Electric Trailer Brakes
Submitted: Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 01:02
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kwk56pt
Just installed the Alko offroad electric brakes to camper trailer. What is the usuall method of or plug used to connect the power from the trailer to the vehicle. ? The reason I ask is that Alko recommend 5mm cable for 1 axel, thats 2 magnets and 6mm for two axels. It seems common the opinion to use 4mm cable but as I had 6mm on hand I used that. I have a 7 pin round trailer plug common here in WA which has a terminal for brakes but this will only accomadate a 2mm wire hence the confusion.
I bought the Tekonsha P3 Controller. So out of interest what size cable did you use on your trailer electric brakes and did you reduce the wire size to run it through the trailer plug or run a seperate plug just for the brakes. A seperate plug would keep brake issues totally seperate from tail light problems.
Thanks Peter
Reply By: Member - Malcolm (Townsville) - Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 08:43
Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 08:43
Peter
I just finished replacing the axle and 10" brakes on my single axle caravan with a 60mm round and 12" brakes. (Increased ATM from 1600kg to 2500kg). My brake wire is the same size as all the other wires - standard wiring.
I have a Prodigy controller - works a dream.
We leave today (10/10/10) @ 10am for a two month trip.
Mal
AnswerID:
432568
Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 09:10
Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 09:10
Mal,
How did you go getting the ATM increased with QLD Transport??
I have heard reports that you have to get the Van manufacturer to do it. They will allow you to decrease the ATM but not upgrade it, is that correct??
Cheers Kev
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Follow Up By: Member - Malcolm (Townsville) - Wednesday, Oct 13, 2010 at 12:32
Wednesday, Oct 13, 2010 at 12:32
Hi Kev
Sorry for delay in answering - just setup the email system on new computer.
I had an Automotive Engineer (
LivingStone Automotive) issue a mod plate for the upgrade - I also changed
wheels and tyres - 10 ply 245/75R16 rated at 1400kg and had an extra leaf in and reset of the spring pack. Then had to go to QT and fill out form for change of particulars. They inspected mod plate and signed off on it.
HTH
Mal
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Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Oct 13, 2010 at 12:36
Wednesday, Oct 13, 2010 at 12:36
Very handy info Mal.
Cheers Kev
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Reply By: Faulic_McVitte - Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 11:40
Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 11:40
Change to the large round 7 pin plug. Far more reliable and takes 6mm cable.
Small 7 pin round and flat plugs are unreliable for electric brakes.
AnswerID:
432584
Follow Up By: kev.h - Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:13
Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:13
Best solution is probably is as above large round 7 pin plug
But if you want to use what you have I have soldered a small length of 2mm solid copper wire to the end of the 6mm cable just enough to fit into the plug this short distance makes negligable difference to the voltage drop (which is why they suggest 6mm cable)
If you only use the trailer with one vehicle you could also use a dedicated anderson plug for your brakes
Cheers Kev
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703391
Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:09
Sunday, Oct 10, 2010 at 12:09
If you really want to keep the small 7 pin round plug, then simply reduce the exposed wire a bit until it fits into the hole. If the plug/socket doesn't matter, then upgrade to the large 7 pin round, as suggested above.
The reason why the cable needs to be thicker is so that you don't get too much voltage drop over the length of the cable - brakes usually only run a few amps, but as you might gather from your controller, it can be up to about 8 amps. Also make sure you have a good earth wiring at the trailer socket.
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