Trailer brake education

[Stuart02]

Does anyone know what brand this controller is, whether it's any good and how to use it? Thanks...

[Stuart02]

No pic? Hmmm phones...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

must be a redarc,, I cant see it--;):wasntme:

[Stuart02]

Maybe i should start with an education in posting pics... I'm not even going to try and rotate it the right way up!! :/

94612

[Pedro_The_Swift]

its a voyager isnt it,,
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Pedro_The_Swift]

https://youtu.be/up7ZnU2Ulcg't=13

[Stuart02]

its a voyager isnt it,,
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Yeah I really don't know - sorry my pic is so ridiculously small it's not much help, but I can't see any branding or indicator-type LEDs on it to identify it in any way. Just a spring loaded slider on the end and a dial on either side.

[Stuart02]

its a voyager isnt it,,
https://www.autoelec.com.au/ssl/cms_autoelec/assets/Voyager%209030_3.JPG

Yes you're right! Are they any good? I see the redarc is very popular...

Sent from my C6903 using AULRO mobile app

[Justinb]

I've used a Tekonsha Primus for the last 5 years without any trouble towing 2.5 tonne car trailer . Probably done 10,000km, never had a glitch but had to set both knobs ( I assume dwell and load ) before each trip depending on load in tow car and load distribution on car trailer. First few years the tow car was a BA / BF falcon wagons, the last 3 were comfortably spent towing with my '93 RRC Vogue manual. About to transfer the controller to my 95 RRC Vogue LSE 300 tdi manual which is nearing completion. Had to update to Primus model from more basic controller years ago when updated from ED to BA as auto elec said more complicated tow car electronics. Assume your modern RR will need matched controller. Stick with electric brakes, I reckon with heavy loads they should be mandatory. Saved my backside a few times on city freeways when some clown dived in front in heavy traffic.
Good luck
Justin

[joel0407]

I'm no expert on this but I know there are at least 2 kinds.

One, progressively applies the trailer brakes from the moment you touch the brake pedal. They usually have 2 settings, one for how fast the brakes are applied, the other for the braking amount.

A better system operates on inertia. It has an accelerometer that activates when it detects the vehicle decelerating. As far as I know it only has one setting that tunes the trailer weight to the brake effectiveness.

What I don't understand is why the second system isn't installed in trailers more often. So many campers and caravans have batteries installed to power fridges and the like. Just use that power to run the brakes. Seems simple to me. It even works as break away brakes. As soon as the tow vehicle is gone the trailer decelerates and the brakes come on. You can also tow it with any vehicle without having to worry about if it has a brake controller installed because it's built into the trailer.

Happy Days.

[joel0407]

Oh and another problem with the first system is if you have it set so the brakes come on slow because most people want a smooth progressive application of the brakes, in an emergency, the brakes still come on at the same rate. Great for cruising down a long hill because you can just touch the brake pedal enough for the trailer brakes to come on (usually activated with the brake light switch) and then not use the vehicle brakes.

Another advantage of the second system is when you change back gears and use engine braking, the trailer brakes will apply and give the same deceleration. Setup right and the trailer brakes will totally compensate for the extra weight, change down gears and combined vehicle and trailer will still slow at the same rate the vehicle would slow if the vehicle was not towing, use the brakes and the same brake pedal pressure will give the same deceleration if the trailer is there or not.

Happy Days.

[d2dave]

I have always believed the tekonsa ones to be the best. They use the pendulum and when set up correctly, you would not even know that you had a huge weight pushing from behind.

[joel0407]

I have always believed the tekonsa ones to be the best. They use the pendulum and when set up correctly, you would not even know that you had a huge weight pushing from behind.

I would think a pendulum would be effected by gravity. That would cause the brakes to come on going down hill.

Does anyone know which ones use accelerometers?

Happy Days

[joel0407]

I did some reading.

The best trailer brake controllers | Trailer Brake Controller (http://trailerbrakecontroller.net/the-best-trailer-brake-controllers/)

Tekonsa now have accelerometers not pendulums.

[joel0407]

I maybe dreaming here but I thought I had read that some vehicles have trailer brake controllers built in to there own stability controllers.



Happy Days

[joel0407]

Robert Bosch LLC. - Media Center (http://www.bosch-press.com/tbwebdb/bosch-usa/en-US/PressText.cfm?CFID=707&CFTOKEN=714c9f97d9380b9-9964A3F4-B5A3-413F-9367DE1036D275FA&Search=1&id=242)

For this to work, the vehicle stability controller needs control over the trailer brakes which therefore means it must control the trailer brakes at other times as well.

Happy Days

[Stuart02]

I believe brake controllers can be trailer mounted, which is done on hire trailers in QLD?

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[d2dave]

I would think a pendulum would be effected by gravity. That would cause the brakes to come on going down hill.

Does anyone know which ones use accelerometers?

Happy Days

Here is a quote from a site on brake controllers.


Proportional brake controllers are also known as pendulum brake controllers because of the way they sense motion. These devices use the position of a pendulum as a motion-sensing device, and drivers typically need to calibrate them before using them. When the vehicle is on a level plane and the pendulum is pointing straight down to the ground, the brake controller doesn't sense any motion and won't send any signals to the trailer's brakes. When the vehicle moves, however, the pendulum points toward the rear of the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle brakes, the pendulum swings forward. Depending on how far the pendulum swings, the brake controller sends a degree of power to the trailer's brakes.

Here is a link to the site if you want to read more.

Types of Brake Controllers - HowStuffWorks (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/protective-towing/brake-controllers1.htm)

[joel0407]

Here is a quote from a site on brake controllers.


Proportional brake controllers are also known as pendulum brake controllers because of the way they sense motion. These devices use the position of a pendulum as a motion-sensing device, and drivers typically need to calibrate them before using them. When the vehicle is on a level plane and the pendulum is pointing straight down to the ground, the brake controller doesn't sense any motion and won't send any signals to the trailer's brakes. When the vehicle moves, however, the pendulum points toward the rear of the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle brakes, the pendulum swings forward. Depending on how far the pendulum swings, the brake controller sends a degree of power to the trailer's brakes.

Here is a link to the site if you want to read more.

Types of Brake Controllers - HowStuffWorks (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/protective-towing/brake-controllers1.htm)



Maybe they did in the old days but now they use 3 axis accelerometer.

[joel0407]

All the sources of information for that arrival were from 2008. Maybe those brake controllers could be collectable antiques by now.

[joel0407]

I Guess it's going to create a little havoc when cars of the future have brake controllers built in to the vehicles stability controller and the trailer they are towing has its own brake controller.

[d2dave]

Maybe they did in the old days but now they use 3 axis accelerometer.

You can call it what you like, but in the industry it is still known as a pendulum.

This mob here are one of the most recognized caravan repairers/part sales in Melb. Have a read.

http://hardingscaravans.com.au/caravan-information/caravan-towing/caravan-brake-controllers-electric-brakes/?gclid=CKqh7s3s-MYCFQOUvQodTmcHRA

[joel0407]

Probably because the market for brake controllers are old blokes like my retiring dad. He's not have a clue what a MEMS gyro was and nobody would have a chance in hell of explaining it to him.

[Stuart02]

Robert Bosch LLC. - Media Center (http://www.bosch-press.com/tbwebdb/bosch-usa/en-US/PressText.cfm?CFID=707&CFTOKEN=714c9f97d9380b9-9964A3F4-B5A3-413F-9367DE1036D275FA&Search=1&id=242)

For this to work, the vehicle stability controller needs control over the trailer brakes which therefore means it must control the trailer brakes at other times as well.

Happy Days

My interpretation of that description was that TSC just works via the tow vehicle, regardless of whether the trailer even has brakes. I know there are caravans in particular now coming out with stability control of their own...

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[joel0407]

My interpretation of that description was that TSC just works via the tow vehicle, regardless of whether the trailer even has brakes. I know there are caravans in particular now coming out with stability control of their own...

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app


Yeah. You are right. I read it wrong. It says through brake intervention of the towING vehicle. Not brake intervention of the towed vehicle.

[joel0407]

You can call it what you like, but in the industry it is still known as a pendulum.

This mob here are one of the most recognized caravan repairers/part sales in Melb. Have a read.

http://hardingscaravans.com.au/caravan-information/caravan-towing/caravan-brake-controllers-electric-brakes/?gclid=CKqh7s3s-MYCFQOUvQodTmcHRA

Yep. Read it. I still just think it's Dumbed down. Take the lid of a Teksona brake controller and you are not going to find an arm with a ball on the bottom that swings back and forwarth when you accelerate and brake.

[d2dave]

Take the lid of a Teksona brake controller and you are not going to find an arm with a ball on the bottom that swings back and forwarth when you accelerate and brake.

Probably not. My argument though is what the terminology is. Rightly or wrongly, it is commonly known as a pendulum type.

[joel0407]

Probably not. My argument though is what the terminology is. Rightly or wrongly, it is commonly known as a pendulum type.

I don't think we should promote incorrect terminology. Teksonsha refer to them as Proportional. The other type is time delay.

Explaining to a less technical person and saying they work like a pendulum is fine but I would shy away from a company that refers to them as a pendulum type. It gives me the impression they don't understand or know how what they are selling actually works.

On another note. I've read that trailer mounted electric tralier brake controllers are the standard in the UK but vehicle mounting is the standard for the US and obviously it seems the same here in Australia.

I found it unusual the popularity of the flat 7 pin trailer plug we have only here in Australia. We have a relativly small population in comparison to the rest of the world. I was suprised we didn't addopt whatever another country used. I think they are pretty rubbish. I tried to find a better made one but there are one 2 manufacturers.

The UK have a bayonet style round plug that I think is far better. It seals properly becasue it's round it can have round "O" rings and the whole fitting screw together and presses down tight on the "O" ring. The bayonet fitting also pushes the fitting together tight on another "O" ring. The worst thing was that all my family have the flat 7 pin plugs on their vehicles so it made sense to have the same fitting on my trailer. So now I have to use an adaptor from the well made, sealing UK round connector to an inferior Aussie flat 7 pin plug.

Happy Days.

[DoubleChevron]

I don't like the idea of drawbar mounted controllers. You see the biggest bonus of electric brakes is if I feel the towed vehicle starting to sway ..... I can reach down and throw some anchors out manually ..... While accelerating the tow vehicle :wasntme:

I'm about to buy a Primus IQ to fit to the old Rangie .. .unless anyone knows of a reason to avoid them. There a modern progressive controller and are only $120 bucks with a full wiring kit on fleabay.

seeya
Shane L.

[Justinb]

Shane,
Sorry I missed this , I have a Primus installed in my 93 Vogue manual and I reckon we're not that far apart in Ballarat. Drop in and see how well it works if you want. Pm me

Justin

[Pedro_The_Swift]

isnt Primus just a budget Tekonsha?(probably to replace the voyager?)
will be the same hardware, just without all the bells and whistles of the P3

[DoubleChevron]

Shane,
Sorry I missed this , I have a Primus installed in my 93 Vogue manual and I reckon we're not that far apart in Ballarat. Drop in and see how well it works if you want. Pm me

Justin

Hi Justin,

thanks for the offer (sorry I only just spotted this response). I fitted a Primus IQ to the old Rangey a couple of weeks back. I haven't yet hooked up the caravan to test it yet ...... It's been a bloody MASSIVE task throwing some sealer at the old caravan so it doesn't leak. I reckon I've another few weeks of spending every spare minute I can find on the caravan before it's ready to be towed out of the shed to test the brakes on.

The time involved in re-sealing an old caravan is phenomenal. I reckon paying someone to do it would cost the market value of most old caravans.

I've got a thread running over on the classic caravan forum... Even though the caravan is old enough to be there :wasntme:

Time for another project | Classic Caravans (http://ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/3241/time-another-project?page=1)

seeya
Shane L.