AlbertF
Western Canada
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Joined: 09/22/2006
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You should do a bit of research into how brake controllers work. As someone has already noted, your's seems to be a "ramp-time" type that increase current to the brakes based on the amount of time the brake pedal is depressed - a makeshift solution at best. I read a comment once that you will get full braking power shortly after the accident is over.
Others base braking current on the amount that the tow vehicle is slowing - some of this type use pendulums. Voyagers seem OK, Prodigy (now replaced by P3, I believe) seems to be the msot sophisticated of this type and will be much smoother than what you have.
The best controllers deliver "proportional" braking current consistent with the tow vehicle. BrakeSmart and Hensley TruControl seem to be the best choices currently.
I have a Jordan, which uses a small cable attached to the tow vehicle's brake pedal arm. When adjusted right, it is perfectly smooth and seamless in its operation (and it doesn't take much fiddling at all to get it right). Unfortunately, Jordans are not being produced right now, and they were a lot less expensive than the BrakeSmart and TruControl controllers.
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campercajun
Central Texas Hill Country
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Joined: 08/09/2007
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No matter the size of the trailer, a premium controller is going to work much better than the cheapest one you can find. I was never pleased with the way ANY brake controller worked with ANY of our trailers until I bought my Tekonsha Prodigy in 2002. I've been completely satisfied with the way my trailer brakes have worked, on 3 different TTs, AND a carhauler trailer, since then. If you get a Prodigy, I doubt you'll ever regret spending the money. Camping World runs them on sale frequently.
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
2006 Thor Tundra 30RL-DSL; Reese Strait-Line & Dual-cam HP
2001 Honda Elite Scooter
Jim & Gayle Bryant
Murphy's Law: "Anything that CAN happen, WILL."
Bryant's Law: "31 years of RVing? Probably already HAS."
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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It is unfortunate you didnt know first. For about $100.00 total it will change your RVing experiences. Your 'cheapest one' was probably only $20.00 less than something you would be happy with.
Look here:
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=60&cat=0&page=1
and a cable - check for one like this but to fit your minivan - if available.
http://rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=1950
Bruce & Carolyn Wittmeier
Viet Nam Vet 1968-69
I was born in Great Falls, Mt. My parents moved when I was 5.
I found them when I was 10 - they were in California.
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danskool
Elma, N.Y.
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Joined: 07/24/2004
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Phils wrote:If you don't get yours adjusted any better, you can have my old Voyager for shipping if you want. I finally changed it out for a Prodigy last year. I can't throw ANYTHING away so it's just sitting in the garage but I'll never use it again.
Phil
Dang good offer there. Nice going Phil..
Was thinking the same with my old brake controller(free to a good home) but it was shot so it went in the trash. I also went with a Prodigy P3. The P3 is amazing difference over the cheap ones. got it for $100 off of fleabay. New.
Dan
2005 Crossroads Cruiser 27RL
2001 F250 XLT 7.3 PSD
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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There are many types of brake controllers.. At the very lowest end.. It appears I can tell you nothing you don't already know.. It applies the brakes when you apply the brakes. (Ideally)
At the top end it applies the brakes according to how hard you apply the brakes (Progressive braking) and it can be adjusted as to how much power to give the brakes (Proportional braking) and there are built in diagnostics to tell that the brakes appear to be working (That they are properly drawing power).
I would suggest the Teknosha P-3 to anyone asking about brake controllers
But then... Teknosha is a community (Village/township) and happens to be where I grew up..
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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A 2000 pound trailer, with a minivan rated to tow 3500#. Are you sure you even need a brake controller?
Where I live, brakes are only required on a trailer weighing 3500# min. No brakes would be better than brakes that lock up.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Each state has different rules on trailer brakes.. One state you can tow up to 4,000 pounds before you need brakes,, Another it's 1500, most are right close to 2,000
The design pramaters for a tow vehicle is that it has to stop UP TO 2,000 pounds as a general rule, anything over you should have brakes on the trailer
Many people run RV's heavy, and a 2,000 pound (Dry) trailer will weigh more than 2,000 when loaded for a trip.. So I applaud the O/P's decision to have breaks on the trailer
Plus I've done the math.. It's way way way easier if all the wheels brake Towed and Towing.
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