Re: [A/S] brake controllers

[GeorgeHumphrey <gah@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm certainly no expert, but I do have two trailers, one an Airstream
with electric brakes and one a large boat trailer with surge or inertia
brakes. 

From my experience, inertia brakes should never be used
in mountains, not a problem here in E. Texas where our mountains
are the overpasses on the interstates. The constant downhills of 
mountains will cause the inertia brakes to provide constant 
braking, thus burning out brake linings and causing fires. Also,
backing uphill into a parking spot is trouble which means that
you have to get out and lock out the inertia brakes. 

On the other
hand, braking with electric brakes allows the use of the engine
and transmission to brake downhill, the much preferred method
when trying to slow down a big rig. If necessary you can always
reach down and pull the lever on the brake modulator causing
some additional braking to help the transmission if overspeed
sets in. 

The brakes on the towing vehicle should be the last resort
brakes in slowing down coming off of a mountain. Just my 1& 1/2
cents worth.

George
'89 Excella 29'