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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Brake controller question

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Cosmo

10-26-2004 16:51:34




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The post below about trailer batteries leads to this. I'm putting electric brakes on one axle of my trailer. What kind of controller do you fellows use? Years ago I had one that tied into the truck brake line and it worked fine. That kind seems to be scarce now. Why? If it has to do with anti-lock, that worrisome problem on my truck has been bypassed.The operation description of the ones available now don't seem to be an improvement. I'm willing to listen (read) and be educated. Comments please. Thanks, Cosmo

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Cosmo

10-27-2004 15:57:57




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 16:51:34  
Thanks to you all. Good points you made. Cosmo



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Crem

10-26-2004 22:00:53




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 16:51:34  
I bought a Prodigy on ebay a year or so ago for $80 to $90 and it has worked out well. Do a search on ebay for Prodigy brake controller. There are some in that price range with the Buy It Now.



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Ray

10-26-2004 17:57:20




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 16:51:34  
You might want to check on single axle brakes on
a double axle trailer,that"s illegal in some
states.



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Leroy

10-27-2004 17:47:07




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Ray, 10-26-2004 17:57:20  
In ohio a single axle with brakes on a tandem is legal, Indiana requires them on both, but my trailer registered in Ohio those laws take presedent



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Kelvin

10-26-2004 17:40:12




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 16:51:34  
I have had the old brake line style on my 84 GMC 1/2 ton since '89. It has always worked great.

Last Summer, I wanted another for my '69 GMC 1-ton. The manager at my local NAPA said the brake line style was no longer available. (bet it had to do with DIYer installing one wrong, then wanting to sue because it didn't work right/brakes 'failed'/etc.)

The 'inertial' model I ended up with seems to work O.K., I have no complaints.

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old

10-26-2004 16:56:19




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 16:51:34  
I use a new type that ties in to the brake light switch and it works just fine. Just 4 or 5 wires to hook up and your in business



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rustyfarmall

10-26-2004 17:02:24




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to old, 10-26-2004 16:56:19  
The new electric controllers are a vast improvement over the old type that splice into the brake line. I have a Tekonsha brand on mine, works great. I imagine most folks will recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy. I bought mine before the prodigy model was available.



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VaTom

10-26-2004 18:57:08




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to rustyfarmall, 10-26-2004 17:02:24  
Hi Rustyfarmall,

That brings up a question I've had. Like Kelvin, I couldn't get another hydraulic controller. Unlike Kelvin, I much preferred my hydraulic one over the Prodigy I'm now using.

The only reason I switched was a new-to-me trailer with 8 brakes. The hydraulic controller couldn't handle that many brakes. The Prodigy's working, but I find it more difficult to keep adjusted than the hydraulic one. And the installation angle required to work wasn't what the instructions said.

A buddy was delighted I was retiring my hydraulic unit. Like me, he prefers them.

Why do you think the electric controllers are "a vast improvement"? Other than avoiding the plumbing.

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Cosmo

10-26-2004 17:10:47




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to rustyfarmall, 10-26-2004 17:02:24  
Thanks Rusty



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Cosmo

10-26-2004 17:01:52




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to old, 10-26-2004 16:56:19  
Old, what brand is it? Would the El-cheapo be okay for a single axle? Probably will use it only a couple of times a year. Cosmo



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old

10-26-2004 17:11:24




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-26-2004 17:01:52  
Thats what I have it has a lite that tells you that its working. Cheap not really something like $80 but yes thats cheaper then the ones with numbers.



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T_Bone

10-27-2004 00:29:17




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to old, 10-26-2004 17:11:24  
Hi Cosmo,

You can get the new old style that orperates on hydraulic pressure, sending via the new electronic wiring system. Called Brake Smart and sells for about $400 on the street with the install kit.

The Prodigy is a inertia based controller, has a pendelum that senses the deaceleration and applys trailer braking before you apply brake pedal. Can not be mounted more than 70º off level, About $125.

Then the Jordan BC that is inertia based but adds a cable too the brake pedal to sense quicker deaceleration. About $250. Can not be mounted more than 70º off level.

I use a straight electronic brake controller, time based, non-inertia, as I have it mounted on my gear shift lever. Doesn't matter how you mount it. What it does is lets me manual control my trailer brakes with my finger. Will keep the trailer behind you if you dynomite the brakes as it also has a time based reaction.

Trailer brakes are cheaper than tow vechile brakes plus I have more control over my trailer with manual control under all conditions. Will control 4 brake axles with applied brake control (adjustment wheel), proper connection (LED), and shorted brakes (LED). About $50 made by Redline.

T_Bone

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Cosmo

10-27-2004 06:41:36




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to T_Bone, 10-27-2004 00:29:17  
T-Bone, I think I would prefer to just do my own braking with the controller rather than it wired into my brake lights. Is that possible or legal? As far as someone asking about one brake axle on a tandem trailer being legal, I don't know but it seems like it would be better than no brakes at all on a trailer that is legal now. Will have to check on that. Cosmo



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old

10-27-2004 08:28:49




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-27-2004 06:41:36  
Cosmo the type I have is called brake force and you can adjust it so you have little or no brakes or you can also adjust it so the brakes lock up plus you have a manual control.



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jhill

10-27-2004 07:48:36




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 Re: Brake controller question in reply to Cosmo, 10-27-2004 06:41:36  
In Michigan if you have brakes on a trailer they must be on all axles. The reasoning is that if you need multiple axles to carry the load then you need an equal amount of braking power. By the way I hay a Tekonsha Prodigy and I think it works great.



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