[VAC] Re: Tekonsha Brake Controllers

[RJ Dial <rj.dial@xxxxxxx>]

         Reply to:   RE: [VAC] Tekonsha Brake Controllers
We had hydraulic actuated brakes on our '62 Chevy pickup and trailer 
until the flex line fell off the bumper bracket one day and dragged 
along the road until it wore through the flex line - no brakes on the 
truck - lucky the trailer wasn't attached. I still remember the feeling 
of the brake pedal going to the floor. (Thank God for the hand brake.)  
Modern systems are isolated but rather complex installations to actuate 
electric trailer brakes: http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/products/html/hydraulic.html

I don't think there are trailers running around any more with hydraulic 
brakes still installed - most were converted to electric brakes. I like 
the conversions where the original system is capped off and left in 
place - makes for good rally discussions

Since the '60's, all our trailers have been 23' or less, and I have used 
5 different tow vehicles with the Tekonsha momentum style electric 
controllers installed. I really like them as they are a relatively 
simple installation, require no maintenance, and are very reliable.  
I just bought our 6th controller (the new Envoy model - $67) last week 
and installed it in our 2001 Montero SUV.  One thing different I noticed 
about the installation from the others is that a ground return wire is 
now "mandatory" to avoid intermittent operation under load. What I like 
about the new Envoy is the ability to mount on the face of modern 
dashboards and at up to 70° angle.  There is no way the underdash models 
could fit the Montero. I also like the vernier control for the brake 
adjustment on the front face and the "automatic" adjustment feature that 
uses amperage and LED lights to set the initial setting.

http://www.tekonsha.com

As for towing with it, I think they are great for lighter trailers (23' 
& less), and have never had a problem. I don't know how they would 
do on the longer trailers with multiple axles.

Well, that's my experience.

RJ
'65 Caravel