Trailer Brakes
Question:
Thanks to all for this advice.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’d like any opinions<snip>
Response:
>respectively). I could install a Tekonsha Voyager 9030 brake controller >that I received from a friend. My GMC owner’s manual says I can use the >type which taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic system only if: > - the trailer parts can withstand 3000 psi of pressure > - the trailer’s brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inches of
Well, the manual is detailing the installation of a full hydraulic hookup to the trailer, meaning that the trailer has hydraulic brakes itself, not electric. Although not unheard of, this is very rare, although a better system then electric brakes in the long run. What you are thinking of is an actual electric brake controller that hooks into the master cylinder and actuates the trailer brakes when the pressure on the tow vehicles brakes increases. Again, these types of controllers are pretty rare nowadays – I’m not even sure if you can buy them anymore. In most respects, the electronic controllers are much better for most applications. No physical hookup to the hydraulic brake system is necessary, ruling out any possibility of getting air into the system. Overall, they work equally well. >So … will it be safe for my vehicle to use the hydraulic method? Is the >hydraulic method a better type of system to use? Since I already have the >Tekonsha unit I would save money by using it but I’d rather switch systems >if it gives me better trailer braking control. Also, with the hydraulic
The only disadvantage that I’ve ever encountered with the electronic controllers is that they ever-so-occasionally misjudge the amount of trailer braking that is necessary.. In particular, I had a problem at one particular campsite that had speed bumps – every time I applied the tow vehicle brakes going over them and the van "lurched" over the speed bump, the electronic controller interpreted this as a "Quick deceleration" situation, and momentarilly applied the trailer brakes quite harshly. Hardly a big problem though, on the highway, etc, this system worked great. >system, will I have the capability of manually applying only the trailer >brakes if necessary? The Tekonsha has a manual lever for this purpose.
Most of the hydraulic controllers also have a lever for manual application.. But like I said, go with the electronic controller instead, you should be happy, and you’ll save yourself alot of hassle running new brake lines to a hydraulic controller. — Mark, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Response:
>>> …opinions on use of an electronic brake controller versus the type that
taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system… <<< No question in my mind: Go with the electric controller. I have a 16′ tandem axle flatbed utility trailer w/ the electric brakes and have _never_ had a problem, even with an extremely heavy cargo of firewood. (I tow it with an 89 GMC 2500 w/ the 5.7-liter.) Stopping power has always been more than enough, and, as you mentioned, you can manually activate only the trailer’s brakes to slow you down a bit (also works well on gravel road or driveway when you start out empty: start rolling and then manually activate the trailer’s brakes. If the trailer wheels drag, your brakes are functioning.) Another factor to consider: If you tap into your hydraulic brake lines you will need to bleed any air that may get in them when hooking up and detaching the trailer. Just another voice amidst the chaos, B. R. Bowden Bangor, Maine XXXXX END XXXXX BRB SENDS XXXXX NOTHING FOLLOWS XXXXX
Response:
My folks have been using the electric brake controller for many years. It’s a versatile unit, can be used on the majority of travel trailers equipped with brakes. The unit’s held up well, been used on 2 popups and their current travel trailer, and has been moved from one car to the next, 3 in all. If you feel comfortable tapping into your brakes, go ahead, sounds like it might be more reliable, especially if you lose all power in the truck… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’d like any opinions on use of an electronic brake controller versus the > type that taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. > I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 series P/U with 5.3L V8, 3.73 rear axle and > tow package. I plan to tow a Trail-lite 7230 or 7251 (GVWR 4470 or 4600 > respectively). I could install a Tekonsha Voyager 9030 brake controller > that I received from a friend. My GMC owner’s manual says I can use the > type which taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic system only if: > – the trailer parts can withstand 3000 psi of pressure > – the trailer’s brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inches of > fluid from the vehicle’s master cylinder. > The manual goes on to say that if this is not the case, both braking systems > won’t work well. I could even lose my brakes. > So … will it be safe for my vehicle to use the hydraulic method? Is the > hydraulic method a better type of system to use? Since I already have the > Tekonsha unit I would save money by using it but I’d rather switch systems > if it gives me better trailer braking control. Also, with the hydraulic > system, will I have the capability of manually applying only the trailer > brakes if necessary? The Tekonsha has a manual lever for this purpose. > Thanks in advance.
Response:
I’d like any opinions on use of an electronic brake controller versus the type that taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 series P/U with 5.3L V8, 3.73 rear axle and tow package. I plan to tow a Trail-lite 7230 or 7251 (GVWR 4470 or 4600 respectively). I could install a Tekonsha Voyager 9030 brake controller that I received from a friend. My GMC owner’s manual says I can use the type which taps into the vehicle’s hydraulic system only if: – the trailer parts can withstand 3000 psi of pressure – the trailer’s brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inches of fluid from the vehicle’s master cylinder. The manual goes on to say that if this is not the case, both braking systems won’t work well. I could even lose my brakes. So … will it be safe for my vehicle to use the hydraulic method? Is the hydraulic method a better type of system to use? Since I already have the Tekonsha unit I would save money by using it but I’d rather switch systems if it gives me better trailer braking control. Also, with the hydraulic system, will I have the capability of manually applying only the trailer brakes if necessary? The Tekonsha has a manual lever for this purpose. Thanks in advance.
