trailer brakes

[stray dingo]

Just got back from my first towing trip in the D4. Gotta say we were mightily impressed with its towing ability. Comfortable, the levelling was great and so much power to spare.

However, the braking was less impressive. MLR fitted the redark brake controller before pickup, but I'm finding it is too fiddly. The dial is between 2 and 3, but at one point the brakes are ineffective, but just the very slightest of adjustment (fraction of a millimeter type thing) the brakes lock up with the lightest of pressure on the pedal.

I can understand that being a non-proportional controller, the controller may need a higher setting at higher speeds than at lesser speeds (but I don't tend to change it), but the difference between no effect and locking up is so small on the dial that it is a little scarey to use - let alone if it is knocked at all when touching the light switch next to it :)

Have other experience anything different, or any suggestions how to 'adjust' the sensivity of the dial or anything? At the moment, I'm leaning towards going back to the P4 I had in my last car....

Thanks

[Redback]

Take it back to MLR and get them to look at it, get them to show you what to do.

Baz.

[discotwinturbo]

I tow 3 different trailers with electric brakes and use a redarc. Heaviest trailer is 3.5 tonne, and it works sensationally well. Easier to set for each trailer. I moved from the prodigy, and am very happy. Maybe something is wrong with your redarc.
Brett....

[Graeme]

Are the shoes properly adjusted?

[M D3]

Stray Dingo,

I recently experienced a similar problem with a Hayman Reese controller recently installed on my D4. I had the same HR controller on my D3 with no problems whatsoever, so I could not understand what the problem was.

Checks with an auto elec confirmed that the problem was caused by wiring set to main power within the plug on the trailer. Easy fixed by changing the order of wiring within the plug.

As an aside to your query, my controller was found to be incorrectly installed (by a reputable national name). Land Rover inspected and provided me with a report, which I relied on to have the problem rectified at no cost. Issue was that I had no brake lights or brakes on the trailer (1.5 tonne camper) so it was scary off road. Land Rover says that the trailer plug on the D4 is European, is different to Aus stds and the plug on D3s and an adaptor must be purchased. Amazing, considering the number of Discoverys purchased to be used as tow vehicles.

The initial installer conceded installation was done from memory, not by referring to the wiring diagram.

Suggest you get an independent check of the installation.

[ADMIRAL]

Are the shoes properly adjusted?

Ditto....check the trailer brakes are not adjusted up too much, or perhaps the other way around. You may need to adjust the trailer brakes up, and then back the setting off on your controller. It does seem you are getting all or nothing.

[discotwinturbo]

Any chance it's a new trailer ?
I know of someone that had a new bushtracker with brakes put on the wrong side. Left on right and right on left for the front set. Caused slack braking.
It happens.
Brett..

[stray dingo]

thanks
I'll try backing the bakes off on the van first. I'm trusting that Sniegy's crew did the install right :)
Although the van is less than a year old, I did have the maker check the brakes on the last service....

[Dingo Charlie]

I have the redarc remote head brake controller and I too find it very basic and not as good as previous proportional brake controllers I have owned. Every time you hit the brake pedal no matter how aggressively or softly it will go through the same braking routine. I can't wait to rip it out and install a P3. :)