Re: [A/S] Tekonsha Voyager

[Robert C Townsend <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marie -

Go to: http://www.brakecontroller.com/ and click on the 'Find out more
about...' link for each of the Tekonsha or Hayes-Lemmerz models shown.

I believe that all but the forthcoming 'Prodigy' from Tekonsha are so-called
'inertia-activated' controllers, as are the Hayes-Lemmerz (formerly
'Kelsey-Hayes') controllers (with the exception of 'The Synchronizer')...
these use a 'pendulum' device which must be mounted within a fairly narrow
range of angle so that the pendulum moves freely. This is the
least-preferred design among trailer-pullers. (see Tom Patterson's website
and the VAC's recent/current discussion re:this).

The alternative design (e.g. Hayes' 'Synchronizer') uses an adjustable 'ramp
up' signal that gradually applies more current to the brakes, the longer the
brakes are depressed. "Tapping" or "pumping" the brakes can defeat the
trailer brakes by re-initiating the amount of current going to the trailer
brakes with each 'tap'.

Notice the special 'close-out' price on the Tekonsha Mk 12... I've used the
Mark 12 and its earlier version with great success, way back when on the
Bentley/Globetrotter rig, and just a few years ago on the Blazer/Overlander
rig. As a temporary solution, this deal can only be beat by the Mark 12
which is currently being sold on ebay (without installation manual). You may
like it so much that you'll transfer it over to your new puller.

Jordan Research makes the 'Ultima 2020' which is the preferred brake
controller by some, but information on this is fairly sparse, since their
website appears to have been down for awhile.

And finally, http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/hydraulic.html
(which seems to be off-line today, but i was looking at it late last night)
apparently still has some of the hydraulic-electric controllers formerly
sold by Kelsey-Hayes which by consensus appears to be the best of the best.
Discussions on the other list indicate that this is the way to go; however,
it requires 'tapping into' the hydraulic brake-lines of the tow-vehicle, and
is therefore a fairly 'permanent' installation. Further, it requires
particular care when installing into modern vehicles fitted with ABS brakes
so that it does not interfere with the ABS's operation. This is the most
truly 'proportional' system possible, in that it senses the actual
brake-pressure being applied at the brake-pedal, and transmits it
electrically to the trailer's brakes. Several of us are looking to find this
discontinued controller. A caveat: many dealers/installers won't install
this controller, believing that it either voids the warranty or disables the
ABS system of the tow-vehicle, or introduces product-liability problems in
the event of an accident...

[i still think you ought to find yourself an S-1 Bentley puller]   (c:

Tuna
'48 Trailwind
'50 Jeepster
WBCCI#8862/VAC
Reno, NV USA