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  1. #1
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    Default Brake controller for tandem trailer

    I have had a Tekonsha controller for many years that needs replacing. Rather than getting it looked at I reckon it might be time to update. I have looked at EBay and read their wonderful stories as to how good they are but I would rather be guided by bods that have/are using them now.
    60 Series Landcruiser is the tug so 12V system is what I am after. Inside cab control is a must
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    Just do it!

    Kind regards Rod

  2. #2
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    There are a few topics about them in the Metalwork Trailers section, and Yonnee is pretty up with them. Suggest you cross post there.

  3. #3
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    I know I've answered this via your PM question, but I'll paste some of the correspondence here too.

    Quote Originally Posted by Yonnee
    Hi Rod.
    There are quite a few on the market these days (some of them rubbish), but what you need to look for is a proportioning brake controller, ie; one that brakes the trailer as hard as you brake the tow vehicle. I'd stick with the Tekonsha brand and you can't really go wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by chambezio
    Thanks for those words of wisdom.
    I have noticed that there are some that must be totally electronic and don't have the "pendulum" action to gauge the braking needed. OK I will sick with Tekonsha and but one that will "fit my pocket"
    Quote Originally Posted by Yonnee
    Hi Rod.
    As for the non-pendulum type, in my opinion they should be banned. But for this to take effect, the regulations regarding brakes on trailers would need to change and there are too many big name companies involved that have alot of money invested that would oppose this. But imagine having your cars braking system just an On-Off switch on the dash and then an adjustable dial that adjusts the braking level from 10% through to 100%. That's pretty much how these "solid state" controllers work the trailer's braking system. Some of them have an additional timer that ramps up the power output from 0 to the maximum setting on the dial the longer you hold you foot on the brake.
    Consider this. A child runs out onto the road in front of 5 tonne of 4WD & Caravan. You slam your foot on the brakes. It takes 3-4 seconds for the Caravan brakes to go beyond 50% and another 2-3 seconds to reach maximum. I'd much rather have my trailer brake almost as instantly as I do, and as hard as I need to, which is what you get with a pendulum type controller.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
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  4. #4
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    May 2012
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    I wish they had a brake controller that is directly proportional to how hard you are pressing the brake. I've always had the pendulum type but one time the towing vehicle wheels locked and the braking effect wasn't as good so the pendulum didn't swing forward as much and apply the trailer brakes as hard. I ended up a foot away from the vehicle in front. In the height of the heart stopping moment I didn't reach out and apply the manual control lever, but that's pretty typical in an emergency situation. Fear and "Oh my God" first, then brain engages later.

    A pressure sensor tapped into the brake lines would be the ultimate proportional control, together with a gain setting dial. Then the brake controller output is directly proportional to how hard the driver wants to brake. I'm sure I read in the past there was a system like this but it stopped being manufactured. Maybe more expensive and didn't make enough sales.

    The tosser tow bar guy that fitted my tow bar recommended and fitted one of those solid state controllers. Returned it to him very shortly afterwards, what a dangerous peice of junk. I also cannot believe these thing are legal, especially with all our OH&S bull. How can you do an emergency brake with a fixed setting, unless you had it set to max then you can't do a gentle brake, un-beleivable. He was obviously making more profit on those or just trying to get rid of them. He tried to tell me everybody loves them, watch out for these rip off artists.

  5. #5
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    Yonnee said a similar thing about the non pendulum type.
    Years ago (35+) I had a hydraulic over electric system fitted. You put a Tee in the line and it activated the power to the electric brakes. I could never feel real comfortable with that set up. I have had a couple of Tekonshas and have been happy as with them. Their technology seems to keep pace with the towing world.
    Just do it!

    Kind regards Rod

  6. #6
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    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
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    Quote Originally Posted by beefy View Post
    I wish they had a brake controller that is directly proportional to how hard you are pressing the brake. I've always had the pendulum type but one time the towing vehicle wheels locked and the braking effect wasn't as good so the pendulum didn't swing forward as much and apply the trailer brakes as hard. I ended up a foot away from the vehicle in front. In the height of the heart stopping moment I didn't reach out and apply the manual control lever, but that's pretty typical in an emergency situation. Fear and "Oh my God" first, then brain engages later.

    A pressure sensor tapped into the brake lines would be the ultimate proportional control, together with a gain setting dial. Then the brake controller output is directly proportional to how hard the driver wants to brake. I'm sure I read in the past there was a system like this but it stopped being manufactured. Maybe more expensive and didn't make enough sales.
    Tekonsha used to do exactly that, an Hydraulic/Electric controller. But because you tapped into the tow vehicle's braking system, it required being fitted by a qualified workshop as well as an engineers report, which made it very expensive to not only install once, but to swap from car to car.

    The tosser tow bar guy that fitted my tow bar recommended and fitted one of those solid state controllers. Returned it to him very shortly afterwards, what a dangerous peice of junk. I also cannot believe these thing are legal, especially with all our OH&S bull. How can you do an emergency brake with a fixed setting, unless you had it set to max then you can't do a gentle brake, un-beleivable. He was obviously making more profit on those or just trying to get rid of them. He tried to tell me everybody loves them, watch out for these rip off artists.
    My thoughts exactly. I have never been a fan, never recommended, and am of the opinion they should be made illegal. But while companies such as Layman Geese and Pat Callinan's mates sponsor have enough money tied up in them, it'll never happen.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
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