Elecric brake system

Submitted: Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 16:08

ThreadID: 107930 Views:1612 Replies:6 FollowUps:4

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humpback

Hi im after some information regarding electric brake systems,i have a 25ft 4ton caravan and i have to fit my truck with a new electric brake system,im considering Hayman Reece,Redarc and Tekonsha p3 anybody has any information on these systems i would very much appreciate your feedback
Cheers
Baker

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Reply By: John and Regina M - Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 16:35

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 16:35

I have used all 3. Lots of info if you search the forum.

AnswerID: 533098

Reply By: bluefella - Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 16:52

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 16:52

Hi Baker
What make of truck do you tow with?

AnswerID: 533099

Follow Up By: humpback - Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 17:59

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 17:59

Hi Blue the truck is a 2012 Ford F 450 turbo diesel it comes with its own electric brake system inbuilt but it doesent feel safe,so hence why i want to change it.
Cheers
Baker

FollowupID: 816407

Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 15:48

Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 15:48

Baker, what sort of controller is it? Does it have any brand name on it? Does it have a pendulum or some other sort of decelerometer in it?

If it does not have a decelerometer in it then forget the Redarc or any other controller without one. They will be no different to the one you already have.

PeterD
Retired radio and electronics technician

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FollowupID: 816454

Follow Up By: humpback - Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 16:43

Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 16:43

Hi Blue firstly thank you for taking the time to respond to my problem,the controller has no brand name on it,I cant tell if it has a pendulum or decelerometer in it. I read the owners manual again and its very basic its on or off,you connect the plug it lights up on the dash saying trailer connected,it has a + or - gain button to increase or decrease the power level going to the brakes,it has a manual slide control, also the gain goes from 1-10.
I towed my van for 100klms with the new system set on 10 but the van didnt respond at that setting i would have thought it would lock the wheels up but it just slowed the van up,i tested it using the manual control traveling around 20klph same deal just slowed it down would hate to rely on it in an emergency.
Cheers
Baker

FollowupID: 816458

Reply By: Geoff in SA - Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 17:13

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 17:13

I have a slightly smaller van and have gone for the Tekonsha model
I think it has a better pedigree than the others
Has a nice display and very simple to connect.

Just Remember to make sure the cable from the controller to the plug and from the van plug to the brakes is of a suitable size to ensure little or no volt drop when operating.

volt drop is an issue as it will affect the operation of the barkes when really required.

4 ton van sounds BIG
Need an F truck or Similar to lug it

Have fun
Geoff

AnswerID: 533101

Reply By: John E - Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 22:38

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 22:38

Hi Baker,
I have a 26' ,4.5 ton tri axle, towing with an f250. Have a Redarc and happy with it ,easy to adjust. Feel quite good when used. Not quite as good for hand braking as the Tekonsha was but quite ok.
John

AnswerID: 533119

Reply By: ozjohn0 - Monday, May 26, 2014 at 09:22

Monday, May 26, 2014 at 09:22

Over the years I've used just about every brand and type of controller available, but
with safety and performance in mind these days I'd only ever use a quality Proportional Controller.
Tekonsha Prodigy (P2) or Hayman Reece Vinitour (Tekonsha P2 in another guise).
Tekonsha P3 - Similar to P2 but with more diagnostic features.
And for the budget conscious - Tekonsha Primus IQ or Hayman Reese Guardian IQ (Tekonsha primus in another guise).
Ozjohn.

AnswerID: 533173