trailer mounted elec brakes controller

Submitted: Friday, Mar 30, 2007 at 21:43

ThreadID: 43826 Views:6250 Replies:5 FollowUps:3

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nigelp

Given that it saves having to have a controller installed in your vehicle, why wouldn't you go with a trailer mounted controller. pluses and minuses? waht about weather/ water dunking susceptibility?
nigel

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Reply By: disco1942 - Friday, Mar 30, 2007 at 23:09

Friday, Mar 30, 2007 at 23:09

The driver is supposed to be able to operate the trailer brakes manually without touching the foot brake. How do you do that with the controller mounted anywhere but within reach of the driver?????????

PeterD

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AnswerID: 230763

Reply By: mike w (WA) - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 00:43

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 00:43

I would imagine that the are initiated in much the same way as the hydraulic brake controllers i.e. car breaks, inertia keeps the trailer moving forward, engages mechanism on hitch, brakes activate. Why, I ask (put it down to ignorance) would you want to complicate this style of system with electrics?
-genuine question, would like to know-

AnswerID: 230775

Follow Up By: Member - Franga (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 07:27

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 07:27

Hi Mike,
I have 3 trailers, a tandem, a single axle off road and a camper trailer, Have had them for more years than i remember.
Started off with Hydraulic override on tandem and camper nothing on offroad single, then went to electric on all three with drawbar mounted controller, now have invehicle controller to cover three of them and wouldn't go back.
Reasons
- various weights in trailers requires diferent controller settings
- Tandem starts to wag tail use controller to apply trailer brake only to bring under control
- backing up in any situation whether it be in offroad or going up over gutter will apply Hyd override brakes
Others will obviously add pros and cons to the above reasons.
I am one happy camper with Electric Trailer brakes.
The biggest issue with Electric brakes the most have is the EARTH, it's got to be a really good earth.

Thats my opinion

Regards Franga

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FollowupID: 491630

Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 04:40

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 04:40

On Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 06:33
Member - BUCKY (VIC) posted about ELECTRIC break problem ! - (PostID: 40396)

Check out some of these posts above !

I think someone mentioned that they had hore camper trailers with the same set-up you are describing.
If not do a search and you will find it
Cheers Mate
Bucky

AnswerID: 230785

Reply By: mattie - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 06:55

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 06:55

if u buy a prodigy controler u can buy an extra wiring kit and then u unplug and slide into a second vehicle if that is an issue i purchased one a month ago, they are very simple to fit and if u carry various loads u will be glad that it is in the vehicle.

MATTIE

AnswerID: 230792

Reply By: Member - David A (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 07:44

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 07:44

It is now law that brakes on new trailers over 750kg must be operated from the vehicle. See extract below:

As of October 2006 all trailers with a GVM of 750kg and greater must have a braking system that will allow braking force to be progressively increased or decreased by means of the 'control signal' from the towing vehicle.

Ensure that when you purchase your camper trailer you are advised of the correct total weight including all accessories of your camper. All trailers when loaded that exceed 750kg must run brakes.

Australian Design Rules 38/02 Trailer Brake Systems

5 : Design Requirements for trailers up to 4.5 tonnes 'ATM'
5.1 : Every trailer must be equipped with an efficient 'Service Brake System' which, with the exception of trailers equipped with an 'Over-run Braking System', must be designed so that the braking force can be progressively increased and decreased by means of the 'Control Signal' from the towing vehicle.
In summary, if your camper trailer loaded weighs more than 750kg it must be fitted with brakes and have a controller that is operated from inside the vehicle.

Cheers,
David

AnswerID: 230797

Follow Up By: DIO - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 09:42

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 09:42

David, not wanting to sound overly pedantic, however the 'Act' that you have quoted from states: 'progressively increased and decreased by means of the 'Control Signal' from the towing vehicle. ' It doesn't state (if you have quoted correctly) that the 'controller' for the towing vehicle must be fitted WITHIN the towing vehicle - although I'm sure that's what was probably intended by the legislators. Brake controllers can, by their design and without operator intervention, progressively increase and decrease braking force.
The majority of people would not consider installing elsewhere than within the vehicle and in reach of the driver. Keeps it out of the weather, enables driver to see status of device and allows driver to interact with device if desired/required.

FollowupID: 491657

Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 12:22

Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 at 12:22

DIO, you say you don't want to sound overly pedantic, but that is what you are suggesting to overcome the law as stated by David. On the electronic controllers there is a hand slide as well as the controls you are expected to adjust to change the balance of braking between the trailer/caravan and the tow vehicle.

You can use the braking controller to overcome the sway you often see of caravans trying to control the car. You can apply the brakes independently to the ones on the car or all together. That is what having control is about.
i) progressive
ii) independent to the tow vehicle driver
iii) ability to control balance.

You will have to have a remote to do all that to the trailer mounted controller you are suggesting. The wiring cost is 2/3rds of bugga all for a pair from the trailer plug to the cab. You need a power lead and earth to the control box. You can set up a 4 pin plug to change from vehicle to vehicle if you want to.

FollowupID: 491683