Re: [A/S] Tekonsha Brake Controllers

["Rich Walbridge" <richwalbridge@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Harvey and other listees,

My trailer ('93 Limited 34') reacts the same way with a Tekonsha Voyager
towing behind a '98 Chevy 2500 Suburban 454/4:10.

> I have never been able to achieve an accurate setting and have it remain
> properly adjusted for long.  Many times I have fine-tuned the controller
> early in the morning when setting out for a day of travel to find that
after
> driving a few miles braking became too severe.  After tinkering I'll get
it
> adjusted to a point that it seems to work great and suddenly, when I apply
> the brakes I find that braking is either too severe or inadequate.
I was told by others with Airstreams that the brakes had to be heated up
before the brake controller could accurately be set.

I installed my controller on Velcro strips to the left of the steering wheel
in plain view on the dash.  I have a good look at it at all times and it is
handy if I want to adjust or energize the brakes manually.  I know it
probably looks ugly, but that's where I wanted it.  I just didn't feel
comfortable with the controller down at my knees and bolted to the dash of
my $43k car.

I am constantly tinkering with my brake controller.  If the trailer is slow
on braking, I move it a little.  If its a little tight, I move it a little.
In heavy traffic, I have it tightened up pretty good, so I am sure to stop
if a Boston driver cuts in front of me without signaling.

It is difficult at best on wet pavement though.  You just can't have the
trailer brakes too tight or else you'll lock them up and then you won't have
any stopping power at all.

My trailer is in the shop as we speak having the brakes and bearings checked
out.  I wonder if it is a '93 thing?

Last year when I was shopping for our trailer, I found one exactly like it
in Vancouver, BC.  The seller told me that the brakes were just replaced on
it.  In fact they found that there were chunks of brake shoes floating
around inside the drums.

If there's a better way.....show me!

Rich Walbridge
mailto:richwalbridge@airstream.net
'98 Suburban
'93 Limited 34'
Tekonsha Voyager
Hensley Arrow