Brake controllers

Submitted: Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 09:06

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Member - Beatit (QLD)

OK, I was servicing the brakes on the camper trailer over the weekend. One thing that really stumped me was that when I checked for power at the towbar plug (on the car) the blue brake cable and white earth showed 12.5 volts when there was no brake pedal depression.

The brakes worked fine but my curiousity was aroused on how does the brake controller work? It seemed to be always powered.

Can someone put me out of my misery and tell me how this is so?

Kind regards

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Reply By: Member - Troopytrek - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 09:50

Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 09:50

G'Day Beatit,
Not entirely sure but I came across the same thing on the inernal dash fan set up in a car I was working on once, how it worked was instead of connecting power when the switch was activated it actually connected earth and the fan speeds [or voltage] was controlled by the earth set up. maybe this is similar to the way your brakes work.

Troopytrek!!!

P.S. We are just sorting out final bits& pieces before our trip [about 6 weeks left] how are you going with your preparations? and are you looking forward as much as we are?

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Follow Up By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:00

Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:00

G'day,

It has me stumped but i suspect your right.

Yeah, our crew are chewing at the bit - we have just over 8 weeks to go. I certainly hope our level of preparation will reflect in reduced issues on the trip!

There always seems to be something to do for the trip, been acumulating fishing gear for this trip over the last 2 years and started packing only to realise that I've probably ended up with more gear than clothes - so I'm guessing a great trip in store. By the way do you have a good answer to "why do you need 9 fishing rods"? (my wife is only an occasional fisher), tried the "why do you need 9 pairs of shoes" line without much success!

Kind regards

FollowupID: 367377

Follow Up By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:10

Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:10

PS spending so much time thinking about it and getting ready that it seems I'm already on holidays!

FollowupID: 367379

Follow Up By: Member - Troopytrek - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:29

Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:29

Beatit,
As for the question. I have learnt that you will never win an arguement when it is with a politician[ Minister for war & finance]. AS for the thinking about the "TRIP" I'm trying to rap up a workshop and having a great deal of trouble because my mind is to focused on going away and besides that I would rather be reading this forum and preparing than working!!!

Troopytrek!!!!

P.S. I'm sure you have heard travellers saying "Happy kids Happy holiday" well I am not sure whether there needs to be another one "happy wife Happy holiday" or [tongue in cheek awaiting a back hand] does the wife come under the first saying. Ouch as I expected went down like a fart in rectory.

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