKES. IT'S A BAD THING BECAUSE IT MAKES PEOPLE OVERCONFIDENT OF THEIR ABILITY TO STOP. THE RWAL ON MY 94 CHEVY KEPT IT FROM EVER USING REAR BRAKES,NEEDED OR NOT.
IT DOES NOT PULSE JUST BLOCKS FLUID FLOW. WITH THE PENDULUM CONTROLLER IF YOU ARE BRAKING ON LEVEL ROAD AND COME TO A SUDDEN DOWN GRADE IT WILL LOCK UP THE TRAILER BRAKES.I LIVE IN HILLY COUNTRY AND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE. YOU CAN'T ADJUST THE CONTROL FOR IT.THAT'S THE REST OF MY $0.02

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OGGIE

09-17-2004 15:24:54

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Re: Trailer Brake Controlers in reply to OGGIE, 09-17-2004 15:20:49

FORGOT TO ADD, NOT ALL CARS HAVE ABS TO THIS DAY

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