Re: [A/S] Re: Tekonsha Brake Controllers

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

JC,

I think your comments regarding your recent experience using the Tekonsha
adds weight to the recent developing discussion thread.  Our theory is that
the Tekonsha will work well enough with a heavy tow vehicle towing a
relatively light trailer but not with a heavy trailer.  Our theory is that
the Tekonsha depends on the tow vehicle's ability to begin slowing the
trailer without trailer brakes in order to deflect the pendulum thereby
initiating trailer braking.

When I'm towing my 34' Excella with a Ford F250HD the gross combined weight
is about 14,800 to 15,000 pounds.  The truck brakes can stop the load
without trailer brakes (eventually) but not briskly so the controller
pendulum doesn't sense much inertia and doesn't apply much force unless the
controller gain is set very high.  If it is set to a high gain position,
once the combination of truck and trailer brakes begin slowing the rig at a
comfortable rate the pendulum is deflected and then, because the gain is set
to high, excessive trailer braking is applied causing abrupt braking and
locked trailer brakes.

The point is the pendulum driven brake controller is not very effective at
modulating trailer braking in coordination with tow vehicle brakes when a
heavy trailer is being towed.

Harvey