electric trailer brakes. recommendations and experiences.

[Guest 1817ak47]

going to be picking up a car soon with my tow dolly that has electric brakes already on it. I never used the electric brakes on it before. I need help selecting a module.

trailer = master tow tow dolly

vehicle towing compact pickup truck rated for up to 5000 already have a real frame hitch on it, just really want to put the trailer brakes system in.

[oldogy]

I run the Tekonsha Voyager on my F150. I had previously run it on my F350. Both trucks had the factory tow package and the controller was plug, adjust and play. Very simple to install, very simple to adjust. My son has three SOB controllers, picked up at Tractor Supply, (three different vehicles) and they work good also. My guess is that any of them built today are pretty decent.

[Guest 1817ak47]

thanks for the good info, I just don't want to end up with some pos that doesn't work worth hal a dam if you know what I mean. there is both good nad bad stuff out there. I will try to check that out later.

[Guest jackdm3]

Had the Voyager, too.

[Guest 1817ak47]

ok, just searched tractor supply website, can't find hte voyager. anyone helse locally possibly have this????

[oldogy]

thanks for the good info, I just don't want to end up with some pos that doesn't work worth hal a dam if you know what I mean. there is both good nad bad stuff out there. I will try to check that out later.

I am speaking from experience with towing trailers. I've not seen electric brakes on a dolly but can't believe they would use any different hardware technology. I would call the manufacturer of the dolly and verify what works or see what they recommend. If it is industry standard technology you have many choices.

oldogy

From the Tekonsh Site:

There are four basic styles of brake controllers. The first style is a timing activated brake controller. This control works with your brake switch to activate the trailer brakes at a predetermined amperage output. It can be mounted from anywhere and generally will be used for a short hauls, or a low weight capacity trailer. Some versions come with digital display and direct plug in capabilities. The second style of brake controller is inertia activated. These brake controls function the same as the timing activated with the exception of a pendulum sensor. With this style of brake controller the pendulum senses the inertia of the vehicle deceleration and proportionally stops the vehicle at the same rate. These brake controls have to be mounted to a certain degree and perform the best in areas without many inclines and declines. Some models come with digital displays and direct plug in. The third style is proportional activated. Completely redesigned from any previous brake controls, the proportional units are fitted with accelerometers that measure the g-force of the vehicle stopping. With swift reaction times and the smoothest capable stopping, these brake controls can handle any trailer in any situation. These brake controllers can come equipped with digital displays, diagnostics, direct plug in, and self adjustment. The forth and newest style is the hydraulic over electric controls. Mini computers that convert hydraulic and brake pedal pressure into electrical current. These controls will be equipped to handle any condition.

Edited June 24, 2010 by oldogy

[Guest jackdm3]

I got mine from my former employer, Custom Springs, Inc. in Memphis. They are a complete trailer repair shop, among other things.