Re: [A/S] Trailer Brake Adjustment

[Tuna <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxx>]

okey dokey... i just counted about 100 brake controller posts in my personal
A/S email archives... although many of these had drifted onto other
topics...
basically, there are four types of brake controller, each with their own
advantages:

1) Hydraulic controller controlling electric brakes -
all but obsolete, difficult to install, but favored by many because they
offer true proportional braking. Newer vehicles with ABS present particular
problems finding the necessary cadmium-plated tee-fittings and getting
anyone to install it into your late model puller. I've got one that's going
into the FrankenJeepster.

2) Electric/Electric brake controller -
applies current to trailer brakes at a fixed rate, which can be adjusted.
The advantage is simplicity of installion (tie into brake-light switch), but
i've found that there are too many variables in real-life braking situations
for these controllers. I've used this type for years, and many thousands of
miles... you CAN get very good at adjusting them 'on the fly', but why
bother, when there are other solutions.
http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/hydraulic.html

3) 'Pendulum' or Inertial brake controllers -
new one from Tekonsha (the "Prodigy") looks very promising - applies trailer
brakes when the controller's 'pendulum' moves when the tow vehicle's brakes
are applied...not exactly 'proportional', but close. Many people love 'em, i
find that they're either too sensitive, or not sensitive enough... haven't
used one long enough to get to like this system.
http://www.brakecontroller.com/  ;
http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/syncronizer.html

4) My favorite: the Jordan Research 'Ultima 2020' -
uses a mechanical connection (cable) to the brake pedal, converts to current
to the trailer's brakes. Truly proportional, very adjustable, good manual
override...
hard to beat. http://www.go.to/jordanresearch


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