Elecric brake controllers, too complex??.
Submitted: Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 09:40
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Jimbo - VIC
I've got a Tekonsha in my car with the two knobs, one for sensitivity and the other for braking force. It's a bloody fiddly thing to get right.
Towed our recently departed caravan with the Old Man's Patrol which has a Hayman Reese brake controller. One simple slide to adjust. Simplcity of design and very effective.
I wonder how many people are towing vans, thinking they have electric brakes, but they may not be working as they haven't been set right?
I know some may suggest if I haven't got the brains to adjust a brake controller I shouldn't be towing a van, but please forgive me, I'm just a simple man.
Reply By: Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 10:05
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 10:05
Jimbo,
Al has used a simple slide brake controller for years...has even replied to questions about brake controllers on here about it, but people seem to think the Tekonsha's are the best.
Al's i don't think is a HR, he had one fitted years ago by a mate of his at the time who was an auto electrician...and then when he wanted another he searched high and low for one the same kind.
Simple but effective.
AnswerID:
275595
Reply By: Axel [ the real one ] - Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 10:50
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 10:50
The HaymanReece also has a slide adjustment for sensitivity ,left hand side near the back , once set its basicly forgotten about because its out of sight .
AnswerID:
275601
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 12:57
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 12:57
My Tekonsha Prodigy has a lever that can be used to put the brakes on at anytime while mobile - its the only controller I've ever had - do the earlier types / makes not have this facility ?
AnswerID:
275611
Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 13:07
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 13:07
HaymanReece has a slide button that you just slide in any time you want ,mobile, stationary,ignition on or off ,so that you can brake the trailer independantly from the vehicle brake pedal if required ,,,,
FollowupID:
539378
Follow Up By: disco1942 - Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 23:03
Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 23:03
All brake controllers should have a lever to manually apply the trailer brakes. If they do not then they are not permitted to be fitted.
PeterD
FollowupID:
539694
Reply By: Lee Brooker - Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 14:34
Saturday, Dec 08, 2007 at 14:34
Early Tekonsha units had an adjustment to compensate for horizontal attitude and a separate adjustment for sensitivity. They were a bit fiddly because it was trial and and had to be tested on road.
The Tekonsha Prodigy automatically adjusts itself for horiszontal attitude and the sensiivity adjustment can be seen in a digital display. It also has and additional setting that allows for different braking according to traffic conditions. The Prodigy is a treat.
AnswerID:
275627
Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 07:41
Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 07:41
We have a Tekoncha Voyager, and at first I had a lot of trouble, always locking up..
I read the manual a million times, as
well as watching the mini DVD supplied.
Have it mastered , I simply did what the DVD said, and then backed off the coarse controller a bit.
I still do a test every time I hook up the camper, but the setting is fine.
Cheers
Bucky
AnswerID:
275748
Follow Up By: PradOz - Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 22:50
Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 22:50
Hi Bucky - I have same controller as you but wasnt as lucky as you to get the miniDVD. Not sure why not but any idea how I could go to get hold of one or even get a copy of one maybe?? Thanks Mick
FollowupID:
539691
Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:45
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:45
Mick
Grovel,,,, my friend !
Seriously, if you want one just email me your address, that simple
In subject line put Tekoncha Voyager, DVD
That way I will not delete it,,
I jump on the puter most mornings about 3-4 am, and I am only 1/2 awake and for the first 1/2 hr its pretty messy ..
Cheers Bucky
FollowupID:
539714
Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:46
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 07:46
Mick
Grovel,,,, my friend !
Seriously, if you want one just email me your address, that simple
In subject line put Tekoncha Voyager, DVD
That way I will not delete it,,
I jump on the puter most mornings about 3-4 am, and I am only 1/2 awake and for the first 1/2 hr its pretty messy ..
Cheers Bucky
FollowupID:
539715
Reply By: disco1942 - Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 23:14
Sunday, Dec 09, 2007 at 23:14
Jimbo
You did not say what model Tekonsha you have. If we knew we may be able to help you. I would not be fitting a Hayman Reese controller by choice - they do not have a pendulum to sense the deceleration of the vehicle and apply current to the trailer in proportion to the rigs deceleration - the Tekonsha does so let's help you get it working properly.
for some dissitation on controllers see
this link.
PeterD
AnswerID:
275861